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Clay County, Minnesota

Coordinates: 46°53′54″N 96°29′42″W / 46.898377°N 96.494901°W / 46.898377; -96.494901
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Clay County
County
Clay County Courthouse in Moorhead
Clay County Courthouse in Moorhead
Official logo of Clay County
Logo
Map of Minnesota highlighting Clay County
Location within the U.S. state of Minnesota
Map of the United States highlighting Minnesota
Minnesota's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 46°53′54″N 96°29′42″W / 46.898377°N 96.494901°W / 46.898377; -96.494901
Country United States
State Minnesota
FoundedMarch 8, 1862 (created)
February 27, 1872 (organized)
Named afterHenry Clay
SeatMoorhead
Largest cityMoorhead
Area
 • Total
1,052.629 sq mi (2,726.30 km2)
 • Land1,045.176 sq mi (2,706.99 km2)
 • Water7.453 sq mi (19.30 km2)  0.71%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
65,318
 • Estimate 
(2024)
66,848 Increase
 • Density63.947/sq mi (24.690/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Area code218
Congressional district7th
Websiteclaycountymn.gov

Clay County is a county in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 65,318,[1] and was estimated to be 66,848 in 2024,[2] Its county seat is Moorhead.[3]

Clay County is part of the Fargo, ND-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

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Breckenridge County was created on March 18, 1858.[4] Clay County was established on November 2, 1860 as Breckinridge County and named for John C. Breckinridge, vice president of the United States from 1857 to 1861. After the Civil War began, Breckinridge joined the Confederate Army and in March 1862 the state Legislature replaced the name of Breckinridge with that of Henry Clay (1777–1852), who like Breckinridge was from Lexington, Ky., and was known "The Great Pacificator" or "The Great Compromiser" who helped head off civil war at least twice. The county's government was not organized until 1872, after the Northern Pacific Railway reached the area and settlement accelerated.[5]

Geography

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Soils of Clay County[6]

Clay County lies on the western side of Minnesota. Its western boundary line abuts the eastern boundary line of the state of North Dakota (across the Red River). The Red River flows northward along the western boundary line of the county, on its way to the Hudson Bay in Canada. The Buffalo River flows west-northwesterly through the center of the county, joined by the South Branch Buffalo River west of Glyndon, before discharging into the Red on the county's western border near Georgetown. The terrain consists of rolling hills, dotted with lakes and ponds in its eastern portion.[7] The terrain slopes to the west and north, with its highest point near the southeastern corner, at 1,430 ft (440 m) ASL.[8]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,052.629 square miles (2,726.30 km2), of which 1,045.176 square miles (2,706.99 km2) is land and 7.453 square miles (19.30 km2) (0.71%) is water.[9] It is the 19th largest county in Minnesota by total area.

Major highways

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Transit

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Adjacent counties

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Protected areas

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  • Aspen State Wildlife Management Area
  • Bjornson State Wildlife Management Area
  • Bluestone Prairie Scientific and Natural Area
  • Clay County State Wildlife Management Area
  • Cromwell State Wildlife Management Area
  • Felton Prairie Scientific and Natural Area
  • Goose Prairie State Wildlife Management Area
  • Gruhl State Wildlife Management Area
  • Hawley State Wildlife Management Area
  • Hay Creek State Wildlife Management Area
  • Highland State Wildlife Management Area
  • Hitterdal State Wildlife Management Area
  • Jeral State Wildlife Management Area
  • Magnusson State Wildlife Management Area
  • Skree State Wildlife Management Area
  • Ulen State Wildlife Management Area
  • Ulen Wildlife Refuge

[7]

Climate and weather

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Moorhead, Minnesota
Climate chart (explanation)
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45
 
 
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2.2
 
 
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1
 
 
37
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0.8
 
 
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6
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
█ Precipitation totals in inches
Source: The Weather Channel[10]
Metric conversion
J
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18
 
 
−8
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−4
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27
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22
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55
 
 
13
2
 
 
25
 
 
3
−7
 
 
21
 
 
−6
−14
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
█ Precipitation totals in mm

In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Moorhead have ranged from a low of 0 °F (−18 °C) in January to a high of 82 °F (28 °C) in July, although a record low of −48 °F (−44 °C) was recorded in January 1887 and a record high of 114 °F (46 °C) was recorded in July 1936, the latter also the highest recorded temperature in the history of Minnesota. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 0.64 inches (16 mm) in February to 3.90 inches (99 mm) in June.[10]

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
186072—
18709227.8%
18805,8876,298.9%
189011,51795.6%
190017,94255.8%
191019,6409.5%
192021,78010.9%
193023,1206.2%
194025,3379.6%
195030,36319.8%
196039,08028.7%
197046,58519.2%
198049,3275.9%
199050,4222.2%
200051,2291.6%
201058,99915.2%
202065,31810.7%
2024 (est.)66,848[11]2.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[12]
1790–1960[13] 1900–1990[14]
1990–2000[15] 2010–2020[2]

As of the third quarter of 2024, the median home value in Clay County was $281,040.[16]

As of the 2023 American Community Survey, there are 25,939 estimated households in Clay County with an average of 2.41 persons per household. The county has a median household income of $77,664. Approximately 13.1% of the county's population lives at or below the poverty line. Clay County has an estimated 70.5% employment rate, with 39.0% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 95.0% holding a high school diploma.[2]

The median age in the county was 34.1 years.

