According to electronicsmatter, Clay Center, Kansas is a small town situated in the south-central portion of the state. It borders other towns and cities such as Manhattan, Junction City, and Abilene. The town has a population of around 4,500 people and is known for its historic downtown area which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Clay Center is also home to a number of parks and recreational areas such as the Clay Center Sports Complex which offers soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and more.
The city of Manhattan is located just eight miles east of Clay Center and is home to Kansas State University. This college town offers plenty to do for students and visitors alike – from fine dining establishments to museums like the Flint Hills Discovery Center which houses interactive exhibits about the region’s history. Manhattan also hosts a variety of events throughout the year such as their annual Jazz Fest in June or their Balloon Fest in October.
Junction City is located just 15 miles south of Clay Center and is known for its historical sites such as Fort Riley which was established in 1853 by US troops during the Indian Wars. Today, it serves as an active duty military base with over 30 thousand soldiers stationed there at any given time. Visitors can explore the fort’s museum or take part in various outdoor activities like fishing on Milford Lake or hiking on one of its many trails.
Abilene lies 30 miles west of Clay Center and was founded in 1881 by settlers from Iowa looking for religious freedom. Today, it’s home to around 6500 people who enjoy its historic downtown area which features several restaurants, shops, boutiques, art galleries, museums – including The Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum – plus plenty more attractions. Abilene also hosts several festivals each year such as their annual Apple Festival or their Christmas Parade during December.
No matter what you’re looking for – whether it be history or adventure – you’ll find something special when visiting Clay Center’s bordering towns. From Manhattan’s lively college atmosphere to Junction City’s historical sites or Abilene’s quaint downtown area – you can experience something different every time you visit.
Population of Clay Center, Kansas
According to foodezine, Clay Center, Kansas is a small city located in Clay County, Kansas. The population of Clay Center is estimated to be 3,737 according to the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau. This makes Clay Center the largest city in Clay County and the second-largest city in North Central Kansas.
The racial makeup of Clay Center is 84.8% White, 8.3% Hispanic or Latino, 4.0% African American, 1.2% Native American and 0.4% Asian with a median age of 34 years old. Approximately 27% of the population are under 18 years old and 8% are 65 years old or older making it a relatively young city compared to other cities in the state of Kansas.
Clay Center has a strong agricultural heritage rooted in its location at the crossroads of two major railroads that provided access to markets outside the region for local farmers and ranchers for many years prior to World War II when industry began moving into town and bringing additional employment opportunities with it. Today, there are still many farming operations in Clay County though most residents work at jobs within the city limits such as retail stores, restaurants, manufacturing plants, health care facilities and more recently technology companies that have moved into town creating new jobs for local residents as well as attracting new people from outside the area who are seeking employment opportunities here as well as a quality lifestyle within this small community atmosphere that offers amenities such as parks and recreational areas along with an excellent school district for raising children and continuing education opportunities at nearby colleges like Kansas State University located just eight miles east in Manhattan, KS.
The cost of living in Clay Center is slightly lower than other cities throughout North Central Kansas due to its smaller size which makes it an attractive option for those looking to relocate here while still having access to all modern conveniences such as grocery stores, restaurants and entertainment venues close by plus easy access to larger metropolitan areas like Wichita which is only an hour away by car if needed for additional shopping or medical services not available locally.. With its friendly people and beautiful landscapes surrounding this small town – it’s no wonder why so many people choose Clay Center as their home.
Schools and Education of Clay Center, Kansas
Clay Center, Kansas is home to a range of educational opportunities for its residents. The Clay Center Unified School District 313 serves the area, with two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Clay Center Elementary is located in the heart of town and serves students from kindergarten through fourth grade. It has an excellent reputation for providing quality education and is known for its strong academic programs. The second elementary school in the district is Clay Center West Elementary, which serves students from fifth through eighth grade. It provides a more rigorous academic program than Clay Center Elementary and offers more specialized instruction to meet the needs of its students.
The middle school in the district is Clay Center Middle School, which serves students from sixth through eighth grade. Here, students take part in core classes such as math, science, English language arts, social studies and physical education as well as electives such as art and music. The faculty at this school are dedicated to helping all students reach their full potential academically and socially. Finally, the high school in the district is Clay Center High School which serves ninth through twelfth grade students. Here they can take part in a variety of electives such as foreign languages or advanced classes such as calculus or chemistry while also taking part in extracurricular activities like sports or clubs. All four schools are supported by an engaged community that values education and strives to ensure that every student has access to quality learning opportunities.
Landmarks in Clay Center, Kansas
Clay Center, Kansas is home to a number of landmarks that make it a unique and interesting place to visit. The most iconic landmark of the town is the Clay County Courthouse, which has been standing since 1882. It is an impressive building with its red brick façade and tall clock tower, and it serves as a reminder of the town’s history. Another important landmark in Clay Center is the Flint Hills Discovery Center, which was built in 2011 and houses a variety of interactive exhibits related to science, technology, engineering, and more. Visitors can explore the center’s four galleries, take part in educational programs or simply enjoy the beautiful views from its observation deck.
The town also features several historic sites such as the Clay County Historical Museum which contains artifacts from local Native Americans as well as settlers from Europe who came to build their lives in this area. Other sites include The Old Stone Church which was built in 1871 and still stands today; The Old School House which was built in 1880; The First National Bank Building which opened its doors in 1905; and The Clay County Jailhouse which dates back to 1895. All these landmarks provide visitors with an insight into the history of Clay Center and offer an opportunity for them to learn more about this small town’s past.