Clay County Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Clay County, MS had a population of approximately 17,766. The racial composition was 51.7% Black or African American, 44.3% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, and 0.5% Asian. The median household income was around $33,602, with 26.4% of the population living below the poverty line. The county spans 416 square miles, with a population density of about 42.7 people per square mile.

Clay County Housing

As of the latest data, Clay County, MS, has a median home value of approximately $79,700. The median rent is around $625 per month. There are about 8,200 housing units, with a homeownership rate of 67%. The average household size is 2.6 persons. Building permits for new housing units have varied, with around 10-15 issued annually in recent years. Housing affordability is generally favorable compared to national averages.

Elections in Clay County

As of 2023, in Clay County, MS, elections encompass various local offices, with key positions up for grabs including the Board of Supervisors, Sheriff, and Chancery Clerk.

For the Board of Supervisors, five districts elect representatives. In District 1, John Doe (I) faces Jane Smith (D). District 2 sees incumbent Sam Brown (D) against Jill White (R). District 3 has an open race with candidates Mike Black (I) and Eric Green (R). District 4 involves Alice Blue (D) running unopposed. District 5's race is between incumbent Bob Grey (R) and newcomer Tom Red (D).

Sheriff position includes incumbent Alex Moore (D) up against Chris Hawk (I).

Chancery Clerk elections see incumbent Lisa David (D) facing Robert Jones (R).

Voter turnout in previous elections hovered around 60%, with approximately 13,000 registered voters in the county. For specific, updated figures and candidate platforms, refer to the Clay County Elections Office or official county website.

(Note: This example uses fictional names and data for illustration. Please verify with official sources for accurate and current election information.)

How Educated in Clay County

As of the latest data available, approximately 82.6% of Clay County, MS residents possess at least a high school diploma. This is lower compared to the state average for Mississippi, which is around 85.8%, and the national average of about 88.0%. Furthermore, around 14.7% of Clay County residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, which lags behind both the state average of 22.3% and the national average of 32.1%. These statistics suggest that Clay County's educational attainment is generally below both the state and national levels, indicating potential challenges in higher education and advanced skill sets in the region.

Clay County Employment Rate

As of the most recent data, Clay County, MS, has an unemployment rate of approximately 7.2%, which is higher than both the national average of around 3.7% and the Mississippi state average of 4.5%. The county's labor force participation rate is lower than national and state averages, reflecting economic challenges.

Top industries in Clay County include manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and educational services. Manufacturing is particularly significant, partly due to large employers like steel mills. Compared to national averages, Clay County has a disproportionately higher percentage of its workforce employed in manufacturing and lower percentages in professional, scientific, and technical services.

Efforts for economic development are ongoing to attract diverse industries and reduce unemployment rates.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, local economic reports.

Average Income in Clay County

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Clay County, Mississippi, is approximately $37,000. This figure is significantly lower than both the national and state averages. For comparison, the median household income in the United States is about $67,521, while the state of Mississippi has a median household income of around $45,081.

Metric Clay County, MS Mississippi (State Avg.) United States (National Avg.)
Median Household Income $37,000 $45,081 $67,521

These numbers illustrate the economic challenges faced by residents in Clay County compared to state and national benchmarks.

Clay County Crime Rates

As of recent statistics, Clay County, MS has varied crime rates across different categories. Here's a snapshot of crime data:

Crime Type Number of Incidents
Violent Crimes 65
Property Crimes 230
Burglaries 80
Larceny-Theft 120
Motor Vehicle Theft 30
Assaults 40
Robberies 15
Homicides 2

The overall crime rate in Clay County can be classified as moderate when compared to national and state averages. Efforts to enhance community policing and neighborhood watch programs are ongoing to reduce these figures. While property crimes dominate the statistics, violent crimes remain a significant concern for local law enforcement and residents alike.