Clay County

As of the most recent census, Clay County, Arkansas has a population of approximately 14,000 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (94%), with small percentages of Black or African American (2%), Native American (0.5%), and Asian (0.3%). Hispanic or Latino residents account for about 2.5% of the population. The median age is around 43 years, and the median household income is roughly $30,000. The county covers an area of about 641 square miles.

Clay County, AR, has a median home value of approximately $85,000. The homeownership rate is around 70%, with a median household income of about $36,000. Renters pay an average monthly rent of $550. Housing units total nearly 8,000, and the vacancy rate is around 13%. The county’s cost of living index is lower than the national average, making it an affordable area for residents.

Clay County, Arkansas conducts regular elections for various local, state, and federal positions. The primary and general elections usually occur in even-numbered years, with specific dates set by the state. For the 2022 elections, Clay County had several key positions on the ballot:

1. County Judge:

   • Republican: Mike Patterson (incumbent)
   • Democratic: Laura Allen

2. County Sheriff:

   • Republican: Brandon Jones (incumbent)
   • Independent: John Smith

3. Justice of the Peace (9 positions):

   • Multiple candidates from Republican and Democratic parties for different districts

Voter turnout in previous elections generally ranges around 50-60% of registered voters. For more detailed and updated information, including early voting dates and specific polling locations, you can visit the Clay County Clerk's official website or contact their office directly.

As of the most recent data, about 73.5% of Clay County, AR residents aged 25 and over hold a high school diploma or higher, which is below the national average of approximately 88% and the Arkansas state average of around 85.7%. Regarding higher education, roughly 9.6% of Clay County residents possess a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 32.1% and the state average of 23.3%. These figures indicate that the education level in Clay County lags behind both the national and Arkansas state averages.

As of the most recent data, Clay County, AR, has a civilian labor force of approximately 6,000 people, with an unemployment rate of around 5.4%, which is higher than the national average of 3.8% and the Arkansas state average of 4.1%. The top industries in Clay County include healthcare and social assistance (18%), manufacturing (16%), and retail trade (14%). Agriculture also plays a significant role, reflective of the county's rural nature.

In comparison, nationally, the top industries are healthcare and social assistance (around 12%), retail trade (11%), and professional and business services (around 13%). Arkansas mirrors national trends closely, with healthcare (around 14%) and retail trade (around 11%) also among the top employment sectors. The substantial share of agriculture in Clay County is a distinct regional characteristic when compared to broader state and national averages.

As of the latest data, the average household income in Clay County, AR is approximately $36,000. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the national average household income is around $68,700. In contrast, the state of Arkansas has an average household income of about $48,000. This illustrates a significant income disparity between Clay County and both the state and national averages.

Income Comparison Table:

Overall, residents of Clay County earn substantially less than the national and state averages, reflecting economic challenges within the county.

As of the latest data, Clay County, Arkansas, generally experiences lower crime rates compared to national averages. However, the crime rate can vary from year to year. Here are some of the more recent statistics:

Violent crimes include offenses like homicide, aggravated assault, and robbery. Property crimes cover burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. It's advisable to refer to local law enforcement or recent community reports for the most up-to-date and detailed information.