Clay County, Kentucky

Clay County
Clay County courthouse in Manchester
Clay County courthouse in Manchester
Map of Kentucky highlighting Clay County
Location within the U.S. state of Kentucky
Map of the United States highlighting Kentucky
Kentucky's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 37°10′N 83°43′W / 37.16°N 83.71°W / 37.16; -83.71
Country United States
State Kentucky
Founded1807
Named forGreen Clay
SeatManchester
Largest cityManchester
Area
 • Total471 sq mi (1,220 km2)
 • Land469 sq mi (1,210 km2)
 • Water1.8 sq mi (5 km2)  0.4%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total20,345
 • Estimate 
(2023)
19,648 Decrease
 • Density43/sq mi (17/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district5th
Websiteclaycounty.ky.gov

Clay County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the county population was 20,345.[1] Its county seat is Manchester.[2] The county was formed in 1807 and named in honor of Green Clay (1757–1826).[3] Clay was a member of the Virginia and Kentucky State legislatures, first cousin once removed of Henry Clay, U.S. Senator from Kentucky and Secretary of State in the 19th century.

  1. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ Rennick, Robert M. (1987). Kentucky Place Names. University Press of Kentucky. p. 59. ISBN 0813126312. Retrieved April 28, 2013.