Cities and Towns in Clay County, Indiana

Founded on Feb 12, 1825, Clay County is one of 92 counties in the state of Indiana. Historically, Clay County was formed from Owen County, Putnam County, Sullivan County, and Vigo County. The city of Brazil is the county seat. With FIPS code of 21, Clay County has a population of 26,410 and area of 358 square miles (927 km²).

List of all cities in Clay County, IN alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Alma Lake, IN	47834	812
Art, IN	47834	812
Ashboro, IN	47840	812
Asherville, IN	47834	812
Barrick Corner, IN	47841	812
Bee Ridge, IN	47834	812
Benwood, IN	47834	812
Billtown, IN	47834	812
Billville, IN	47834	812
Bowling Green, IN	47833	812
Brazil, IN	47834	812
Carbon, IN	47837	812
Cardonia, IN	47834	812
Centerpoint, IN	47840	812
Clay City, IN	47841	812
Cloverland, IN	47834	812
Coalmont, IN	47845	812
Cory, IN	47846	812
Dick Johnson, IN	47834	812
Harmony, IN	47853	812
Hoosierville, IN	47834	812
Knightsville, IN	47857	812
Lena, IN	47834	812
Martz, IN	47841	812
Perth, IN	47837	812
Pontiac, IN	47837	812
Prairie City, IN	47834	812
Rocky Fork Lake, IN	47834	812
Saline City, IN	47840	812
Smockville, IN	47837	812
Staunton, IN	47881	812
Stearleyville, IN	47834	812
Sugar Ridge, IN	47840	812
Turner, IN	47834	812
Wey Lake, IN	47834	812

Major Cities and Towns in Clay County, Indiana

Brazil

Location and History

Brazil, the county seat of Clay County, is located in west-central Indiana, approximately 15 miles east of Terre Haute. Founded in 1866 and named after the South American country, Brazil grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to its coal mining and clay industries. The town became known as a center for brick and clay product manufacturing, contributing significantly to Indiana’s industrial development. Over the years, Brazil evolved into a regional commercial and service hub, maintaining its small-town charm while continuing to support local businesses and industries. Its rich industrial past and cultural history are reflected in its historic buildings and community events.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 3.06 square miles
• Population: Approximately 8,100 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 47834
• Latitude: 39.5236° N
• Longitude: 87.1253° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Brazil is served by the Clay Community Schools district, with Northview High School being the primary educational institution. Major landmarks include Forest Park, which features an iconic Chautauqua Auditorium, one of the last remaining in Indiana, and the Brazil City Hall, a historic building from the early 20th century. The Clay County Historical Museum showcases the town’s coal and brickmaking heritage. Brazil also hosts the annual Rotary Club Fourth of July Celebration, one of the largest in the state, drawing visitors with parades, fireworks, and community activities. The city’s proximity to Interstate 70 provides easy access to larger cities like Indianapolis and Terre Haute.

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Clay City

Location and History

Clay City is a small town located in the southern part of Clay County, about 20 miles south of Brazil. Originally known as “Markland” and later renamed Clay City, the town was established in the mid-19th century and grew as a center for agriculture and coal mining. Clay City has retained much of its rural character over the years, with farming continuing to play a significant role in its local economy. The town is also known for its clay pottery industry, earning it the nickname “Mayberry of the Midwest” for its peaceful, small-town feel and close-knit community.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.82 square miles
• Population: Approximately 850 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 47841
• Latitude: 39.2767° N
• Longitude: 87.1125° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Clay City is served by the Clay Community Schools district, with Clay City Junior-Senior High School being the town’s primary school. The town is known for its annual Clay City Pottery Festival, celebrating the region’s long-standing tradition of pottery making. Local landmarks include the Clay City Pottery, a family-owned business that has been producing handmade stoneware since the 1880s. The town also boasts several historic churches and buildings that reflect its 19th-century origins. The nearby Eel River provides recreational opportunities, including fishing and kayaking, contributing to the town’s appeal as a peaceful rural retreat.

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Carbon

Location and History

Carbon is a small town located in northern Clay County, approximately 10 miles north of Brazil. Founded in the late 19th century, Carbon was named after the abundance of coal in the area. Like many towns in the region, Carbon’s early growth was driven by coal mining, which played a central role in its economy. As the coal industry declined in the mid-20th century, the town’s population decreased, but Carbon has remained a quiet, rural community. Its history is closely tied to the natural resources of the region, and it has retained much of its small-town character.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.18 square miles
• Population: Approximately 400 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 47837
• Latitude: 39.5997° N
• Longitude: 87.1206° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Carbon is served by the Clay Community Schools district, with students attending schools in nearby Brazil. The town’s landmarks include several historic homes and buildings that reflect its coal mining heritage. The surrounding countryside offers scenic views of Indiana’s rolling hills and farmlands, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. Although small, Carbon’s strong sense of community is evident in its local events and gatherings, which bring residents together to celebrate their shared history and rural lifestyle. The town’s proximity to larger cities like Brazil allows residents to enjoy both quiet country living and easy access to amenities.

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Knightsville

Location and History

Knightsville is a small town located just west of Brazil in Clay County. Established in the late 19th century, the town grew alongside Brazil as part of the region’s booming coal mining industry. Knightsville was primarily a residential community for miners and their families who worked in the nearby coal mines. As the coal industry declined, the town’s growth slowed, but Knightsville remained a close-knit community. Today, it serves as a quiet residential area, with much of its economy tied to the surrounding agricultural landscape and small businesses.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.52 square miles
• Population: Approximately 800 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 47857
• Latitude: 39.5242° N
• Longitude: 87.1322° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Knightsville is part of the Clay Community Schools district, with students attending Northview High School in nearby Brazil. Key landmarks in the town include several well-preserved historic homes and churches, reflecting its late 19th-century origins. The town park provides a recreational space for local residents, featuring picnic areas and playgrounds. Knightsville’s close proximity to Brazil means residents can enjoy the amenities of a larger town while living in a quieter, more rural environment. The town’s history as a coal mining community is still celebrated in local traditions and community events, fostering a strong sense of local pride.

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Staunton

Location and History

Staunton is a small town located in western Clay County, about 5 miles west of Brazil. The town was established in the mid-19th century and developed as a coal mining and agricultural center. Staunton’s early economy was driven by the coal mines that dotted the area, but as the industry declined, the town transitioned into a predominantly residential community. Despite its small size, Staunton has maintained a strong sense of community and is known for its peaceful rural setting, making it an ideal place for those who appreciate quiet, small-town living.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.31 square miles
• Population: Approximately 500 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 47881
• Latitude: 39.4850° N
• Longitude: 87.1895° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Staunton is served by the Clay Community Schools district, with students attending schools in nearby Brazil. The town’s key landmarks include the Staunton Community Center, which hosts local events and gatherings, and the nearby Prairie Creek, which provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor activities. Staunton’s annual events, such as the Staunton Fish Fry and community fairs, draw residents together and celebrate the town’s rural heritage. Its close proximity to both Brazil and Terre Haute makes Staunton a convenient location for residents who work in nearby cities but prefer the charm and quiet of small-town life.