Clay County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of 2000, the population is 51,229. 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 Moorhead⁶.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,727 km² (1,053 mi²). 2,707 km² (1,045 mi²) of it is land and 19 km² (7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.71% water.

Adjacent counties

• Norman County, Minnesota (north)
• Becker County, Minnesota (east)
• Otter Tail County, Minnesota (southeast)
• Wilkin County, Minnesota (south)
• Richland County, North Dakota (southwest)
• Cass County, North Dakota (west)

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 51,229 people, 18,670 households, and 12,340 families residing in the county. The population density is 19/km² (49/mi²). There are 19,746 housing units at an average density of 7/km² (19/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 93.99% White, 0.52% Black or African American, 1.44% Native American, 0.88% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.67% from other races, and 1.47% from two or more races. 3.65% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 18,670 households out of which 33.80% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.90% are married couples living together, 8.80% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.90% are non-families. 26.10% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.60% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.53 and the average family size is 3.07.

In the county the population is spread out with 25.00% under the age of 18, 17.10% from 18 to 24, 25.70% from 25 to 44, 19.30% from 45 to 64, and 12.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 32 years. For every 100 females there are 93.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $37,889, and the median income for a family is $49,192. Males have a median income of $34,176 versus $23,149 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,557. 13.20% of the population and 7.40% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 13.30% of those under the age of 18 and 7.50% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Cities and towns

External link

• Clay County Government’s website (http://www.co.clay.mn.us/)