Cities and Towns in Clay County, Kansas
Founded in 1857, Clay County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Clay County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Clay Center is the county seat. With FIPS code of 27, Clay County has a population of 8,077 and area of 644 square miles (1,668 km²).
List of all cities in Clay County, KS alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Clay Center, KS | 67432 | 785 |
Green, KS | 67447 | 785 |
Longford, KS | 67458 | 785 |
Morganville, KS | 67468 | 785 |
Oakhill, KS | 67432 | 785 |
Wakefield, KS | 67487 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Clay County, Kansas
Clay Center
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.07 square miles
- Population: 4,199 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67432
- Latitude: 39.3761° N
- Longitude: 97.1250° W
Location and History
Clay Center, the county seat of Clay County, is located in north-central Kansas, along the Republican River. Founded in 1862, the city developed as a result of its strategic location at the center of the county, which made it a natural hub for government, trade, and agriculture. Early settlers were attracted by the fertile soil and the proximity to the river, which provided vital resources for farming. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred further growth, connecting the town to larger cities and expanding its economic base. Today, Clay Center remains a vibrant agricultural and residential community, while also serving as the administrative center of the county.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Clay Center is served by the Clay County USD 379 school district, with Clay Center Community High School, Clay Center Middle School, and Lincoln Elementary School providing education to local students. Major landmarks in the city include the Clay County Courthouse, a beautiful historic structure in the heart of downtown. The Clay Center Zoo, located in Dexter Park, is a unique attraction, offering a variety of animals and family-friendly activities. Another key feature is the Clay County Historical Museum, which preserves artifacts and stories from the region’s pioneer days. The city’s annual Piotique Festival celebrates local culture with parades, music, and community events.
Wakefield
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.65 square miles
- Population: 858 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67487
- Latitude: 39.2217° N
- Longitude: 96.9703° W
Location and History
Wakefield is located in southern Clay County, near the shores of Milford Lake, Kansas’s largest reservoir. Founded in 1869, the town was named after Wakefield, Massachusetts, reflecting the origins of some of its early settlers. Originally a small farming community, Wakefield’s growth was modest until the construction of Milford Dam in the 1960s, which created Milford Lake and transformed the area into a recreational destination. The lake not only boosted the local economy by attracting tourists but also provided flood control and irrigation for the surrounding farmlands. Today, Wakefield is a quiet residential town that offers easy access to outdoor activities around Milford Lake.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wakefield is part of the USD 379 school district, with Wakefield High School and Wakefield Elementary School serving the local community. One of the town’s major landmarks is Milford Lake, which provides opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife viewing. The Wakefield Museum, housed in a historic building downtown, chronicles the history of the town and the impact of the lake on the community. Wakefield also boasts several parks, including Riverbend Park, which offers scenic views and picnic areas. The town’s proximity to Milford Lake has made it a popular spot for weekend getaways, drawing visitors from across the region.
Green
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.25 square miles
- Population: 128 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67447
- Latitude: 39.4719° N
- Longitude: 96.9944° W
Location and History
Green is a small rural town located in northern Clay County. Founded in the 1880s, Green was named after the lush landscape that surrounded the area when settlers first arrived. Like many towns in this region of Kansas, Green developed as an agricultural community, with wheat, corn, and livestock farming playing key roles in the local economy. Although Green’s population has remained small throughout its history, the town has retained its close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere. Its rural setting offers residents a peaceful lifestyle while still being within driving distance of larger cities like Clay Center.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Green is part of the USD 379 school district, with students attending schools in nearby Clay Center. The town’s most notable landmark is the Green Community Building, which serves as a gathering place for local events and celebrations. Surrounding the town are wide expanses of farmland and scenic countryside, typical of the Kansas plains. Green’s annual community picnic is a cherished event that brings residents together for food, games, and socializing. While Green may be small, its agricultural roots and strong community spirit make it an enduring part of Clay County’s landscape.
Morganville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.16 square miles
- Population: 179 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67468
- Latitude: 39.4869° N
- Longitude: 97.2125° W
Location and History
Morganville is located in the northern part of Clay County, close to the Republican River. The town was founded in 1871 and named after its first settler, Ebenezer Morgan. Morganville grew as a small agricultural community, with the arrival of the railroad providing a means for local farmers to transport their crops and livestock to larger markets. Despite its small size, Morganville was an important part of the region’s farming economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it remains a quiet, rural town with a strong agricultural heritage and a close-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Morganville is part of the USD 379 school district, with students attending schools in nearby Clay Center. The town’s most recognizable landmark is the Morganville Christian Church, which has served as a community hub for generations. Morganville also has a small public park, which offers outdoor space for residents and visitors to enjoy. The surrounding farmland, with its rolling hills and fields of wheat and corn, provides a scenic backdrop to the town. Morganville’s annual Harvest Festival brings the community together to celebrate its agricultural roots with parades, games, and local food.
Longford
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.25 square miles
- Population: 77 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67458
- Latitude: 39.2383° N
- Longitude: 97.3406° W
Location and History
Longford is a small town located in western Clay County. Established in the 1870s, Longford developed as a result of the expansion of the railroad, which brought settlers to the area looking for new opportunities in farming and ranching. The town was named after Longford, Ireland, as many of its early settlers were of Irish descent. While Longford has remained a small agricultural community, it has a rich history tied to the development of the Kansas prairie. Over the years, Longford has maintained its rural charm and continues to be a quiet, peaceful place to live.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Longford is part of the USD 379 school district, with students attending schools in nearby Clay Center. The town’s most notable landmark is the Longford Community Church, which has been a focal point for the town since its founding. Longford also has a small park, which hosts community events and provides recreational space for residents. The town is known for its annual Longford Rodeo, a popular event that draws visitors from across the region to celebrate the area’s ranching heritage. The surrounding countryside, with its open plains and agricultural fields, is a defining feature of Longford’s rural character.
Idana (Unincorporated Community)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approx. 50
- Zip Codes: 67432
- Latitude: 39.2986° N
- Longitude: 97.2347° W
Location and History
Idana is an unincorporated community located in southern Clay County, near Clay Center. Established in the late 19th century, Idana was once a small but thriving agricultural town, with its economy based on farming and local trade. Like many small towns in rural Kansas, Idana’s population began to decline in the 20th century as transportation and industry shifted to larger urban areas. Today, Idana is a quiet, unincorporated community that still retains its rural charm, with most residents involved in agriculture or commuting to nearby towns for work.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Idana is part of the Clay County USD 379 school district, with students attending schools in Clay Center. The Idana Presbyterian Church, established in the early 1900s, is one of the community’s key landmarks and continues to serve as a gathering place for local residents. The surrounding farmland is typical of the region, with fields of wheat, corn, and soybeans stretching across the plains. Idana’s small size and quiet atmosphere make it a peaceful place for those seeking the rural lifestyle, with the conveniences of Clay Center just a short drive away. The community maintains a strong sense of identity despite its small population.