County

Clay County, NC

3 ZIP codes  ·  3 cities  ·  North Carolina

👥11,936Population
💰$55,764Median HH Income▼ 27% below avg
🎂53.6Median Age
🏠$264,602Median Home Value≈ Avg
🎓48.0%College Grads▲ 24% above avg
📊4.0%Unemployment▼ 19% below avg
People & Population (ACS 2023 — weighted avg)
♂ Male 48.3% Female 51.8% ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 90.6%Hispanic: 3.9%Black: 1.7%Asian: 1.2%Other: 1.4%Race
White90.6%
Hispanic3.9%
Black1.7%
Asian1.2%
Other1.4%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
5%
5–17
11%
18–24
6%
25–44
18%
45–64
29%
65+
16%

Key Indicators

Median Age53.6 yrs
Avg HH Size2.27
Below Poverty12.7% ▲ 27% above avg
College Grads48.0% ▲ 24% above avg
Unemployment4.0% ▼ 19% below avg
No HS Diploma96 (1.1%)
HS Graduate2,095 (25%)
Some College873 (10.4%)
Associates1,284 (15.3%)
Bachelors1,149 (13.7%)
Graduate Degree2,879 (34.4%)

Education

No HS: 1.1%HS Grad: 25%Some College: 10.4%Associates: 15.3%Bachelors: 13.7%Graduate: 34.4%Edu
No HS1.1%
HS Grad25.0%
Some College10.4%
Associates15.3%
Bachelors13.7%
Graduate34.4%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 80%Renter: 20%Tenure
Owner80.0%
Renter20.0%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
8%
$50k–$100k
3%
$100k–$150k
10%
$150k–$200k
12%
$200k–$300k
24%
$300k–$500k
25%
Over $500k
18%

Financials

Median HH Income$55,764 ▼ 27% below avg
Median Home Value$264,601 ≈ Avg
Home/Income Ratio4.7x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$783/mo
Total Housing Units7,652
Vacant Units2,421

Income Distribution

Under $25k
25%
$25k–$50k
20%
$50k–$75k
12%
$75k–$100k
12%
$100k–$150k
21%
$150k–$200k
6%
Over $200k
4%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
92%
Public Transit
0%
Walked
0%
Work From Home
8%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
33%
15–30 min
36%
30–45 min
22%
Over 45 min
9%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
1%
1940s–1950s
5%
1960s–1970s
16%
1980s–1990s
23%
2000+
55%
About Clay County, NC

Clay County is located in North Carolina and encompasses 3 ZIP codes spanning 3 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 11,936 residents. With a median age of 53.58, it is a mature county.

Clay County has a solidly middle-class economic profile. The median household income of $55,763 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, below the national average. The poverty rate of 12.7% is above the national average.

Housing in Clay County is a mid-range housing market, with a median home value of $264,601 — near the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $783. Homeownership rates are high at 80.0%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.

The residents of Clay County are primarily White (90.56%). Educational attainment is well-educated — 48.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average.

Clay County, NC is a solidly middle-class area in North Carolina. The 3 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.

ZIP Codes in Clay County
ZIPCityPopulationMedian IncomeMedian HomeMedian RentUnemp.College
28902 Brasstown 966 $65,769 $259,000 $776 2.3% 50.2%
28904 Hayesville 10,614 $53,785 $266,500 $784 4.0% 47.6%
28909 Warne 356 $87,604 $223,200 8.3% 54.2%