Clay County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the county population was 20,345. Clay County is included in the Corbin, Kentucky micropolitan area. Its county seat is Manchester. The county was formed in 1807 and named in honor of Green Clay (1757–1826). Clay was a member of the Virginia and Kentucky State legislatures, first cousin once removed of Henry Clay, U.S. Senator from Kentucky and Secretary of State in the 19th century.
History
Clay County was established in 1807 from land given by Floyd, Knox and Madison counties. The courthouse burned in January 1936.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (0.4%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Owsley County (north)
- Perry County (northeast)
- Leslie County (east)
- Bell County (southeast)
- Knox County (southwest)
- Laurel County (west)
- Jackson County (northwest)
Watercourses
- Sexton Creek
- Bullskin Creek
- South Fork of Kentucky River
- Red Bird River
- Big Creek
- Bear Creek
- Goose Creek
- Horse Creek
- Laurel Creek
- Little Goose Creek
- Wildcat Creek
- Collins Creek
- South Fork of Rockcastle River