Clay County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Clay County, NC, has a population of approximately 11,089. The racial composition is 94.6% White, 0.9% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.4% from two or more races. The median age is 54.2 years. The county covers an area of 215 square miles with a population density of about 51.6 people per square mile. The median household income is $42,837, and the poverty rate stands at around 14.3%.

Clay County, NC, has a median home value of approximately $215,000 as of 2023. The median rent is around $850 per month. Homeownership rate is roughly 77%, while the vacancy rate is close to 20%. Single-family homes dominate the housing market, with around 75% of the housing units falling into this category. The county experiences a steady, modest annual growth rate in home values and rents, reflecting its rural, scenic nature. For more detailed and up-to-date information, local real estate listings and government resources are recommended.

As of the latest election cycle, Clay County, NC, had notable local and county elections inclusive of positions such as County Commissioners, the Sheriff, and Board of Education members.

County Commissioners Race:

• Republican Candidates: Roger Atwood, Rob Peck
• Democratic Candidates: No candidates listed for this cycle.

Sheriff:

• Republican Candidate: Mark Buchanan (Incumbent)
• Democratic Candidate: No candidate listed.

Board of Education: Typically, non-partisan with several candidates listed, including incumbents and new challengers, reflecting community interest in educational policies.

In the most recent election, voter turnout was approximately 55% of registered voters. Results showed a strong preferences toward Republican candidates across key positions, reflective of county demographic trends.

For the most up-to-date information, refer to the Clay County Board of Elections or the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

Note: Specific numerical values and complete candidate lists are subject to change each election cycle; please verify with current, official resources.

As of the most recent data, Clay County, NC, shows the following education statistics:

• High School Graduation Rate: Approximately 86.4% of adults aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma. This is slightly below the national average of 89.7% and North Carolina's average of 87.8%.
• Bachelor's Degree or Higher: About 18.5% of adults in Clay County hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is below the national average of 33.1% and North Carolina's average of 31.3%.

Overall, Clay County's educational attainment levels are lower than both the national and state averages, particularly in higher education degrees.

As of recent data, Clay County, NC, has a labor force of approximately 5,300 people with an unemployment rate around 6.1%, slightly above the national average of 3.7% and the North Carolina state average of 5.1%.

Top Industries in Clay County, NC:

1. Healthcare & Social Assistance: Employs around 19% of the workforce in Clay County, compared to 14% nationally and 16% in NC.
2. Retail Trade: Accounts for about 15% of employment, versus 10% nationally and 12% statewide.
3. Educational Services: Comprises 11% of jobs, close to both the national (9%) and state (10%) averages.
4. Construction: Represents approximately 9%, compared to 7% both nationally and statewide.

Overall, Clay County's employment distribution emphasizes healthcare and retail more heavily compared to other sectors, which is somewhat consistent with broader state and national trends but with slight variances.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Clay County, NC, is approximately $47,000 per year. Comparatively, the median household income for the United States is around $68,700, while for the state of North Carolina, it stands at approximately $57,341.

Clay County's average household income is notably lower than both the state and national averages, reflecting potential economic disparities and possibly differing industry compositions.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey

As of the most recent data available, Clay County, North Carolina, is considered to have lower crime rates compared to national averages. Specific numerical values for various crime categories per 1,000 residents are provided below. Note that these statistics can vary from year to year, and it is advisable to consult local law enforcement or the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program for the most current data.

Clay County's overall crime rate remains relatively low, contributing to its reputation as a safe community.