Clay County Public RecordsTexas

As of the 2020 Census, Clay County, TX, had a population of 10,218. The median age was about 44 years, with 49% male and 51% female residents. Racially, the county was 91.6% White, 2.7% Native American, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 2.6% other races, and 2.2% multiracial. Hispanic or Latino residents accounted for 7.7% of the total population.

Clay County, TX, has approximately 7,000 registered voters. Residents participate in local, state, and federal elections, including general, primary, and special types. In the 2020 presidential election, 88% voted Republican, 11% Democratic. There are five main polling locations, such as Henrietta and Bellevue. Key issues include rural infrastructure and property taxes. Elections are administered by the Clay County Elections Office. The county leans heavily Republican, with the GOP dominating local offices. Voter turnout often exceeds 60% in general elections, reflecting active civic engagement.

Clay County, TX has approximately 8 public schools serving K-12 students, including Henrietta High School and Petrolia High School. About 87.7% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 16.9% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools in Clay County have an average GreatSchools rating of around 6/10, reflecting solid academic performance. Educational programs include advanced placement and vocational training. School safety initiatives are in place, with reported incidents well below state averages, contributing to a supportive learning environment. Adult education and GED programs are available through local community resources.

As of 2023, Clay County, TX, has an employment rate of approximately 58%. The largest industries are Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance (22%), Retail Trade (14%), and Construction (10%). Major occupations include Office & Administrative Support (18%), Management (13%), and Sales (12%). Around 82% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes. Wichita Falls is the primary out-of-county employment location, drawing over 30% of commuters. Unemployment hovers around 3.2%, below the Texas average.

Clay County, TX, has a homeownership rate of around 80%, with median home values near $140,000 and monthly rents averaging $820. The property value market has seen moderate annual growth of about 5% in recent years. Housing types predominantly include single-family homes in rural neighborhoods, with some small apartment complexes and mobile homes. Popular communities include Henrietta and Bellevue. The average property tax rate is approximately 1.4%, translating to about $1,960 annually on a median-priced home, making it an affordable choice for families seeking quiet, small-town living.

Clay County, TX maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. According to FBI data, the county reported a violent crime rate of 79.2 per 100,000 people in 2022, significantly below the Texas average of 446.5. Property crimes were also lower, at 493 per 100,000. Local law enforcement is proactive in crime prevention and offers community reporting resources. Overall, Clay County is considered safe, with consistent decreases in both violent and property crime over recent years.