Clay County, Minnesota – racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.

Race / ethnicity (NH = non-Hispanic) Pop. 1980[17] Pop. 1990[18] Pop. 2000[19] Pop. 2010[20] Pop. 2020[21]
White alone (NH) 48,210
(97.74%)		 48,111
(95.42%)		 47,330
(92.39%)		 53,434
(90.57%)		 54,424
(83.32%)
Black or African American alone (NH) 145
(0.29%)		 164
(0.33%)		 261
(0.51%)		 825
(1.40%)		 3,141
(4.81%)
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 202
(0.41%)		 537
(1.07%)		 688
(1.34%)		 744
(1.26%)		 1,032
(1.58%)
Asian alone (NH) 171
(0.35%)		 394
(0.78%)		 439
(0.86%)		 836
(1.42%)		 764
(1.17%)
Pacific Islander alone (NH) — — 14
(0.03%)		 17
(0.03%)		 16
(0.02%)
Other race alone (NH) 115
(0.23%)		 37
(0.07%)		 14
(0.03%)		 38
(0.06%)		 134
(0.21%)
Mixed race or multiracial (NH) — — 611
(1.19%)		 1,049
(1.78%)		 2,796
(4.28%)
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 484
(0.98%)		 1,179
(2.34%)		 1,872
(3.65%)		 2,056
(3.48%)		 3,011
(4.61%)
Total 49,327
(100.00%)		 50,422
(100.00%)		 51,229
(100.00%)		 58,999
(100.00%)		 65,318
(100.00%)

2023 estimate

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2022 US Census population pyramid for Clay County, from ACS 5-year estimates

As of the 2023 estimate, there were 66,258 people and 25,939 households residing in the county. There were 27,851 housing units. The racial makeup of the county was 87.9% White (84.0% NH White), 5.7% African American, 2.0% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, _% from some other races and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 5.1% of the population.[22]

In the 2023 estimate, Clay County is the 68th wealthiest county in Minnesota. $53,925 for per capita income.

2020 Census

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As of the 2020 census, there were 65,318 people, 24,931 households, and 15,694 families residing in the county.[23] The population density was 62.5 inhabitants per square mile (24.1/km2). There were 26,844 housing units at an average density of 25.68 per square mile (9.9/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 84.89% White, 4.88% African American, 1.76% Native American, 1.20% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.33% from some other races and 5.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 4.61% of the population.[24]

2010 census

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As of the 2010 census, there were 58,999 people, 22,279 households, and _ families residing in the county. The population density was 56.4 inhabitants per square mile (21.8/km2). There were 23,959 housing units at an average density of 22.92 per square mile (8.8/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 92.69% White, 1.43% African American, 1.36% Native American, 1.43% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.89% from some other races and 2.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3.48% of the population.

2000 census

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As of the 2000 census, there were 51,229 people, 18,670 households, and 12,340 families residing in the county. The population density was 49.0 inhabitants per square mile (18.9/km2). There were 19,746 housing units at an average density of 18.9 per square mile (7.3/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 93.99% White, 0.52% African American, 1.44% Native American, 0.88% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.67% from some other races and 1.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3.65% of the population.

In terms of ancestry, 40.4% were of Norwegian and 26.8% German.

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

The county population contained 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 were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $37,889, and the median income for a family was $49,192. Males had a median income of $34,176 versus $23,149 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,557. About 7.40% of families and 13.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.30% of those under age 18 and 7.50% of those age 65 or over.

Government and politics

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In national elections, Clay County has been a Democrat-leaning swing county for several decades. From 1992 to 2020, it voted for the winner of the presidential election. Since 1928, the only years in which Clay did not go for the election winner were 1960, 1968, 1988 and 2024. The presence of college town Moorhead and proximity to Fargo, North Dakota makes the county more liberal than others in western Minnesota.

