Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 11,391 ↑ 2.7% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $53,645 28% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $263,300 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% |
| Median Age | 54.5 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 32.0% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 200 transactions |
| Active Listings | 199 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 164 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $17,978 |
| Recent Sales | 164 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 162 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 8.30 acres |
| Active Listings | 171 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 4.90 | $29,000 | $5,918 | Hayesville |
| Mar 2026 | 4.90 | $29,000 | $5,918 | Hayesville |
| Feb 2026 | 1.00 | $40,000 | $40,000 | Hayesville |
| Feb 2026 | 3.06 | $19,000 | $6,209 | Brasstown |
| Feb 2026 | 1.99 | $70,000 | $35,176 | Hayesville |
| Feb 2026 | 1.24 | $7,000 | $5,645 | Hayesville |
| Feb 2026 | 4.00 | $1,975,000 | $493,750 | Brasstown |
| Feb 2026 | 1.23 | $25,000 | $20,326 | Hayesville |
| Feb 2026 | 1.23 | $25,000 | $20,325 | Hayesville |
| Feb 2026 | 1.94 | $35,000 | $18,023 | Warne |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Dec 2025 – Feb 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $29,000 |
| Recent Sales | 36 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 171 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.70 acres |
| Active Listings | 28 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | 0.85 | $500 | Hayesville |
| Feb 2026 | 0.70 | $23,000 | Hayesville |
| Jan 2026 | 0.63 | $13,000 | Hayesville |
| Jan 2026 | 0.48 | $42,000 | Hayesville |
| Jan 2026 | 0.68 | $5,000 | Hayesville |
| Jan 2026 | 0.68 | $5,000 | Hayesville |
| Jan 2026 | 0.63 | $13,000 | Hayesville |
| Dec 2025 | 0.82 | $5,000 | Hayesville |
| Dec 2025 | 0.67 | $75,000 | Hayesville |
| Dec 2025 | 0.31 | $23,000 | Hayesville |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 11,391 |
| Population (2020) | 11,089 |
| Population Growth | 2.72% |
| Median Household Income | $53,645 |
| Median Home Value | $263,300 |
| Total Housing Units | 7,410 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 2,369 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 32.0% |
| Median Age | 54.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 1,880 (16.5%) |
| Unemployment Rate (BLS) | 3.2% |
Market Overview
Clay County, North Carolina has a population of 11,391, which has grown 2.72% since 2020. The median household income is $53,645, below the national median of $74,580 by 28.1%. With a median home value of $263,300 and an unemployment rate of 3.2%, the local economy is struggling. The housing vacancy rate of 32.0% suggests soft market conditions. As part of North Carolina, Clay County benefits from the state's growing interest in vacant land investment. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $17,978 per acre, with properties averaging 8.30 acres. There are currently 199 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Clay County, North Carolina?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Clay County has a population of 11,391. The county has grown 2.72% since the 2020 Census, indicating a growing community.
What is the median household income in Clay County?
The median household income in Clay County is $53,645, which is 28.1% below the national median of $74,580.
Is Clay County growing or shrinking?
Clay County is growing. The population has increased 2.72% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Clay County?
The median home value in Clay County is $263,300. The housing vacancy rate is 32.0%, which suggests soft market conditions. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, indicating a struggling local economy. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $17,978 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $29,000.
Does Reelvest buy land in Clay County, North Carolina?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout North Carolina, including Clay County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.