About Clay County

HistoryCourthouse of Clay County

Founded in 1857 and named for the Kentucky statesman Henry Clay, Clay County was settled in north-central Kansas by sturdy farmers who were drawn to the area's fertile soil, picturesque Republican River Valley and numerous creeks and streams. Agriculture remains a primary industry here to this day; however, we have also diversified our interests.

Modern Day Clay County

Clay County is home to numerous industries, a thriving retail sector, a solid public infrastructure and a lot of really good people. Because of a willingness to be innovative, capitalize on our strengths and view our county as a member of a larger regional community, Clay County represents one of the few growing and thriving rural areas in a state where populations are increasingly shifting to larger cities and suburbs.