Population overview
Clay County is home to roughly 10,764 people, making up about 0.03% of the total population of Texas. Within the North Texas region, it ranks #21 of 36 counties by population. The combination of 1,098 square miles of land and 10,764 residents yields a density of about 9.8 people per square mile — characteristic of rural and frontier Texas, with long distances between settlements and large stretches of working ranchland.
How Clay County compares
Compared with the other 253 Texas counties, Clay County sits in the lower half of the population distribution. It belongs to the smaller end of Texas counties by population — typical of West Texas, the Panhandle, and the Trans-Pecos.
| Comparison | Population | vs Clay |
|---|---|---|
| Clay County | 10,764 | — |
| North Texas region average | 252,448 | +2245% |
| Texas county median | 18,916 | +76% |
| Largest in Texas (Harris) | 5,045,026 | +46769% |
Neighboring county populations
Clay County shares borders with 4 counties. Comparing population across an adjacent corridor often reveals commuting patterns, school-district pull, and economic gravity.
| County | Seat | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita County | Wichita Falls | 129,555 | 206.3 |
| Montague County | Montague | 21,966 | 23.6 |
| Jack County | Jacksboro | 9,563 | 10.4 |
| Archer County | Archer City | 9,129 | 10.0 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Clay County, Texas?+
Clay County has an estimated population of 10,764 residents, based on the most recent U.S. Census data.
What is the population density of Clay County?+
Clay County has a population density of approximately 9.8 people per square mile across its 1,098 sq mi of land area — characteristic of a rural county.
Where does Clay County rank among Texas counties by population?+
Clay County ranks #161 out of 254 Texas counties by total population, accounting for roughly 0.03% of the state's total population.
What is the most populous county near Clay County?+
Among the 4 counties bordering Clay, Wichita County is the most populous with about 129,555 residents.
How is Clay County's population measured?+
Population figures are sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau — the decennial census and annual American Community Survey (ACS) population estimates. See our methodology for full sourcing.