Clay County, Mississippi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clay County
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West Point City Hall at West Point Central City Historic District.
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Location within the U.S. state of Mississippi
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 Mississippi's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Mississippi |
| Founded | 1871 |
| Named for | Henry Clay |
| Seat | West Point |
| Largest city | West Point |
| Area | |
| • Total | 416 sq mi (1,080 km2) |
| • Land | 410 sq mi (1,100 km2) |
| • Water | 5.9 sq mi (15 km2) 1.4% |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 18,636 |
| • Density | 44.80/sq mi (17.297/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Congressional district | 1st |
Clay County is a county in the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,636. Its county seat is West Point. Its name is in honor of American statesman Henry Clay, member of the United States Senate from Kentucky and United States Secretary of State in the 19th century. J. Wesley Caradine, an African American, was the first state representative for Clay County after it was established in 1871.
The federal government formerly designated Clay County as the West Point Micropolitan Statistical Area, but the county lost that status in 2013. It is part of the Golden Triangle region of the state.
Contents
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 416 square miles (1,080 km2), of which 410 square miles (1,100 km2) is land and 5.9 square miles (15 km2) (1.4%) is water.
Major highways
U.S. Route 45 Alternate
Mississippi Highway 25
Mississippi Highway 46
Mississippi Highway 47
Mississippi Highway 50
Adjacent counties
- Chickasaw County (north)
- Monroe County (northeast)
- Lowndes County (southeast)
- Oktibbeha County (south)
- Webster County (west)
National protected area
- Natchez Trace Parkway (part)
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 17,367 | — | |
| 1890 | 18,607 | 7.1% | |
| 1900 | 19,563 | 5.1% | |
| 1910 | 20,203 | 3.3% | |
| 1920 | 17,490 | −13.4% | |
| 1930 | 17,931 | 2.5% | |
| 1940 | 19,030 | 6.1% | |
| 1950 | 17,757 | −6.7% | |
| 1960 | 18,933 | 6.6% | |
| 1970 | 18,840 | −0.5% | |
| 1980 | 21,082 | 11.9% | |
| 1990 | 21,120 | 0.2% | |
| 2000 | 21,979 | 4.1% | |
| 2010 | 20,634 | −6.1% | |
| 2020 | 18,636 | −9.7% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 18,206 | −11.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1790-1960 1900-1990 1990-2000 2010-2013 |
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2020 census
| Race | Num. | Perc. |
|---|---|---|
| White | 7,196 | 38.61% |
| Black or African American | 10,785 | 57.87% |
| Native American | 35 | 0.19% |
| Asian | 57 | 0.31% |
| Pacific Islander | 1 | 0.01% |
| Other/Mixed | 376 | 2.02% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 186 | 1.0% |
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 18,636 people, 7,618 households, and 4,841 families residing in the county.
2010 census
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 20,634 people living in the county. 58.2% were Black or African American, 40.5% White, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Native American, 0.3% of some other race and 0.6% of two or more races. 1.0% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race).
Law enforcement
Clay County has a sheriff law enforcement system.
Education
Clay County is within the service area of the East Mississippi Community College system.
Public schools
- West Point Consolidated School District and West Point High School are in the county.
Communities
City
- West Point (county seat)
Census-designated place
Unincorporated communities
- Abbott
- Cedarbluff
- Hopewell
- Montpelier
- Tibbee
- Una
- Waverly
- White Station
Ghost town
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Clay (Misisipi) para niños
