Cities and Towns in Clay County, Kentucky
Founded in 1807, Clay County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Clay County was formed from Madison County, Floyd County, and Knox County. The city of Manchester is the county seat. With FIPS code of 51, Clay County has a population of 20,206 and area of 471 square miles (1,220 km²).
List of all cities in Clay County, KY alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Big Creek, KY | 40914 | 606 |
| Bluehole, KY | 40962 | 606 |
| Bright Shade, KY | 40962 | 606 |
| Chestnutburg, KY | 40962 | 606 |
| Eriline, KY | 40931 | 606 |
| Fall Rock, KY | 40932 | 606 |
| Fogertown, KY | 40962 | 606 |
| Garrard, KY | 40941 | 606 |
| Goose Rock, KY | 40944 | 606 |
| Grace, KY | 40962 | 606 |
| Hima, KY | 40951 | 606 |
| Manchester, KY | 40962 | 606 |
| Marcum, KY | 40962 | 606 |
| Ogle, KY | 40962 | 606 |
| Oneida, KY | 40972 | 606 |
| Peabody, KY | 40914 | 606 |
| Plank, KY | 40962 | 606 |
| Sextons Creek, KY | 40983 | 606 |
| Tanksley, KY | 40962 | 606 |
| Urban, KY | 40962 | 606 |
| Wildcat, KY | 40962 | 606 |
Major Cities and Towns in Clay County, Kentucky
Manchester
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 2.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,300 (as of the 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 40962
- Latitude: 37.1537° N
- Longitude: 83.7635° W
Location and History
Manchester, the county seat of Clay County, is located in southeastern Kentucky along the banks of the Goose Creek, a tributary of the South Fork of the Kentucky River. Founded in 1807 and originally known as “Creech’s Crossing,” the town was renamed Manchester in honor of the city in England. The town played a significant role in the region’s early coal mining and timber industries, benefiting from its proximity to vast natural resources. Throughout the 19th century, Manchester became known for its political and economic importance in southeastern Kentucky, particularly in the turbulent times of local family feuds that marked the region’s history. Today, Manchester serves as a center for commerce and government in Clay County, retaining its small-town Appalachian charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Manchester is part of the Clay County School District, with Clay County High School, Clay County Middle School, and Manchester Elementary School providing education to local students. Notable landmarks include the Goose Creek Salt Works, a site of historical significance as it was one of the earliest centers for salt production in Kentucky, which played a key role in the town’s early economy. Manchester also features Bert T. Combs Lake, a popular spot for fishing and outdoor recreation, named after the former Kentucky governor who hailed from Clay County. Additionally, the Redbird Wildlife Management Area near the town offers opportunities for hunting, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Oneida
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Unincorporated community
- Population: Approximately 400 (as of 2020 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 40972
- Latitude: 37.2720° N
- Longitude: 83.6699° W
Location and History
Oneida is a small, unincorporated community located in the eastern part of Clay County, along the South Fork of the Kentucky River. Founded in the early 1900s, Oneida is best known for the Oneida Baptist Institute, a Christian boarding school established in 1900 by Reverend James Anderson Burns to serve the children of Appalachia. The town grew around the institute, and its economy has historically been centered on the school, which attracted families from across the region. Oneida’s remote location in the Appalachian foothills and its strong connection to the religious and educational mission of the institute have shaped its history and character.
Major Schools and Landmarks
The Oneida Baptist Institute is the primary educational institution in the community, offering K-12 education to both day and boarding students. The school is a major landmark and continues to play a vital role in the town’s life, providing both education and employment opportunities for local residents. The South Fork of the Kentucky River, which runs through the town, offers scenic beauty and opportunities for fishing and outdoor activities. The surrounding mountains and forests add to the town’s natural charm, making it a peaceful and picturesque place to live. Oneida’s historical significance as an educational center continues to define its identity in the present day.
Burning Springs
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Unincorporated community
- Population: Approximately 200 (as of 2020 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 40962 (shares with Manchester)
- Latitude: 37.1720° N
- Longitude: 83.7300° W
Location and History
Burning Springs is a small, unincorporated community located in central Clay County, just a few miles north of Manchester. The town was named after a natural spring in the area that emitted natural gas, which could be ignited and produce a flame, hence the name “Burning Springs.” In the 19th century, the community became an important site for salt production, as salt was a valuable commodity in early Kentucky history. The area around Burning Springs was also known for its timber and coal industries, contributing to the region’s economic development. Though small, Burning Springs has a rich history tied to Kentucky’s early industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Burning Springs is part of the Clay County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Manchester. The community is home to the historic site of the Burning Springs Salt Works, where early settlers extracted salt, and remnants of the salt industry are still visible today. The town is surrounded by scenic hills and forests, offering outdoor opportunities such as hiking, hunting, and birdwatching. The proximity to Manchester provides residents with access to amenities and services while maintaining a peaceful, rural lifestyle. The town’s history as a center of salt production remains an important part of its cultural heritage.
Fogertown
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Unincorporated community
- Population: Approximately 300 (as of 2020 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 40962 (shares with Manchester)
- Latitude: 37.1423° N
- Longitude: 83.7459° W
Location and History
Fogertown is a small, unincorporated community located in southwestern Clay County. The town’s name is believed to have originated from the early settlers who noticed that the area was often covered in a thick morning fog due to its location in a low-lying valley surrounded by hills. Like much of Clay County, Fogertown’s history is rooted in agriculture and small-scale coal mining, with families relying on the land and natural resources for their livelihoods. Over time, Fogertown has remained a small, rural community with strong ties to the land and traditional Appalachian culture.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fogertown is served by the Clay County School District, with students attending schools in Manchester. The community is surrounded by natural beauty, including nearby streams and wooded hills that offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the outdoors. One of the key landmarks in the area is the historic Fogertown Baptist Church, which has been a gathering place for local families for generations. The town’s quiet rural setting and scenic surroundings make it an attractive place for those seeking a peaceful and simple way of life. Despite its small size, Fogertown’s natural charm and sense of community continue to define its character.
Bright Shade
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Unincorporated community
- Population: Approximately 150 (as of 2020 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 40962 (shares with Manchester)
- Latitude: 37.2451° N
- Longitude: 83.6428° W
Location and History
Bright Shade is a small, unincorporated community located in northeastern Clay County, nestled in the Appalachian foothills. The town’s unusual name comes from its location in a shaded valley, where the hills and forests create a cool, shaded environment. Bright Shade’s history is similar to other small communities in the region, with agriculture and coal mining playing key roles in the local economy. Over the years, the town has remained a quiet, rural settlement, with a strong sense of community and a connection to the surrounding landscape.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bright Shade is part of the Clay County School District, with students attending schools in Manchester. The town is known for its scenic beauty, with nearby creeks, forests, and rolling hills providing a backdrop for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking. The Bright Shade Missionary Baptist Church is a key landmark in the community, serving as a spiritual and social hub for local residents. The town’s location in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains gives it a sense of isolation and tranquility, making it a peaceful place for those who appreciate nature and a rural lifestyle.
