Clay County, Kansas
Clay County is located in north-central Kansas, where rolling hills and open countryside stretch across a landscape shared by about 8,000 residents. The county has a strong rural and agricultural character, with wide-open spaces and farmland defining much of the area.
Clay Center, the county seat and largest community, sits along U.S. Highway 24 and serves as a regional hub for the surrounding agricultural communities. Its location provides convenient access to local businesses, services, and nearby rural areas.
Milford Lake occupies the southeastern corner of the county and is recognized as the largest lake in Kansas. The reservoir attracts visitors for fishing, boating, camping, and outdoor recreation, adding to the county’s appeal as a destination for enjoying its open landscapes and rural way of life.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Clay County |
| County Seat | Clay Center |
| Etymology | Named after Henry Clay, an American statesman |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Clay Center, Morganville, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 24, U.S. Highway 77, Kansas Highway 15 |
| FIPS Code | 20-027 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,190 square miles (land: 1,185 sq mi, water: 5 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Washington County (North), Riley County (East), Geary County (Southeast), Dickinson County (South), Ottawa County (Southwest), Cloud County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Kansas |
| Coordinates | 39.39°N, 97.38°W |
| Major Landmarks | Clay County Courthouse, the Kansas Historical Society’s Clay County Museum |
| Population | 8,740 |
