Cities and Towns in Clay County, Illinois
Founded in 1824, Clay County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Clay County was formed from Wayne, Lawrence, Fayette, and Crawford County. The city of Louisville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 25, Clay County has a population of 13,143 and area of 468 square miles (1,212 km²).
List of all cities in Clay County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bible Grove, IL | 62858 | 618/730 |
| Blair, IL | 62858 | 618/730 |
| Clay City, IL | 62824 | 618/730 |
| Flora, IL | 62839 | 618/730 |
| Garden Hill, IL | 62899 | 618/730 |
| Hoosier, IL | 62858 | 618/730 |
| Hord, IL | 62858 | 618/730 |
| Ingraham, IL | 62434 | 618/730 |
| Louisville, IL | 62858 | 618/730 |
| Oskaloosa, IL | 62899 | 618/730 |
| Riffel, IL | 62858 | 618/730 |
| Sailor Springs, IL | 62879 | 618/730 |
| Songer, IL | 62899 | 618/730 |
| Xenia, IL | 62899 | 618/730 |
| Zenith, IL | 62899 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Clay County, Illinois
Flora
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 4.78 square miles
- Population: 4,881 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 62839
- Latitude: 38.6681° N
- Longitude: 88.4809° W
Location and History
Flora, the largest city and commercial hub of Clay County, is located in southeastern Illinois, approximately 90 miles east of St. Louis. Founded in the mid-19th century, Flora was established as a railroad town and became a key stop along the Louisville, Cincinnati, and Charleston Railroad. The town was named after Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, by early settlers. The railroad industry played a significant role in the city’s growth during the 19th century, transforming Flora into a transportation and agricultural center. Over the years, Flora’s economy diversified, with local businesses and industries contributing to its growth. Its downtown area retains historical charm, showcasing architecture from the early 20th century.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Flora is served by Flora Community Unit School District 35, with Flora High School as the primary institution for secondary education. Key landmarks include the Flora Depot, which now functions as a museum highlighting the city’s rich railroad history. Charley Brown Memorial Park offers outdoor recreational facilities, including a lake, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Another popular site is the Clay County Fairgrounds, which hosts the annual Clay County Fair, a community event celebrating local agriculture with exhibits, competitions, and entertainment. Flora’s historic downtown area also features shops, restaurants, and cultural sites that showcase the city’s vibrant history.
Louisville
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.17 square miles
- Population: 1,089 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 62858
- Latitude: 38.7717° N
- Longitude: 88.5014° W
Location and History
Louisville, the county seat of Clay County, is located along the Little Wabash River in central Clay County. Established in 1840, Louisville was chosen as the county seat due to its central location. The town grew steadily, becoming a center for local government and trade. Louisville’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and livestock as the primary products. Over time, Louisville developed into a small but important administrative and commercial center for Clay County. The town’s historic courthouse, built in 1846, is a symbol of its long-standing role as the county’s governmental hub.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Louisville is part of the North Clay Community Unit School District 25, with North Clay High School serving the local student population. Major landmarks in the town include the Clay County Courthouse, a historic building that remains the center of government activities. Louisville Memorial Park provides green spaces, walking paths, and recreational facilities for residents. The town also hosts the Louisville Fall Festival, an annual event featuring parades, live music, and local food, celebrating the community’s agricultural heritage and small-town charm. The Little Wabash River offers opportunities for fishing and outdoor activities, adding to the town’s appeal.
Clay City
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.05 square miles
- Population: 929 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 62824
- Latitude: 38.6889° N
- Longitude: 88.3495° W
Location and History
Clay City is located in the northeastern part of Clay County, about 12 miles from Flora. Founded in the early 1850s, the town originally grew as a small farming community, with settlers attracted by the fertile land. Agriculture has always been central to Clay City’s economy, with corn, soybeans, and wheat being the primary crops. The town’s growth was further supported by the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, which facilitated trade and transport of agricultural products. Over the years, Clay City has maintained its rural character while providing essential services and amenities to its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Clay City is part of Clay City Community Unit School District 10, with Clay City High School serving the local community. Landmarks in Clay City include the Clay City Park, which features a playground, sports fields, and a pavilion used for local events and gatherings. The town is also known for the Clay City Fall Festival, an annual event that celebrates the town’s agricultural roots with a parade, local food vendors, and entertainment. The Clay City Methodist Church, built in the early 20th century, is another key landmark, reflecting the town’s deep historical and cultural ties to the local community.
Xenia
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 0.40 square miles
- Population: 378 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 62899
- Latitude: 38.6353° N
- Longitude: 88.6320° W
Location and History
Xenia is a small village located in the northwestern part of Clay County, approximately 15 miles northwest of Flora. Founded in the mid-1800s, Xenia developed as a small farming settlement, benefiting from its fertile soil and access to local trade routes. The village was named after the town of Xenia, Ohio, as several early settlers originated from that area. Xenia has remained a predominantly agricultural community, with farming being the primary economic driver. Despite its small size, Xenia has preserved its rural charm and close-knit community atmosphere, making it an appealing place for residents who enjoy a quieter, country lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Xenia is served by the Flora Community Unit School District 35, and students typically attend schools in nearby Flora. Notable landmarks in the village include Xenia Park, a community gathering space with a playground, picnic areas, and open green spaces for local events. The village also hosts a small annual festival that brings the community together to celebrate its agricultural heritage. The Xenia United Methodist Church, a historic building, serves as a central meeting place for residents. The surrounding countryside offers scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing in the nearby lakes and woodlands.
Iola
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 0.25 square miles
- Population: 134 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 62847
- Latitude: 38.8411° N
- Longitude: 88.6353° W
Location and History
Iola is a small village located in the northern part of Clay County, about 20 miles north of Flora. Founded in the late 19th century, Iola started as a rural farming community, with settlers drawn by the region’s fertile farmland. Over the years, Iola has remained small and closely connected to agriculture, with local farms producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. The village has preserved its rural roots, offering residents a peaceful, close-knit community atmosphere. Though Iola is among the smallest villages in Clay County, it continues to serve as a home to families who appreciate the simplicity of rural life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Iola is part of the North Clay Community Unit School District 25, and students typically attend schools in nearby Louisville. The village’s key landmarks include the Iola Village Park, which features a small playground and picnic area where residents gather for local events. The Iola Community Church, a historic building dating back to the early 20th century, remains a focal point of the village. The surrounding countryside offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, hunting, and fishing in the nearby streams and woodlands, making Iola an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts in the region.