Clay County, Arkansas
According to countryaah.com, Clay County, Arkansas is located in the northeastern corner of the state and is home to a population of just over 17,000 people. It is the fourth least populous county in Arkansas and covers an area of 514 square miles. The county seat is Corning, although other towns such as Piggott, Knobel, and Rector are also located within its borders. The majority of the population (71%) identifies as White Non-Hispanic while African Americans make up 20%, Native Americans 2%, and Asian/Pacific Islanders 1%.
Clay County has a strong economy with a median household income that is slightly higher than both the state and national averages. The unemployment rate in Clay County is lower than both Arkansas and the nation as a whole. Education levels are also high with almost 80% of adults having obtained some form of post-secondary education.
The county has seen significant growth over the past few years due to its location along major highways and its proximity to larger cities such as Jonesboro and Memphis, Tennessee. This has led to an increase in businesses moving into Clay County which has helped to create jobs for local residents. Additionally, it has helped to attract new residents looking for affordable housing options.
History of Clay County, Arkansas
Clay County, Arkansas was established in 1873 and is located in the northeastern corner of the state. It was named after Henry Clay, a prominent politician from Kentucky who served as a United States Senator and Secretary of State. The county seat is Corning, although other towns such as Piggott, Knobel, and Rector are also located within its borders.
Prior to the establishment of Clay County, much of the land was owned by Native American tribes such as the Osage Nation. During the early 19th century, settlers began moving into the area and establishing farms. The county quickly grew in population due to its fertile soil and abundant natural resources.
During the Civil War, Clay County was divided between Union and Confederate forces with several battles occurring in its boundaries. After Reconstruction ended in 1877, the county continued to grow slowly but steadily with an influx of new residents from other parts of Arkansas and beyond.
In recent years, Clay County has seen significant growth due to its location along major highways and its proximity to larger cities such as Jonesboro and Memphis, Tennessee. This has led to an increase in businesses moving into Clay County which has helped to create jobs for local residents. Additionally, it has helped to attract new residents looking for affordable housing options.
Major cities and towns in Clay County, Arkansas
Clay County, Arkansas is located in the northeastern corner of the state and is home to several major cities and towns. The county seat is Corning, a small town with a population of just over 2,000 people. Corning has several amenities including a library, hospital, shopping center, and a variety of restaurants.
Piggott is the largest city in Clay County with a population of around 4,500 people. Piggott is known for its historic downtown district which features several locally owned businesses and restaurants. It also has an active arts community with numerous galleries as well as an annual music festival held each summer.
Knobel is another small city located in Clay County with a population of around 1,000 people. Knobel is known for its historic downtown district which features several stores, restaurants, and other attractions. It also has an active arts community with numerous galleries as well as an annual music festival held each summer.
Rector is the smallest city in Clay County but still has plenty to offer visitors and residents alike. The downtown area features numerous shops and restaurants while the surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking trails and fishing spots along the nearby Black River. Rector also hosts an annual rodeo each summer which attracts visitors from all over Arkansas and beyond.
Other towns in Clay County include Maynard, Success, Peach Orchard, St Francis, Pollard, Greenway, Widener Valley View and many more that are not listed here due to space constraints. Each town offers its own unique attractions that make it worth visiting or living in for those looking for rural living with modern amenities close at hand.
Population in Clay County, Arkansas
According to Act-Test-Centers, Clay County, Arkansas is home to a population of over 17,000 people. The county has seen an overall population growth of 5.3% since the 2000 census, with the majority of the population growth occurring between 2010 and 2018. The largest age group in Clay County is 25-34 year olds, which make up 22.5% of the population. Additionally, the median age for residents in Clay County is 37 years old which is lower than the national average of 38 years old.
The racial makeup of Clay County is predominantly white with 90.7% of residents identifying as such. African Americans make up 6.2% of the population while Hispanics account for 1%. Other races make up 2% or less of the total population in Clay County.
In terms of religious affiliation, 58% identify as Evangelical Protestants while 29% are non-religious and another 13% identify as Catholic or other religions such as Judaism or Islam. In terms of education level, 28% have a high school diploma or equivalent and 10% have a bachelor’s degree or higher while 62% have some college experience but no degree yet completed.
The median household income in Clay County is $37,800 and 25% live below the poverty level with 16 out of every 100 children under 18 living below the poverty level according to data collected from 2017-2018 by US Census Bureau estimates program. The unemployment rate in Clay County was 6.2%, slightly higher than both state and national averages at 4%.
Clay County has seen steady growth in recent years due to its proximity to larger cities like Jonesboro and Memphis and its affordability when compared to other areas in Arkansas and beyond which has led many to call it home over the past few decades.
