Population & Household section gives reader an outlook. of general population profile, structure, and outlook.
Population Trend
Clay County, AR is experiencing a concerning demographic trend, with a negative population growth rate of -0.8% over the past year and a -0.95% decline over the last 13 years, indicating a shrinking population. The median age of 42.7 is higher than the state average of 38.4, suggesting an aging population, with 22.1% over 65 years old. The county's age dependency ratio of 75.4 is significantly higher than the state’s 67.5, reflecting a greater burden of dependents. Compared to neighboring counties, Clay County's trends highlight challenges in retaining younger residents and attracting new populations.
Total Population
14537
Sex Ratio
91.8 %
Population Growth (2021-2022)
-0.8 %
Population CAGR (2010-2022)
-0.95 %
Population Growth Rate (%)
Source: Census.gov
Age Structure
Dependency Rate
75.4 %
Median Age
42.7 y.o.
% of Population > 65 y.o.
22.1 %
Active Aging Index
128.9 %
Old Dependency Rate
38.8 %
Young Dependency Rate
36.7 %
Age Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Population Structure
Source: Census.gov
Household Status
Clay County, AR, with a total of 6,063 households, exhibits a notable demographic profile compared to other counties in Arkansas. The county has a higher percentage of households with elderly residents (38.7%) than the state average of 31%, indicating a significant aging population. The average household size in Clay County is 2.38, which is lower than the state average of 2.51, suggesting smaller family units. Additionally, Clay County has experienced a negative household growth rate of -1.45%, contrasting with the overall state growth rate of 1.14%. This decline in households may reflect broader economic challenges, as seen in other counties like Jefferson and Miller, which also show negative growth trends. Overall, Clay County's demographic characteristics and growth patterns highlight its unique position within Arkansas, particularly in terms of aging and household size.
Total Households
6063
Married-couple Household
2830
Household CAGR (2010-2022)
-0.94 %
Household Growth (2021-2022)
-1.45 %
Average Household Size
2.38 p
Average Family Size
2.97 p
Household with Children (%)
28 %
Household with Elder 65+ (%)
38.7 %
Household Size
Source: Census.gov
Household Structure
Source: Census.gov
Marriage
Never Married
21.6 %
Now Married
53.5 %
Widowed
10.3 %
Divorced
14.6 %
Marriage Status
Source: Census.gov
Marriage Status Breakdown
Source: Census.gov | S1201
Cultures
*Culture section contains several components: races, education, marriage and other factors.
Racial Profiiles
Clay County, AR, exhibits a predominantly homogenous demographic profile, with a single race percentage of 95.9%, significantly higher than both the state average of 93.3% and the national average of 91.2%. The county's Hispanic population is notably low at 0.8%, contrasting sharply with the national figure of 18.7% and the state’s 8.1%. Additionally, the non-white population in Clay County stands at just 5.6%, which is lower than the state average of 27.3%. This demographic trend highlights Clay County's unique position within Arkansas, characterized by a lack of racial diversity compared to other counties in the state.
One Race
95.9 %
Two or More Races
4.1 %
Non-White
5.6 %
Hispanic (Overlapping)
0.8 %
White
13720
Black
98
Asian
6
Native American
39
Race Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Racial Profile Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Place of Birth
Clay County, AR, exhibits a notably high percentage of U.S.-born residents at 99.3%, significantly surpassing the Arkansas state average of 95% and the national average of 86.3%. The county's foreign-born population is minimal at just 0.7%, with a majority (59.4%) of these individuals being naturalized. In comparison to nearby counties, Clay County's foreign-born percentage is the lowest, indicating a more homogenous population. This trend highlights Clay County's unique demographic profile within Arkansas, characterized by a strong local identity and limited immigration diversity.
Native US Citizen
13720
Native US Citizen (%)
5.6 %
Born in Arkansas (%)
54.4 %
Born in Other State (%)
44.7 %
Foreign Born (%)
0.7 %
Naturalized (% of Foreign Born)
59.4 %
Place of Birth Changes (2010-2022)
Source: Census.gov
Birthplace Breakdown (Outside of US)
Source: Census.gov
Migration
-
Migration Inflow (% of Population)
13.6 %
From Different County (% of Inflow)
46.3 %
From Different State (% of Inflow)
52.7 %
From Different Country (% of Inflow)
1 %
%
Source: Census.gov
Religion
Number of Congregations
57
Number of Adherents
7559
Adherents (% of Total Population)
52 %
Christian (% of Total Population)
50.3 %
Religion Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Education Attainment
Clay County, AR, shows a notable increase in educational attainment, with 15.4% of the population aged 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree, up from 9.5% a decade ago. However, this figure remains significantly lower than the Arkansas state average of 24.7% and the national average of 34.3%. The median earnings in Clay County stand at $33,992, which is below the state median of $41,013 and the national median of $48,747. Additionally, only 33.7% of degree holders in Clay County are enrolled in STEM fields, indicating potential areas for growth in education and economic development.