Cities and Towns in Clay County, Nebraska

Founded in 1855, Clay County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Clay County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Clay Center is the county seat. With FIPS code of 35, Clay County has a population of 6,078 and area of 573 square miles (1,484 km²).

List of all cities in Clay County, NE alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Bixby, NE	68979	402
Clay Center, NE	68933	402
Deweese, NE	68934	402
Edgar, NE	68935	402
Fairfield, NE	68938	402
Glenvil, NE	68941	402
Hanover, NE	68941	402
Harvard, NE	68944	402
Inland, NE	68954	402
Leicester, NE	68980	402
Little Blue, NE	68941	402
Lynn, NE	68933	402
Marshall, NE	68933	402
Ong, NE	68452	402
Pauline, NE	68941	402
Saronville, NE	68975	402
School Creek, NE	68979	402
Sedan, NE	68935	402
Spring Ranch, NE	68934	402
Sutton, NE	68979	402
Trumbull, NE	68980	402

Major Cities and Towns in Clay County, Nebraska

Clay Center

Location and History

• Area: 0.61 square miles
• Population: 750 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 68933
• Latitude: 40.5828° N
• Longitude: 98.0106° W

Clay Center is a small city in the central part of Clay County, Nebraska, located along the Republican River. The town was founded in the late 19th century, in 1881, after the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad, which played a significant role in its development. The town was initially a hub for agricultural trade and became known as a center for the local farming community. Clay Center’s economy was based on the fertile lands surrounding the town, which produced a variety of crops such as corn, wheat, and oats. The town’s central location in Clay County made it an important service center for surrounding farms, with a variety of businesses and social organizations supporting the local population. Today, Clay Center remains a quiet rural community, with agriculture continuing to be the backbone of the local economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Clay Center is served by the Clay Center Public Schools district, which includes Clay Center High School, Clay Center Middle School, and Clay Center Elementary School. The district is known for its commitment to educational excellence, offering a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs. Major landmarks in the town include the Clay Center Courthouse, which stands as a symbol of the town’s history, and the Republican River, which provides opportunities for fishing and recreation. The town also features the Clay Center City Park, offering green space and picnic areas for residents. The Clay County Historical Museum in nearby Sutton highlights the rich history of Clay County, including the development of Clay Center as an agricultural hub. Local businesses and historic buildings contribute to the town’s quaint, small-town charm.

Sutton

Location and History

• Area: 0.76 square miles
• Population: 1,500 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 68979
• Latitude: 40.5971° N
• Longitude: 98.0121° W

Sutton is a city located in the northeastern part of Clay County, Nebraska, about 40 miles southwest of Grand Island. Founded in 1872, Sutton quickly grew as a result of the expansion of the railroad and its proximity to fertile farmland. The town was named after Samuel Sutton, one of its earliest settlers, and served as a center for agricultural trade, particularly grain and livestock. By the early 20th century, Sutton had become a key community in the county, with a thriving downtown district and a strong local economy based on agriculture and trade. The railroad continued to play an important role in the development of the town throughout the 20th century. Today, Sutton remains a vibrant small town with a mix of agricultural industries and modern services.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sutton is served by the Sutton Public Schools district, which includes Sutton High School, Sutton Middle School, and Sutton Elementary School. The district is known for its high academic standards, as well as its strong athletic programs. Major landmarks in Sutton include the Sutton Community Center, which hosts events and provides a gathering space for locals, and the Sutton City Park, which offers recreational opportunities such as picnicking and playgrounds. Sutton’s Historic Downtown features several 19th-century buildings and local shops, providing a glimpse into the town’s past. The Sutton Public Library is a key community resource. The Clay County Fairgrounds, located in Sutton, hosts annual events, including the Clay County Fair, which draws visitors from across the region. Sutton also boasts the Sutton Cemetery, where many of the town’s early settlers are buried. The nearby Republican River provides additional outdoor recreation options.

Harvard

Location and History

• Area: 0.71 square miles
• Population: 1,000 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 68944
• Latitude: 40.5844° N
• Longitude: 98.0492° W

Harvard is located in the southeastern part of Clay County, Nebraska, and was established in 1871. The town was named after Harvard University, following the desire of its early founders to give the town a prestigious name. Like many towns in Nebraska, Harvard’s early economy was based on agriculture, with farmers cultivating the fertile soil for crops like wheat, corn, and barley. The development of the Union Pacific Railroad helped establish Harvard as a key stop for shipments of grain and livestock. Over time, the town became known for its strong agricultural base and remained a small, close-knit community throughout the 20th century. Today, Harvard maintains its small-town charm and continues to serve as a hub for the local farming and ranching community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Harvard is served by the Harvard Public Schools district, which includes Harvard High School, Harvard Middle School, and Harvard Elementary School. The district is known for its dedication to educational quality, offering various extracurricular activities, including sports teams and community events. Major landmarks in Harvard include the Harvard Community Center, a focal point for local activities, and the Harvard City Park, which offers outdoor recreation facilities for residents and visitors. The Harvard Historical Society Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the town’s history, including its founding and growth through agriculture. The Republican River, which runs nearby, is a popular spot for fishing and boating. Harvard’s central location within Clay County makes it a prime starting point for exploring the surrounding agricultural landscapes and small towns.

Edgar

Location and History

• Area: 0.49 square miles
• Population: 700 (approx.)
• Zip Code: 68935
• Latitude: 40.4475° N
• Longitude: 98.0847° W

Edgar is a small town located in the southwest part of Clay County, Nebraska. It was established in 1871, shortly after the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad. Named after Edgar Snow, an early settler, the town quickly became a center for agricultural trade, particularly livestock and grain. Edgar’s economy remained primarily agricultural for much of the 20th century, with local farmers cultivating the fertile soil of the area. The railroad, along with a burgeoning business district, played a key role in the town’s early growth. Today, Edgar retains much of its rural character and remains a service center for surrounding farms.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Edgar is served by the Edgar Public Schools district, which includes Edgar High School, Edgar Middle School, and Edgar Elementary School. The district is known for its commitment to fostering a strong academic and extracurricular environment for its students. One of Edgar’s major landmarks is the Edgar Public Library, which serves as an important resource for the local community. The Edgar City Park, a popular destination for outdoor activities, is known for its playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The Edgar Historical Society offers a museum with exhibits related to the town’s early days and agricultural history. Edgar’s proximity to the Republican River offers additional opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating, attracting visitors who enjoy the quiet, rural landscape of the region.