Clay County

Clay County Demographics

Clay County, KS, has a small population of approximately 8,044 individuals. The median age amongst its residents is 43.4 years, with 22.6% under the age of 18 and 22.1% aged 65 and above. The gender balance leans slightly towards females, with 50.6% being women and 49.4% men. In terms of racial demographics, a vast majority, about 96.9% identify as White (non-Hispanic), while 1.6% are Hispanic, 0.2% are Black, and 0.5% classify as two or more races. Asian populations and other races constitute less than 1% of the total populace.

Clay County Crime & Safety

Clay County, KS, experiences about 1,125 crimes per 100,000 residents, where around 235 are violent crimes. The vast majority, approximately 890 per 100,000, are property crimes. The local law enforcement agencies actively provide easily-accessible crime reporting facilities for residents. The county has seen a modest decline in overall crime recently, thanks to various community-based safety initiatives.

Clay County Housing & Property

Clay County, Kansas demonstrates a homeownership rate of 79.3%, with a notably lower median home value of $90,300. The local housing market comprises predominantly of single-family homes making up 86.6% of the total housing units. The market experienced slow but steady growth last year. The median rent in Clay County is around $616, considerably less pricey compared to most of the US. Meanwhile, property taxes sit at a rate of 1.5% annually.

Employment in Clay County

Clay County, KS, has an employment rate that stands at around 63.9%. The county is primarily driven by industries like manufacturing (16%), healthcare (13%), and education (10%). A notable 28% of the residents commute outside the county for work. Over the years, it has experienced a job growth of around 1.9%. Commuting in Clay county is largely convenient with approximately 77% of its working population commuting for less than 30 minutes, while only about 5% commute for more than 45 minutes.

Education in Clay County

Clay County, KS prioritizes education with several public schools offered. Its high school graduation rate stands at an impressive 92%, while around 19% of the population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher. Efforts are made to ensure that students are prepared for college, with a significant focus on student safety. They also provide access to varied curriculums, such as STEM and arts programs. Adult education is an important element of the learning landscape in Clay County.

Clay County Elections

Clay County, KS consists of around 6,000 registered voters with a notable turnout of 79% in the 2020 elections. With various polling locations, elections cast include local, state, and federal level voting. The elections are managed by the County Clerk's office and encompass a mixed demographic of Democratic, Republican, and independent voters.

Average Income Rate in Clay County

The median household income in Clay County, KS is approximately $52,383, which is lower than the national average of $68,700. The poverty rate stands around 9.8%. In terms of gender income disparity, women earn on average 77% of what men earn. When broken down by race, white households earn more than ethnic minorities. The major professional sector featuring higher incomes in the county is agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting, and mining.

Clay County Healthcare

Clay County, KS, has a well-established healthcare system with the Clay County Medical Center as its primary hospital. While insurance rates vary, over 85% of the population is insured. Their life expectancy is about 79 years and the diabetes rate is approximately 10%. Regular health screenings are an integral part of the healthcare routine for more than 65% of the population. The county has a capable team of healthcare professionals, ranging from doctors to nurses and technicians. Healthcare costs in Clay County average around $980 per person annually.

Clay County Transportation

Clay County, KS is linked by a network of local highways including US Route 24 and Kansas Highways 15 and 82. Residents typically rely on cars for travel, with 92% boasting car ownership. The average commute time is approximately 20 minutes. Although there's no official public transportation system, the county facilitates access to essential services through a demand responsive transport service. Clay County also has few occasional traffic accidents annually. Ensuring safe and efficient transport is a priority, reflected in the county's continual road improvements included in its budget.

Clay County Environmental Data & Climate Data

Clay County, KS has a yearly average temperature of 59°F and an annual rainfall average of 31.5 inches. It has an AQI of 38, indicating good air quality. The county has high clean water access with 98% clean water availability to its residents. There are ongoing initiatives to raise recycling rates that currently stand at 35%. The county is also pushing for sustainable energy sources, with more than 70 solar panel installations in recent years. The region has fairly low risk for natural disasters, with only a low percentage of annual tornado risk.