Clay, Indiana is a small town located in Clay County in the west-central part of the state. According to the Wikipedia page for Clay, the population was 1,558 at the 2010 census. While it may be small in size, Clay has plenty to offer residents and visitors alike.
Population and Demographics
As mentioned above, Clay had a population of 1,558 in 2010. The population density was 965.5 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup of Clay was 97.8% White, 0.1% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race made up 1.2% of the population.
The median age in Clay was 40.3 years in 2010. Breaking the population down by age, 29.5% were under the age of 18, 7.4% ranged from 18 to 24 years, 27.2% were from 25 to 44, 23.6% were 45 to 64, and 12.2% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males in Clay.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey indicates the population of Clay was estimated to be 1,531 in 2021. The gender ratio was split at 49.2% male and 50.8% female.
Government
Clay is governed by a town council and headed by a President. The current town council consists of 5 members and the President is Jake Calvert. Town Council meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Clay Town Hall located at 107 W Main St, Clay, IN 47841.
For more information on Clay’s local government, visit the Town of Clay’s official website.
Economy and Major Employers
Historically, the economy of Clay was based on agriculture and related industries. Over time, it has diversified into other sectors. Today, major employers in Clay include:
- Midwest Fertilizer: A fertilizer company that produces nitrogen fertilizers.
- Rockville Correctional Facility: A medium security state prison that employs over 250 people.
- Clay Community Schools: The public school system is one of the largest employers in town.
- Clay Health Services: The local medical center employs doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
- Double R Barn: A large grain elevator and agricultural supplier in Clay.
Other economic activities that contribute to the local economy include various small businesses, retail stores, and service-related companies around town. Agriculture remains important, with corn and soybeans the predominant crops grown in the surrounding area.
For more details on economic statistics and labor data for Clay, check out the information available on Data Commons.
Landmarks and Places of Interest
Despite its small size, Clay has a few interesting landmarks and attractions that make it worth a visit. Some of the highlights include:
- Clay County Courthouse: This historic courthouse was built in 1913-1914 and is an impressive neoclassical building right in the heart of downtown Clay. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
- Cory Memorial Arboretum: This small arboretum and botanical garden contains over 60 tree varieties across 11 acres. It offers walking trails and places for picnics.
- Clay County Historical Society Museum: Located in an old church building, this museum documents the history of Clay County through exhibits and artifacts.
- Forest Park: For outdoor recreation, Forest Park has camping facilities, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and a disc golf course.
- Robinson Lake: Constructed in 1961, this human-made lake is stocked for fishing and allows boating and swimming.
For more ideas on things to see and do in Clay, the Clay town Facebook page is a good resource to follow.
Sports
The town of Clay has a strong sporting tradition and is home to the successful Clay City Eels high school athletic teams. The Eels have won multiple state championships in various sports over the years, including football, basketball, baseball, and track & field.
Other popular recreational sports in Clay include bowling, softball, swimming, and golf. The 9-hole Clay Golf Club offers an affordable public course for players of all skill levels.
Events and Things to Do
Annual events on Clay’s calendar include:
- Clay County 4-H Fair: Held each July at the fairgrounds, this traditional county fair has livestock shows, contests, demolition derbies, and live music.
- Street Dance: Each June, Main Street is closed for a street dance with live bands and food vendors.
- Christmas in the Park: This November event at Forest Park has a parade, carnival rides, arts and crafts, and fireworks.
Clay also hosts a weekly Farmers Market during the summer months where local producers sell fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more.
For shopping and dining, Clay has a quaint historic downtown area along Main Street with local eateries, antique stores, and specialty shops. The town is an enjoyable low-key destination for a day trip or weekend getaway any time of year.