Clay Center has arts, employment and culture outside of the big city
Surrounded by boundless farmland in north central Kansas, Clay Center is the social, economic and governmental hub of Clay County. “People here are very helpful, kind and welcoming,” says Natalie Muruato, executive director of Clay County Tourism. “While we’re close to big-box stores in bigger metropolitan areas, we have two grocery stores of our own where they still bag and carry out your groceries. If you have young kids or a family, there’s tons to do.” The downtown area is home to a growing mural scene, diverse retail offerings and parks for outdoor recreation. “We have 33 murals right now, and we’re about to put up another one,” Muruato says. Nearly 4,200 people call this city home, and many work in public services, medical fields and factory jobs in the community. With easy access to nearby cities and competitively priced homes, Clay Center offers a quieter alternative to fast-growing areas like Junction City and Manhattan.
Clay Center shares in the state's efforts to attract new residents to the Midwest. “There are tons of entrepreneurial opportunities here,” Muruato says. “The state offers tons of incentives, and there’s low-interest funding available. A lot of second-career people retire and start up new businesses in Clay Center.”
Public art draws visitors to Clay Center’s downtown core.
The tower marks Clay Center’s skyline near downtown.
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The median home price in Clay Center is lower than in nearby areas
Clay Center is home to a mixture of century-old residences and brand-new properties. Houses built from 1900 to 2000, including ranch-style homes, Victorians and bungalows, sell for $70,000 to $300,000. Properties from the 2000s through today go for $240,000 to $440,000. Clay Center’s flat, grid-patterned streets are often flanked by trees, sidewalks and small front yards and driveways. This city’s median home price of $245,000 is below Junction City’s median of $284,900 and Manhattan’s at $360,000. Clay Center has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Clay Center’s Victorian homes reflect early‑20th‑century craftsmanship.
Historic homes in Clay Center add character to established streets.
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Historic downtown hosts well-established eateries and celebrations
In downtown Clay Center, early-20th-century brick storefronts surround a small park and the county courthouse. The shops - many decorated with recently painted murals - host boutique shops, hardware and drug stores, insurance agencies and restaurants. “We have a 100-year-old bakery, Tasty Pastry, that’s famous for its nut rolls,” Muruato says. “Downtown is packed in the morning as people go out to get doughnuts.” Happy Hippie Studios specializes in health foods like acai bowls and fruit smoothies. Pizza, locally sourced burgers and craft beers are served at 15-24 Brew House. Grocery options include Ray’s Apple Market and Kiers Thriftway. Every Saturday from April to October, a farmers market convenes at the courthouse square and sells fresh food and handmade crafts. The city has held its Piotique Celebration in the same square every September since 1936, bringing live entertainment to the heart of Clay Center.
Java Junkies pours coffee steps from Clay Center murals and shops.
Clay Center’s main street features boutiques, coffee, and services.
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Local parks feature a zoo, a public pool and seasonal events
Several parks are scattered throughout Clay Center, providing recreational outlets in each neighborhood. Utility Park includes walking paths and a free zoo with bears, foxes, monkeys and many other animals. The western edge of town is home to the Clay Center Aquatic Park, which features a lazy river and a public pool. Huntress Park has a small playground.
The Clay County Fair brings carnival rides, interactive livestock exhibitions, bouncy houses and live music to Clay Center throughout the first half of September. During the holiday season, Courthouse Square comes alive with Christmas spirit. “We have a Christmas square that features a huge tree and 75 individually decorated trees, and Santa even comes down on his sleigh to visit,” Muruato says.
Huntress Park in Clay Center offers playgrounds, trails, and open space.
Clay Center Aquatic Park sits beside Huntress Park for summer recreation.
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Clay Center Community High School offers career prep programs
Students can start at Lincoln Elementary for kindergarten and first grade. This school receives a B-plus rating from Niche. Garfield Elementary serves grades 4 and 5 and gets a B, as do Clay Center Community Middle and Clay Center Community High. The high school offers diverse career training programs from agriculture and business to media and health care.
Northeast Clay Center is home to Clay Center Community Middle School.
Clay County Community High School receives a B grade from Niche.
Lincoln Elementary supports young students starting school in Clay Center.
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Near jobs in larger cities with healthcare options at home
Clay Center’s location at the intersection of U.S. Route 24 and K-15 connects it to nearby cities. The employment hubs of Junction City, Fort Riley and Manhattan are each accessible within 35 to 40 miles. Clay Center has its own health care hub at the Clay County Medical Center. “Healthcare is amazing,” Muruato says. “We have a top-ten critical access hospital that’s bringing in professionals all the time, so you don’t have to go out of town for your health care.”
Clay County Medical Center serves Clay Center with local care.
Clay Center benefits from its proximity to larger job hubs like Manhattan and Fort Riley.
