Clay County, West Virginia

Clay County is a county located in the State of West Virginia. Its name is in honor of Henry Clay, famous American statesman, member of the United States Senate from Kentucky and United States Secretary of State in the 19th century. As of 2000, the population is 10,330. Its county seat is Clay⁶.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 890 km² (344 mi²). 887 km² (342 mi²) of it is land and 4 km² (1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.41% water.

Demographics As of the census¹ of 2000, there are 10,330 people, 4,020 households, and 2,942 families residing in the county. The population density is 12/km² (30/mi²). There are 4,836 housing units at an average density of 5/km² (14/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 98.22% White, 0.08% African American, 0.71% Native American, 0.02% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.09% from other races, and 0.89% from two or more races. 0.41% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 4,020 households out of which 33.50% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.20% are married couples living together, 10.40% have a female householder with no husband present, and 26.80% are non-families. 24.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.40% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.55 and the average family size is 3.01.

In the county, the population is spread out with 25.60% under the age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 24.20% from 45 to 64, and 13.70% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 97.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 97.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $22,120, and the median income for a family is $27,137. Males have a median income of $30,161 versus $16,642 for females. The per capita income for the county is $12,021. 27.50% of the population and 24.40% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 37.00% are under the age of 18 and 15.00% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Clay