United States presidential election results for Clay County, Minnesota[25]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 15,965 48.56% 16,121 49.04% 788 2.40%
2020 15,043 46.66% 16,357 50.74% 839 2.60%
2016 13,543 46.07% 12,971 44.12% 2,884 9.81%
2012 12,920 44.73% 15,208 52.65% 758 2.62%
2008 11,978 40.94% 16,666 56.96% 615 2.10%
2004 14,365 51.79% 12,989 46.83% 383 1.38%
2000 11,712 50.14% 10,128 43.36% 1,518 6.50%
1996 8,764 41.11% 10,476 49.14% 2,079 9.75%
1992 9,666 41.17% 9,845 41.93% 3,967 16.90%
1988 10,380 47.82% 11,186 51.54% 139 0.64%
1984 11,565 52.62% 10,294 46.84% 119 0.54%
1980 10,447 46.41% 8,940 39.72% 3,121 13.87%
1976 10,317 47.53% 10,876 50.10% 515 2.37%
1972 11,089 54.36% 9,076 44.49% 235 1.15%
1968 7,910 47.77% 7,987 48.23% 663 4.00%
1964 6,085 37.37% 10,161 62.39% 39 0.24%
1960 8,278 53.26% 7,241 46.58% 25 0.16%
1956 6,783 52.77% 6,057 47.12% 15 0.12%
1952 7,178 58.67% 5,036 41.16% 20 0.16%
1948 4,302 38.60% 6,624 59.43% 219 1.97%
1944 4,392 45.40% 5,230 54.06% 52 0.54%
1940 4,450 41.23% 6,295 58.32% 48 0.44%
1936 2,880 29.93% 6,282 65.29% 459 4.77%
1932 2,556 29.16% 5,938 67.75% 270 3.08%
1928 5,057 61.13% 3,128 37.81% 87 1.05%
1924 3,081 44.55% 439 6.35% 3,396 49.10%
1920 4,943 73.00% 1,335 19.72% 493 7.28%
1916 1,549 44.79% 1,716 49.62% 193 5.58%
1912 549 17.99% 942 30.87% 1,561 51.15%
1908 1,857 58.69% 1,125 35.56% 182 5.75%
1904 2,185 78.15% 388 13.88% 223 7.98%
1900 1,903 59.45% 1,165 36.39% 133 4.15%
1896 1,594 44.38% 1,908 53.12% 90 2.51%
1892 959 40.19% 594 24.90% 833 34.91%
County Board of Commissioners[26]
District Commissioner Assumed office Current term ends
1st Paul Krabbenhoft 2021 January 2029
2nd Ezra Baer 2025 January 2029
3rd Jenny Mongeau 2015 January 2027
4th Kevin Campbell 2003 January 2027
5th David Ebinger (Board Chair) 2025 January 2029
State Legislature (2023–2025)
Position Name Affiliation District
Senate Rob Kupec DFL District 4
House of Representatives Heather Keeler DFL District 4A
House of Representatives Jim Joy Republican District 4B
U.S Congress (2023–2025)
Position Name Affiliation District
House of Representatives Michelle Fischbach[27] Republican 7th
Senate Amy Klobuchar[28] DFL N/A
Senate Tina Smith[29] DFL N/A

Communities

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Cities

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Census-designated places

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Unincorporated communities

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Townships

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Clay County, Minnesota". www.census.gov. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  4. ^ "Minnesota: Individual County Chronologies". publications.newberry.org. The Newberry Library. 2008. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  5. ^ "History of Clay County". Clay County, Minnesota. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  6. ^ Nelson, Steven (2011). Savanna Soils of Minnesota. Minnesota: Self. pp. 57-60. ISBN 978-0-615-50320-2.
  7. ^ a b Clay County MN Google Maps (accessed March 6, 2019)
  8. ^ ""Find an Altitude/Clay County MN" Google Maps (accessed March 6, 2019)". Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  9. ^ "2024 County Gazetteer Files – Minnesota". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  10. ^ a b "Monthly Averages for Moorhead MN". The Weather Channel. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
  11. ^ "County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024". Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  12. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  13. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. 2007. Archived from the original on December 12, 2009. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  14. ^ Forstall, Richard L. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 19, 1999. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  15. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  16. ^ "County Median Home Price". National Association of Realtors. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  17. ^ "Clay County, Minnesota — Population by Race". CensusScope. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  18. ^ "1990 Census of Population: General Population Characteristics Minnesota" (PDF). www.census.gov. October 6, 2022. p. 21. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  19. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Clay County, Minnesota". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  20. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Clay County, Minnesota". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  21. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Clay County, Minnesota". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  22. ^ "County Population by Characteristics: 2020-2023". www.census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  23. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  24. ^ "How many people live in Clay County, Minnesota". USA Today. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  25. ^ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  26. ^ "Board of Commissioners". www.claycountymn.gov. Clay County, Minnesota. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  27. ^ "Representative Michelle Fischbach". fischbach.house.gov. Archived from the original on January 3, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  28. ^ "U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar". www.klobuchar.senate.gov. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  29. ^ "Home". Senator Tina Smith. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
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