Clay County Public RecordsIndiana

Clay County, IN has around 10 public schools, including Clay City and Northview High Schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 91%, but only about 14% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average standardized test scores slightly trail state averages. School safety is rated above average, with few reported incidents annually. Educational programs include vocational training and dual-credit college courses. Adult education opportunities are available via Ivy Tech Community College nearby, supporting GED and skill development for residents.

As of 2023, Clay County, IN has an employment rate of approximately 57%, with a labor force of around 12,000. Key industries include manufacturing (18%), healthcare and social assistance (16%), and retail trade (12%). Major occupation types are production (15%), office and administrative support (13%), and sales-related roles (10%). About 82% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 26 minutes. Nearly 60% of employed residents work outside the county, primarily commuting to Vigo and Marion counties for employment opportunities.

Clay County, IN, has a homeownership rate of about 76%, with median home values near $141,000 and median rents around $740. Most homes are single-family houses, though some apartments and mobile homes exist. Neighborhoods like Brazil and Harmony offer affordable options. The property value trend has shown steady growth, up 7% in the past year. Property tax rates average 0.68% of assessed home value, lower than the national average. The area provides a mix of rural and small-town living, attracting families and retirees seeking budget-friendly housing.

Clay County, IN maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2023, the county reported a violent crime rate of approximately 98 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of around 723 per 100,000. Law enforcement's prompt reporting and community engagement contribute to public safety. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to report suspicious activities, helping maintain a downward trend in overall incidents. Recent data indicates a 5% decrease in property crimes, although car thefts experienced a slight uptick. Overall, Clay County remains a generally safe community.

As of the 2020 Census, Clay County, IN had a population of approximately 26,466. The median age was about 41.8 years. The gender distribution was nearly even, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female. Racially, the county was predominantly White (96.1%), with small percentages of Black or African American (0.6%), Asian (0.5%), Native American (0.2%), and two or more races (2.5%). Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 1.7% of the population.

As of 2024, Clay County, Indiana, has approximately 20,000 registered voters. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, typically held at 14 polling locations. In the 2022 general election, voter turnout reached 53%. The Republican Party dominates, often winning local and county offices; in 2022, GOP candidates secured over 75% of countywide votes. Election issues include infrastructure and school funding. The county clerk oversees election administration, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Both Democratic and Republican parties maintain local organizations to mobilize voters and address community concerns.