2023 Clay County, Illinois Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Clay County, Illinois, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Clay County, Illinois Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Clay County, Illinois Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)

Key Demographic Indicators for Clay County, Illinois
The following statistics highlight Clay County, Illinois population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 13,173
- Median Age (Total)
- 41.5 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 40.5 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 42.0 years
Clay County, Illinois Age Distribution Comparison with Illinois 2023
Compare Clay County, Illinois age demographics with Illinois to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Clay County, Illinois | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 41.5 yrs | 39.4 yrs | +2.1 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 5.56% | 5.15% | +0.4pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 17.48% | 16.03% | +1.4pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 6.99% | 9.19% | -2.2pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 23.45% | 25.72% | -2.3pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 20.78% | 17.90% | +2.9pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 77.99 | 64.15 | +13.8 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 77.99
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 40.99 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 37.00 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Clay County, Illinois Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)

Diversity & Cultural Composition of Clay County, Illinois
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Clay County, Illinois are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 9.57
- Diversity Tier
- very low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Illinois
Compare Clay County, Illinois racial and ethnic demographics with Illinois to understand regional diversity patterns.
Clay County, Illinois Diversity
9.57
very lowIllinois Diversity
61.43
highRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Clay County, Illinois | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 95.04% | 57.09% | +38.0pp |
| Two or More Races | 2.89% | 3.78% | -0.9pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 0.71% | 12.93% | -12.2pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 0.67% | 19.38% | -18.7pp |
| Asian Alone | 0.30% | 6.34% | -6.0pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.20% | 0.11% | +0.1pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.18% | 0.33% | -0.2pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.00% | 0.02% | -0.0pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 9.57 | 61.43 | -51.86 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Clay County, Illinois Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)

Economic Snapshot for Clay County, Illinois
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Clay County, Illinois, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $57,266 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 5,431
Income Comparison with Illinois
Compare Clay County, Illinois household income with Illinois to understand regional economic patterns.
Clay County, Illinois
$57,266
Illinois
$83,211
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Clay County, Illinois | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 16.39% | 11.32% | +5.1pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 12.70% | 9.17% | +3.5pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 14.36% | 9.91% | +4.4pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 19.37% | 14.77% | +4.6pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 26.24% | 30.69% | -4.5pp |
| $150,000 or more | 10.94% | 24.14% | -13.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Illinois.
Clay County, Illinois Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)

Real Estate Market Snapshot for Clay County, Illinois
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Clay County, Illinois, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $94,300
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 4,383 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Illinois
Compare Clay County, Illinois property values with Illinois to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Clay County, Illinois
$94,300
Illinois
$280,700
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Clay County, Illinois | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 10.79% | 2.91% | +7.9pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 10.77% | 2.44% | +8.3pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 31.74% | 7.65% | +24.1pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 26.26% | 19.43% | +6.8pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 15.56% | 50.96% | -35.4pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 4.88% | 15.26% | -10.4pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.00% | 1.35% | -1.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Illinois.
Clay County, Illinois Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)

Education Snapshot for Clay County, Illinois
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Clay County, Illinois, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 87.71%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 15.58%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 9,218
Education Level Comparison with Illinois
Compare Clay County, Illinois educational attainment with Illinois to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Clay County, Illinois
15.58%
Bachelor's+ in Illinois
39.23%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Clay County, Illinois | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 12.29% | 9.28% | +3.0pp |
| HS Graduate | 36.60% | 24.61% | +12.0pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 35.53% | 26.88% | +8.7pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 10.02% | 23.32% | -13.3pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 5.55% | 15.91% | -10.4pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 87.71% | 90.72% | -3.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Illinois.
Clay County, Illinois Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)

Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Clay County, Illinois
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Clay County, Illinois, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 5.6%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 725
- Total Civilian Population
- 12,996
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Illinois
Compare Clay County, Illinois health insurance coverage with Illinois to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Clay County, Illinois
5.6%
Uninsured in Illinois
6.9%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Clay County, Illinois | Illinois | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 4.7% | 2.6% | 3.8% | 3.5% |
| 18-34 years | 11.0% | 3.1% | 13.8% | 9.9% |
| 35-64 years | 8.6% | 9.7% | 9.8% | 7.7% |
| 65+ years | 0.2% | 0.0% | 1.0% | 0.8% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Clay County, Illinois Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)

Citizenship Snapshot for Clay County, Illinois
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Clay County, Illinois, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 99.8% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 11 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 21
Citizenship Comparison with Illinois
Compare Clay County, Illinois citizenship and nativity with Illinois to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Clay County, Illinois
99.8%
Citizenship in Illinois
92.6%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Clay County, Illinois | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 98.5% | 83.4% | +15.1pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.6% | 0.4% | +0.2pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.6% | 0.9% | -0.3pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 0.1% | 8.0% | -7.9pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 0.2% | 7.4% | -7.2pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 99.8% | 92.6% | +7.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Illinois.
Clay County, Illinois Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)

