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.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Clay Center, KS sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Clay Center, KS over the last 12 months is $179,450, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Breathtaking turn-of-the-century 2-story home offers a wonderful blend of historic charm and modern updates. Features include gorgeous floating vinyl flooring on the main level, original hardwood floors on the second level, and beautiful lead-glass windows. The home offers 3 bedrooms on the upper level, and one nonconforming bedroom in the basement, an eat-in kitchen with abundant cabinetry, and
Move-in ready 2-bedroom, 1-bath Ranch offers comfortable living in a convenient location. The galley-style kitchen features a spacious breakfast area, while the adjoining living and dining areas provide a functional layout filled with natural light. Laundry hookups are available on the main level for a stackable washer and dryer or in the full unfinished basement for a standard washer and dryer,
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
Move right into this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom (1 nonconforming), 2 bath ranch. The bright, spacious living room is filled with natural light and opens into the large kitchen and dining area, perfect for everyday living. The main floor features three bedrooms, a laundry space, while the finished basement includes an enormous family room, a nonconforming 4th bedroom, and ample storage. The
This quaint and inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow in Clay Center, KS, has numerous updates throughout. Recent improvements include floating vinyl plank flooring throughout the main level, a renovated kitchen and laundry area with updated cabinetry, fresh interior/exterior trim, porch & carport paint, several newer windows, and other thoughtful updates that add to the home’s overall appeal. The
Bring your vision to this spacious home full of potential! The main floor features a primary bedroom with private bath, plus two additional bedrooms and a second full bathroom. Downstairs, you’ll find even more space with a conforming 4th bedroom and a 5th non-conforming bedroom — perfect for guests, an office, hobby room, or extra storage. Conveniently located in Clay Center with alley access
Set in the gently rolling landscape of Clay County, Kansas, this 305-acre farm offers a versatile blend of agricultural productivity and rural charm. The property features a 1.5-story home with 1,600 square feet of living space, including three bedrooms and one bathroom. A full basement provides additional storage or potential for expanded living or workspace. The land itself is a diverse mix,
Spacious, new 3,100 sq. ft. lodge featuring 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, designed for comfort, relaxation, and gathering with family and friends. The lodge offers a large open living area, spacious dining room, and fully equipped kitchen perfect for entertaining or group stays.Nestled in the heart of Kansas where the whitetail deer hunting is exceptional. This peaceful real estate sits on
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.
This corner lot bungalow might be a smaller footprint but it is packed with updates. There are 2 bedrooms on the main, an updated bathroom with walk in shower, living room and kitchen with pantry. Hardwood floors were refinished in 2024. The large basement bedroom could also be used as a familyroom. This area includes a new egress window and space for a walk-in closet. A new barn door covers the
Beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Clay Center, Kansas! Located on a corner lot, including a 2 car garage and shed with power run to it. Home has a new metal roof, insulation, windows, siding, paint, remodeled bedrooms, bathrooms, plumbing, electrical and more. Great home with fenced in yard only minutes from Clay Center Middle and High School. Come see all this home has to offer
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 $44.14 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
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.
731 E Crawford #3B in Clay Center, KS offers a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment ideal for those seeking small-town living. The unit provides convenient off-street parking and access to shared laundry facilities. The property is pet friendly, making it suitable for households with pets. Located in Clay Center, this apartment combines practical amenities with a simple, comfortable setting. Visit
Welcome to this charming 3 bedroom home located in the peaceful town of Clay Center, KS. This lovely house offers a covered front porch, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or watching the sunset. The fenced yard provides a safe and private space for outdoor activities. With a detached garage, you'll have plenty of room for parking and storage. Step inside and be greeted by a
$1,500 per month
Remodeled 3-4 Br, 2 Bath Ranch style home, fenced in yard, garage, patio, full basement
This is a wonderful house across the street from the newly updated Reed's park. With a full play area, swings, basketball court, soccer goals and a softball/baseball backstop, and picnic tables everyone can find something to do in this great space! We updated the outlets, switches and lighting as well as installed new hard flooring throughout the main floor last year. There are three
$1,425 per month
3 bedroom, large privacy fenced in yard, oversized garage
This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in Clay Center, KS offers a practical layout with abundant natural light and helpful storage throughout. The living room features a bay window and ceiling fans in the living room, kitchen, and two bedrooms provides airflow across the home. The kitchen is equipped with a fridge, stove, and dishwasher, plus bathroom cabinets and a mud/laundry room for convenience. A full
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