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Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
Photography Contributed By
Stewart Taveras
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Julia Stone,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Clay Center, KS sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Clay Center, KS over the last 12 months is $145,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious two-story home featuring 5 bedrooms (one nonconforming) and 2.5 bathrooms. The updated primary suite offers a private retreat with a walk-in shower. On the main level, you will find a generous living room with a wood-burning fireplace, a convenient breakfast area, a formal dining room, a sunroom perfect for plants, and a dedicated office space. The recently finished basement expands the
Opportunity is the key word with this property. The highlight of this mixed used property is an 8000 +/- steel frame shop that can be used in a variety of manners. Use it yourself, add it as an investment concept to your portfolio or a bit of both! Think about what it would cost to put up a building this size and you can understand the math easy enough. Along with the massive shop and great
The lake life is calling you! Nestled on nearly 3 secluded acres, this beautiful cabin-style home offers year-round outdoor recreation nearby. Built in 2011, this one-owner home features 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, rustic knotty pine finishes, and a walkout basement. The 30x40 shop includes electricity and a 30-amp RV hookup perfect for storage, or hobbies.
Discover a great opportunity on the south side of Clay Center, Kansas! This 1.2-acre property offers two convenient access points, completely enclosed by a chain link fence making it ideal for parking, storage, or future development. With plenty of space and strong potential, this versatile lot is perfect for investors, small business use, or anyone looking for extra room in a great location.
Suther Feeds has 3.88 acres +/-, a mill, and storage warehouses for sale at 515 6th St. in Clay Center, KS. This mill is very structurally sound and has the capabilities to mill and mix feed. There are two warehouse facilities. One is 115 x 50 and the other is approximately 135 x 40. A scale that was certified in 2023, has access to all the utilities and has two access drives to Hwy 15. This
5 Bedroom 3 bath home with 2 car garage and shop area, great space for storage and or hobby toys. This beautiful home offers sharp hardwood flooring throughout, formal dining area, nice family room right off the kitchen that has amazing cabinetry throughout. The primary suite is on the main floor with ample windows, sliding door that leads out to the deck (just needs a hot tub), master bath with
Charming 1960s ranch-style home that blends classic character with thoughtful updates throughout. This inviting property features an updated kitchen complete with granite countertops, offering both style and functionality for everyday living. Convenience is key with main floor laundry, along with two comfortable bedrooms and a nicely updated bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The layout is
Come see this completely remodeled - inside and out -home located in a great neighborhood with large level driveway and backyard! This home is perfect for any new, growing, or retired family. It offers new (Smart) siding and trim, new gutters, remodeled screened in porch, a three-year-old roof, and a recently seeded yard. The home has new plumbing on the interior as well as the outside with
Come take a look at this unique property that sits on a large lot on one of Clay Center's most sought after streets and neighborhoods. The property is located on the north end of town within a few blocks of the Clay Center hospital and wellness center. The home offers many updates including fresh interior paint, vinyl plank flooring on the main floor and carpet upstairs. Additional office space
Prime 8 acre development opportunity within the city limits of Clay Center, just 30 minutes northwest of Manhattan and near Fort Riley. Offering exceptional potential for investors, developers or those seeking a homestead, this property benefits from Manhattan’s employment base and Fort Riley housing demand, combining location infrastructure and versatility. Close to shopping, restaurants,
This 4 bedroom, 2 bath home has so much original charm. Through the front door you step into a heated and cooled multi-use sun room. The living room has gorgeous natural light, a gas fireplace, and a beautiful staircase that takes you to the second floor with 3 bedrooms and a bathroom. The main floor also has a master bedroom, bathroom and laundry room as well. The formal dining room has a
Move-in ready and fully updated, this 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom home offers 780 sq ft of efficient, low-maintenance living. Major renovations have already been completed, making this a worry-free option for homeowners or investors alike. Big-ticket updates include a new roof and gutters, all-new electrical, plumbing, gas lines, ductwork, and a forced-air HVAC system. A tankless hot water heater and
Welcome to 731 E Crawford #2A, a charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment located in the heart of Clay Center, KS. This apartment offers a comfortable and convenient living experience with its well-designed layout and essential amenities. The shared laundry facilities ensure your laundry days are hassle-free, while the central A/C keeps your home at the perfect temperature all year round. We
Rent shown is maximum rent. Modern, safe, affordable maintenance free living where rent is based on your income. Only small breed dogs under 15 pounds.
Rent shown is maximum rent. Modern, safe, affordable maintenance free living where rent is based on your income. Only small breed dogs under 15 pounds.
Rent displayed is the HUD Section 8 contract rent. The actual household's rent payment is determined by the income of the household. There is a $15 monthly utility fee and a $34.35 monthly cable fee for this apartment and we pay the rest of the utilities. We rent to everyone who qualifies. Everyone is welcome to apply. Our website has additional information including an application for
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