Commuter Snapshot for Clay County, Illinois
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Clay County, Illinois, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 92.6%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.3%
- Work From Home Rate
- 6.2%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 5,549
Transportation Comparison with Illinois
Compare Clay County, Illinois commuting patterns with Illinois to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Clay County, Illinois
92.6%
Drove in Illinois
74.3%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Clay County, Illinois | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 92.6% | 74.3% | +18.3pp |
| Public transportation | 0.3% | 7.0% | -6.7pp |
| Bicycle | 0.0% | 0.6% | -0.6pp |
| Walked | 0.8% | 3.1% | -2.3pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 0.1% | 1.4% | -1.3pp |
| Worked from home | 6.2% | 13.6% | -7.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Illinois.
Clay County, Illinois Employment by Class of Worker (2023)

Workforce Snapshot for Clay County, Illinois
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Clay County, Illinois by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 5,623
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Illinois
Compare Clay County, Illinois employment patterns with Illinois to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Clay County, Illinois
5.7% (M) / 7.2% (F)
Government Employment in Illinois
5.6% (M) / 7.7% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Clay County, Illinois | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 40.9% F: 29.9% | M: 40.0% F: 31.7% | M: +0.9pp F: -1.8pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 2.6% F: 8.0% | M: 3.3% F: 6.9% | M: -0.7pp F: +1.1pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 5.7% F: 7.2% | M: 5.6% F: 7.7% | M: +0.1pp F: -0.5pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 3.7% F: 1.7% | M: 2.7% F: 1.9% | M: +1.0pp F: -0.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Illinois.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Clay County, Illinois Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)

Veteran Community Snapshot for Clay County, Illinois
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Clay County, Illinois, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 821
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
341 veterans (41.5%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Illinois
Compare Clay County, Illinois veteran demographics with Illinois to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Clay County, Illinois
821
Total Veterans in Illinois
493,667
- Clay County, Illinois: Vietnam Era Only (41.5%)
- Illinois: Vietnam Era Only (33.8%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Clay County, Illinois | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 41.5% (341) | 33.8% (167,029) | +7.7pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 21.0% (172) | 14.7% (72,625) | +6.3pp |
| Korean War Only | 8.6% (71) | 5.5% (26,956) | +3.1pp |
| WWII Only | 8.6% (71) | 1.6% (8,078) | +7.0pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 6.8% (56) | 15.7% (77,477) | -8.9pp |
| Gulf War Only | 6.0% (49) | 13.0% (64,276) | -7.0pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 4.1% (34) | 8.0% (39,388) | -3.9pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 2.3% (19) | 0.8% (4,181) | +1.5pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 1.0% (8) | 5.9% (29,308) | -4.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Clay County, Illinois Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)

Family Economic Security Snapshot for Clay County, Illinois
The following data categorizes families in Clay County, Illinois by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 10.9% (364 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 31.6% (1,058 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 57.5% (1,921 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Illinois
Compare Clay County, Illinois poverty levels with Illinois to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Clay County, Illinois
10.9%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Illinois
8.0%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Clay County, Illinois | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 10.9% (364) | 8.0% (251,655) | +2.9pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 31.6% (1,058) | 25.2% (791,090) | +6.4pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 57.5% (1,921) | 66.8% (2,096,595) | -9.3pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 6.7% | 3.8% | +2.9pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 3.1% | 2.0% | +1.1pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 1.1% | 2.2% | -1.1pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 4.3% | 2.7% | +1.6pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 3.1% | 2.8% | +0.3pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 6.8% | 3.0% | +3.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Illinois.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Clay County, Illinois SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)

SNAP Participation Snapshot for Clay County, Illinois
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Clay County, Illinois, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 926 (17.05% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 505 (54.54% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 5,431
SNAP Participation Comparison with Illinois
Compare Clay County, Illinois SNAP participation with Illinois to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Clay County, Illinois
17.05%
926 householdsSNAP Participation in Illinois
13.38%
682,969 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Clay County, Illinois | Illinois | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 22.79% (211) | 6.05% (56) | 14.56% (99,422) | 7.75% (52,955) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 9.18% (85) | 0.00% (0) | 4.79% (32,693) | 3.57% (24,402) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 22.46% (208) | 3.46% (32) | 22.12% (151,063) | 8.44% (57,670) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.11% (1) | 35.96% (333) | 0.61% (4,169) | 38.16% (260,595) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 926 (17.05% of households) | 682,969 (13.38% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.