Clay

Clay

Located in Jefferson County

$257,699 Average Value
$139 Average Price per Sq Ft
22 Homes For Sale

A Birmingham suburb with a rural heart

Though several of its buildings are old, the Birmingham suburb of Clay is still young. The Jefferson County city was incorporated in 2000. Before then, it was a rural area known more for its nature tourism and its post office than as a place to live. As time has passed, urban expansion has brought more development to Clay. The city now has more than 10,000 residents, many of whom work in the healthcare and educational services fields. “People like it because it’s a little off the beaten path,” says Bret Rogers, a Realtor with Keller Williams Trussville. “You’re still close to everything, but you don’t have to pay higher prices.”

Beautiful mountain landscapes surround the quiet homes of Clay.
Beautiful mountain landscapes surround the quiet homes of Clay.
You are sure to feel welcomed when you visit the charming city of Clay.
You are sure to feel welcomed when you visit the charming city of Clay.
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New Traditional houses at lower prices than in neighboring cities

Much of Clay’s housing was built in recent years, and more homes continue to go up. These houses are mostly New Traditional in style. There are also older split-levels, and lots and large parcels of land are available for building. The median price is around $250,000, which is above the state median but around $150,000 lower than the median price in Trussville, a neighboring suburb. “Clay is holding its value,” Rogers says. “You’re getting more house for your money.”

Small farm houses in Clay provide rural country lifestyles to homeowners in Clay.
Small farm houses in Clay provide rural country lifestyles to homeowners in Clay.
Single family homes with well maintained lawns line the streets of Clay.
Single family homes with well maintained lawns line the streets of Clay.
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Around 25 miles from Birmingham

Old Springville Road is the city’s main thoroughfare. The city is close to Interstate 59, which can take drivers toward Birmingham, about 25 miles south. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport has flights to several U.S. destinations. UAB St. Vincent’s East hospital, in Birmingham, has around 360 beds.

Jefferson County Schools earns a B grade

Students are served by Jefferson County Schools, which has a B Niche grade. The county serves more than 35,000 students across 63 schools. The Jefferson County Board of Education has plans to construct a new building for Clay-Chalkville High. The school’s current building has been in use for 30 years.

Clay Chalkville High School takes pride in developing future leaders.
Clay Chalkville High School takes pride in developing future leaders.
Clay Chalkville Middle School encourages their students to give their best effort in everything they do.
Clay Chalkville Middle School encourages their students to give their best effort in everything they do.
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Clay-Chalkville High football games bring the community together

The city does not have a traditional downtown area. Residents often head to Birmingham or nearby Trussville for culture and entertainment. Rogers says Clay-Chalkville High football games are big draws on Friday nights in the fall. The Cougars have won four state championships, most recently in 2023.

The community is a largely religious one, with several churches sitting along Deerfoot Parkway. The city is home to Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church, the oldest church in Jefferson County. It first opened its doors in 1806.

Downtown Trussville is a popular place for Clay residents to kick back and enjoy a night out.
Downtown Trussville is a popular place for Clay residents to kick back and enjoy a night out.
Mt Calvary Presbyterian Church was established in 1806 in Clay and is one of the oldest churches in the state.
Mt Calvary Presbyterian Church was established in 1806 in Clay and is one of the oldest churches in the state.
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Cosby Lake Park is the city's centerpiece

The city is centered around Cosby Lake Park, where residents go to fish or ride their non-motorized boats. The park is full of wildlife and has areas for picnics and other activities. Other city green spaces have athletic facilities. Around 10% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, well below the urban U.S. median.

Take a walk and enjoy the lovely scenery throughout Cosby Lake Park in Clay.
Take a walk and enjoy the lovely scenery throughout Cosby Lake Park in Clay.
Enjoy the beautiful weather at Cosby Lake Park in Clay.
Enjoy the beautiful weather at Cosby Lake Park in Clay.
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Restaurants sit along Old Springfield Road

While Clay has a few stores, including grocery stores, most retail shopping is done outside of the city. The Shops of Grand River, an outlet mall, is less than 20 miles south. A few restaurants, like Papa Sal’s Italian Restaurant, sit along Old Springfield Road. The city states a desire to create more pedestrian-friendly commercial centers in its Land Use Plan.

The shops at Grand River are a popular shopping choice for people in Clay.
The shops at Grand River are a popular shopping choice for people in Clay.
Papa Sal's Italian Restaurant in Clay serves some of the best pizza in the state.
Papa Sal's Italian Restaurant in Clay serves some of the best pizza in the state.
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Long summers and a high risk of tornadoes

Summers in Clay are long and humid, while winters are short but cold. Jefferson County is at a high risk of tornadoes and a moderate risk of landslides and earthquakes. Streets surrounding Cosby Lake Park are at risk of flooding. The city is served by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Crime data specifically for Clay is not readily available.

Ryan Kohn
Written By
Ryan Kohn
John Gibbons
Photography Contributed By
John Gibbons
Chris Norton
Video By
Chris Norton

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Nathan Dunaway, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Clay Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$279,900
Median Sale Price
$250,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$260,750
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
71
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-$7
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$139

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
22
Months of Supply
3.70

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Jun 15
    1 - 3pm

    5208 Amberwood Cir, Pinson, AL 35126

    $154,999

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,104 Sq Ft
    • 5208 Amberwood Cir

    This gem located at 5208 Amberwood Cr has so much to offer. Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in the Paradise Valley subdivision you will find everything you could need plus lots of storage options. 3 storage buildings provides mounds of possibilities of a future workshop, she shed or craft room. Walk under crawlspace offers additional storage. The covered back patio/carport could be used for

    Mindy Sparkman Keller Williams Realty Blount

  • Sunday, Jun 22
    2 - 4pm

    5659 Cheryl Dr, Pinson, AL 35126

    $184,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,008 Sq Ft
    • 5659 Cheryl Dr

    This darling Pinson home is ready for its new family! Located in a quiet, friendly neighborhood, this well-maintained home offers recent updates. Roof and HVAC replaced in 2020, gutters added in 2021, and new stainless steel appliances installed in 2020. Enjoy durable lifetime vinyl flooring throughout and a freshly painted interior. The backyard was fully fenced in 2024—perfect for kids, pets,

    Lori King Jonathan Chamness Realty Group

  • Sunday, Jun 15
    2 - 4pm

    2424 Debbie Dr, Center Point, AL 35215

    $205,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,855 Sq Ft
    • 2424 Debbie Dr
    • New 20 days ago

    Welcome to this spacious home located in a fantastic area! This property features not one, but two kitchens- perfect for generational living and includes a barn, offering endless possibilities for storage, hobbies, or convert in to a second living area, A whole home generator is connected to both residences, ensuring continuous comfort and peace of mind so you never have to worry about losing

    Pamela Calamusa Keller Williams Trussville

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Clay Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,574
Median Age
43
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
23.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$95,362
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$109,806

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.3%
College Graduates
24.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.8%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
57''
Average Winter Low Temperature
35°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Clay