Clay County Public RecordsKentucky

As of 2023, Clay County, KY has a population of around 20,200. The population is predominantly White (over 96%), with smaller Black (0.5%), Hispanic (1.4%), and other racial/ethnic groups. About 23% are under 18, 59% are between 18–64, and 18% are 65 or older. The gender ratio is nearly even, with about 50.5% female and 49.5% male, reflecting a fairly balanced demographic profile.

Clay County, KY, had 13,700 registered voters in 2022, with Republicans comprising about 72%, Democrats 26%, and others 2%. Elections include local, state, and federal races, with the county court clerk overseeing administration. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received 87% of the vote. Typical polling locations include the EXCEL Building and Goose Rock Elementary. Key election issues focus on jobs, health care, and infrastructure. The Republican Party dominates local offices. Voter turnout reached 55% in recent major elections.

Clay County, KY has a high school graduation rate of about 79%, but only around 9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The Clay County Public Schools district operates 8 schools, serving roughly 3,000 students. Test scores are below the state average, with a Kentucky School Report Card score of 42.1 in 2023. Adult education programs focus on GED and job training. Safety measures include resource officers and anti-bullying initiatives. Educational offerings include vocational programs and dual-credit courses with regional colleges.

As of 2022, Clay County, KY has a labor force participation rate of about 36%, with an unemployment rate of 6.6%. Major employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance (21%), retail trade (12%), and education services (11%). Most workers (57%) are in management, business, science, and arts occupations. Approximately 81% of residents work within Clay County, while 19% commute to nearby counties. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and private vehicles are used by 85% of workers for transportation.

Clay County, KY has a homeownership rate of approximately 71%, significantly above the national average, while around 29% of residents rent. The median property value is roughly $69,000, with recent years seeing a gradual rise of 4-5% annually. Housing stock is primarily single-family homes, with some mobile homes and limited multi-family units. Popular neighborhoods include Manchester and Burning Springs. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.6% of assessed value, which equates to about $414 per year for a median-priced home. Rental costs average $600-$700 per month for a standard two-bedroom unit.

Clay County, KY experiences a higher-than-average crime rate compared to statewide figures. The overall crime rate stands at approximately 38 per 1,000 residents, with violent crimes such as assault and robbery constituting about 6 per 1,000, and property crimes like burglary and theft around 32 per 1,000. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting of crimes, which helps maintain relatively high clearance rates. Despite ongoing efforts, safety concerns remain above the national average, making vigilance and continued public safety initiatives important for residents.