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Clay County is a county located in the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of 2000, the population was 21,979. Its name is in honor of Henry Clay, famous American statesman, member of the United States Senate from Kentucky and United States Secretary of State in the 19th century. Its county seat is West Point6.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,077 km² (416 mi²). 1,058 km² (409 mi²) of it is land and 19 km² (7 mi²) of it (1.79%) is water.
Adjacent Counties
- Chickasaw County (north)
- Monroe County (northeast)
- Lowndes County (southeast)
- Oktibbeha County (south)
- Webster County (west)
Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 21,979 people, 8,152 households, and 5,885 families residing in the county. The population density was 21/km² (54/mi²). There were 8,810 housing units at an average density of 8/km² (22/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 42.82% White, 56.33% Black or African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.21% from other races, and 0.42% from two or more races. 0.86% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 8,152 households out of which 35.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.80% were married couples living together, 22.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.80% were non-families. 25.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.19.
In the county the population was spread out with 28.80% under the age of 18, 10.40% from 18 to 24, 26.50% from 25 to 44, 21.10% from 45 to 64, and 13.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 89.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.60 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $27,372, and the median income for a family was $35,461. Males had a median income of $30,038 versus $19,473 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,512. About 19.20% of families and 23.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.20% of those under age 18 and 21.90% of those age 65 or over.
Cities and towns
"Clay County, Mississippi"