Clay County, Iowa
Clay County is located in northwest Iowa, where the Little Sioux River meanders through the landscape. Lost Island Lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and lakeside recreation.
Spencer, the county seat, hosts the annual Clay County Fair each September. The event attracts more than 300,000 visitors and the fairgrounds also serve as a year-round events center for the community.
U.S. Highway 71 runs through Spencer, making it an important transportation route in the region. Whether visitors come for the Clay County Fair, outdoor recreation, or the area’s peaceful rural setting, Clay County offers a mix of community events and natural attractions.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Clay County |
| County Seat | Spencer |
| Etymology | Named after Henry Clay, a prominent American statesman |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Spencer, Everly, Peterson, Webb, Dickens, Gillett Grove, Greenville, Rossie, Royal |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 18, U.S. Highway 71, Iowa Highway 10, Iowa Highway 327 |
| FIPS Code | 19-041 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 573 square miles (land: 567 sq mi, water: 6 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Dickinson County (North), Palo Alto County (East), Buena Vista County (South), O’Brien County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Iowa |
| Coordinates | 43.15°N, 95.15°W |
| Major Landmarks | Clay County Fairgrounds, Parker Historical Society Museum, Scharnberg Park, Oneota Park |
| Population | 16,200 |
