Clay Center is a city in and the county seat of Clay County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 4,199.
Clay Center was first settled in 1862. It was named from its position near the geographical center of Clay County.
The first post office was established in Clay Center on July 3, 1862.
Clay Center was located on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land. Clay Center is unique, because it is the geographic midpoint between Los Angeles, California and New York City, the two largest American cities. Both cities are exactly from Clay Center.
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Clay Center has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.
The 2020 United States census counted 4,199 people, 1,809 households, and 1,116 families in Clay Center. The population density was 1,315.9 per square mile (508.1/km). There were 2,103 housing units at an average density of 659.0 per square mile (254.5/km). The racial makeup was 92.62% (3,889) white or European American (91.86% non-Hispanic white), 0.86% (36) black or African-American, 0.79% (33) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.79% (33) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.98% (41) from other races, and 3.98% (167) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.02% (127) of the population.
Of the 1,809 households, 26.4% had children under the age of 18; 48.2% were married couples living together; 27.8% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 34.8% of households consisted of individuals and 18.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.0 and the average family size was 2.7. The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 15.7% of the population.
23.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 25.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.4 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 109.1 males.
The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $43,191 (with a margin of error of +/- $6,863) and the median family income was $67,677 (+/- $6,899). Males had a median income of $45,605 (+/- $9,734) versus $21,250 (+/- $3,104) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $33,169 (+/- $2,538). Approximately, 8.9% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under the age of 18 and 1.2% of those ages 65 or over.
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,334 people, 1,920 households, and 1,172 families living in the city. The population density was . There were 2,158 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 96.9% White, 0.5% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.8% of the population.
There were 1,920 households, of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.0% were non-families. 35.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.82.
The median age in the city was 44.5 years. 22.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.4% were from 25 to 44; 25.8% were from 45 to 64; and 23.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.6% male and 51.4% female.
The Piotique Festival is an annual pioneer and antique festival, featuring food, crafts, activities, live entertainment, and dancing.
The Clay Center government consists of a mayor and eight council members, which meets twice a month.
The community is served by Clay County USD 379 public school district, and Clay Center Community High School.
The Clay Center Carnegie Library is the public library for this community.