Clay County Public RecordsTennessee

As of 2022, Clay County, TN, has a population of approximately 7,600. The age distribution skews older, with a median age around 47 years; about 22% are under 18, while 22% are 65 or older. Gender is roughly balanced, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female. Racially, the county is predominantly White (96.6%), with small percentages of Black (1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), and other races comprising the rest.

Clay County, TN, had 5,067 registered voters as of 2022. Local elections include county commission, school board, and sheriff, while federal and state races are also held. In the 2020 presidential election, 83% voted Republican and 16% Democrat. Polling locations include Celina K-8 School and the Community Center. Key issues involve education funding and rural healthcare. Elections are administered by the Clay County Election Commission; the main parties are Republican and Democratic. Voter turnout in the 2020 general election was approximately 66%.

Clay County, TN, has a crime rate significantly below the national average, with recent FBI data indicating around 8.5 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. Violent crime is particularly low, averaging about 1.2 incidents per 1,000 people. Property crime rates, including burglary and theft, are modest, at approximately 7.3 per 1,000. Local law enforcement agencies actively report and monitor crime, supporting community safety initiatives. Overall, Clay County is considered a relatively safe place to live compared to state and national benchmarks.

Clay County, TN, has 3 public schools—one high school (Clay County High)—serving around 1,000 students. About 80.7% of adults hold a high school diploma, while only 9.5% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school test scores are below the state average. The graduation rate at Clay County High is approximately 95%. School safety is prioritized, with ongoing programs and resource officers. Educational offerings include dual enrollment, CTE, and special education. Adult education programs are available through the Tennessee Adult Education initiative.

As of 2023, Clay County, TN has an employment rate of approximately 47%, with about 2,350 residents employed. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (17%), Manufacturing (15%), and Retail Trade (12%). Major occupation types include Production (18%), Sales & Related (14%), and Office & Administrative Support (13%). About 84% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 27 minutes; most are employed outside the county, primarily in Overton and Jackson counties. Remote work accounts for roughly 13% of employment.

Clay County, TN, sees a homeownership rate of about 78%, with median home values around $120,000 as of 2024. Rental options are limited, and median rents are about $650/month. The housing stock is primarily single-family homes, with some mobile homes and few multifamily units. Popular neighborhoods include Celina and Moss, known for their rural charm and proximity to Dale Hollow Lake. Property values have risen about 5% year-over-year. Property tax rates are low, averaging $0.98 per $100 assessed value, making homeownership relatively affordable compared to state and national averages.