Total enrollment
1,322
+74 (+6%) vs SY 2020-21
Clay County
North Carolina · Public K-12
Clay County hosts 4 public K-12 schools. Together they educate about 1,322 North Carolina students across 2 elementary, 1 middle, and 1 high.
4-year change in Clay County
SY 2020-21 vs SY 2024-25School count
4
0 (0%) vs SY 2020-21
Source: NCES Common Core of Data, enrollment-weighted demographic averages
How Clay County ranks
Among counties| Measure | This county | In North Carolina | In the US |
|---|---|---|---|
| State test proficiency ranked highest first | 57.9% | #15 of 93 | N/A |
| Enrollment ranked largest first | 1,322 | #96 of 98 | #2,570 of 2,745 |
| Number of schools ranked most first | 4 | #96 of 98 | N/A |
| Students per teacher ranked fewest first | 14.4:1 | #20 of 98 | #1,528 of 2,655 |
| Free or reduced-price lunch share ranked highest first | 99.1% | #13 of 98 | #86 of 2,526 |
| Diversity index ranked most diverse first | 27.8% | #91 of 94 | #1,872 of 2,707 |
Counties need at least 3 schools and 1,000 students to be ranked. Test proficiency is ranked within the state only, since each state gives a different test. Each rank links to the full list.
Residents
11,610
all ages · ACS 5-yr
Schools
4
1 districts
Enrollment
1,322
students · NCES CCD
Median income
$56,971
Below North Carolina avg
Free/reduced lunch
99.1%
Above North Carolina avg
Elementary
2
655 students
Middle
1
301 students
High
1
366 students
Combined / other
0
schools
LARGEST DISTRICT
Clay County Schools
1,322 students · 1 district in Clay County
County vs. school enrollment demographics
Left bar is the racial makeup of Clay County residents (Census ACS 5-year). Right bar is the enrollment-weighted makeup of public schools in the county (NCES CCD). NCES systematically under-reports Hispanic, Pacific Islander, and Native American enrollment for many schools; where the resident share is meaningful but the reported school share is zero, we mark the school bar "not reported".
County residents
School enrollment
Bachelor's+
31.8%
adults 25+
Poverty rate
7.3%
ACS 5-year
Unemployment
2.6%
civilian labor
Median age
55
16.1% under 18
Test scores in Clay County
Latest 2024-25 ELA proficiency, 3 schools ranked. North Carolina state average: 51.8%.
Top 3 schools (ELA)
- Hayesville High· 62.2%
- Hayesville Middle· 60.1%
- Hayesville Elementary· 58.6%
| Name | City | Level | Grades | Enrollment | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayesville Primary School | Hayesville | Elementary | PK-02 | 375 | · |
| Hayesville High | Hayesville | High | 09-12 | 366 | · |
| Hayesville Middle | Hayesville | Middle | 06-08 | 301 | · |
| Hayesville Elementary | Hayesville | Elementary | 03-05 | 280 | · |
Cities in Clay County
About Clay County
In North Carolina, Clay County is a small county of about 11,610 residents. 4 public schools across the county serves about 1,322 students between them.
In context, census numbers show median household income runs near $56,971, about 32% of adults have a bachelor's degree or above, and the poverty rate is around 7%. That income level is 10% noticeably below the North Carolina median.
Looking at the level breakdown, Clay County spans 2 elementary schools (655 students), 1 middle school (301), and 1 high school (366).
Clay County Schools dominates the local landscape, accounting for roughly 1,322 students on its own.
Looking at the last 4 years. Combined enrollment now sits at 1,322 students, rose 6% from the 1,248 reported in SY 2020-21.
Within the allk12 community for this area, the community for Clay County discusses enrollment trends, district policy changes, and bus-route updates. Parents, students, and educators in the area can post or comment.
Frequently asked questions
DATA · Census ACS 5-year · NCES Common Core of Data