Clay

Clay County

Updated on: November 16, 2021
Coordinates
33° 47' 24" N, 98° 12' 36" W (3.79, -98.21)
State
Texas
Region
North Central
County Seat:
Henrietta
Year Organized:
1857
Total Square Miles:
1116.754
Population:
10421 (2017)
Persons/Square Mile:
9
Clay County Website
http://www.co.clay.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Montague (E)
Jack (S)
Archer (W)
Cotton County, Oklahoma (NW)

County structure

Government Type:
County
Authority:
Dillon's Rule
Legislative Body:
Commisioners Court
Size of Legislative Body:
5

Demographics

2018 Population:
10421
25 to 64 Years of Age:
50.46%
65 Years of Age and Older:
22.71%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$251.4 M
Labor Force:
4,945
Unemployment Rate:
3.20%

County Contact

100 N Bridge St
County Courthouse
Henrietta, TX, 76365-2800

https://www.co.clay.tx.us/

Clay County, Texas, is located on U.S. Highways 287 and 82 in northern Texas, northwest of the Dallas-fort Worth area. The county was created from Cooke County in 1857 and organized in 1860.  

Clay County, Texas, was named after Henry Clay. Henry was a renowned American statesman, U.S. Secretary of State, and Kentucky Senator. 

Jefferson County borders Clay County on the north, Montague on the east, Jack on the south, and Wichita on the west. The County seat is Henrietta. Henrietta is part of the Wichita Falls metropolitan area and is one of the oldest towns in north-central Texas. 

Other cities and towns in Clay County, Texas, include; Jolly, Petrolia, Bellevue, Byers, and Dean.  

Clay County Demographics 

Clay County ranks 161 in the list of the most populated counties in the U.S. It has a population of 10,218 people, according to the latest United States Census Bureau. In terms of ethnicity, the Whites make up the largest group with 87.5%. The Hispanic follow closely with 6.2%, with two other races making up the remaining 4.3%.  

According to the 2019 census, the median household income was $55.989. Nonetheless, the poverty rate in Clay County was 8.8%. Further, 46.6 years young is the county’s median age.  

Clay County Flora and Fauna 

Clay County, Texas, measures about 1150 square miles, 25 miles from east to west and 46 miles north to south. A third of the county is prime land and leveled to gently sloping terrain.  

The county’s flora has predominating grasses, timber, and prairie. However, the northwest part of the county is covered with taller grasses, cacti common, and mesquite. Blackjack, elm, and post oak are scattered throughout the county, and you can find them in large numbers along the streams.  

The county’s elevation is between 1,100 feet in the southwest to 900 feet in the east.  

Clay County has an average temperature of 64° F annually. The temperature ranges from 28° F, the moderate-low, and 53° as the average high. The snow average per year is 6 inches, while 229 days is the average growing season.  

Clay County Financial Transparency 

Clay County officers know that taxpayers’ money needs channeling towards developing and delivering service. With this in mind, the county tries as much as possible to be transparent with its financial activities.  

The county’s financial transparency is evident. The Clay County website has a financial transparency page that contains annual financial reports from 2012-2019. It also includes 2015-2021 utility reports and accounts payable 2015-2021.  

Residents can also access the county’s debt status for three consecutive financial years, proposed budget, and tax rates. Financial transparency is also a great way of showcasing the county’s trustworthiness and commitment to the local and international investors.  

Clay County Attraction Sites 

Clay County, Texas, is a perfect destination for tourists. It displays its beautiful and rich tradition through different events throughout the year. The museums tell the story of the county’s history and origin through beautiful artifacts.   

If you love paddle boarding, rafting, or kayaking, Clay County is the destination for you. Ranches are also available for those who love hunting. The county is also home to the best restaurants and hotels that serve finger-licking beef ribs. Here are some of the places you should check out.  

  • Pecan Shed 
  • Clay County 1890 Jail Museum 
  • Turkey Fest 
  • Clay County Pioneer Rodeo 
  • Super 
  • Lone Star Hunts 
  • Bluebonnet Nudist Park 

Clay County History 

Clay County, Texas, is dedicated to preserving its rich history for generations to come. Through Clay County 1890 Jail Museum Heritage Center, the county has continually preserved its heritage. The museum collects, records, preserves, displays, and interprets the county’s exhibits. 

The sole is to educate, for fun, and for the public to see the far their county has come.  

The museum’s art crafts, photos, and stories connect people with their roots, understand the present, and make plans for the future.  

The museum has brought a sense of belonging to the people of Clay County. It is located at116 N Graham St, Henrietta, TX 76365, USA. Anyone who would like to support the exceptional work the museum does is encouraged to donate. The museum operates on sales of museum items, donations, and grants. 

Clay County Internet 

Clay County has made great strides towards internet connectivity both in urban and rural areas. People from any corner of the county can work remotely, a move that will ease urban congestion. Today, most households are using fiber.  

For instance, fiber covers Precinct 3. Comcell Fiber and point-to-point wireless serve Precinct 4. On the other hand, Pinnacle and Nextlink have installed towers, and residents can now choose from different options. Satellite internet is also available.   

There are plans to install fiber in the northern part of Clay County. The goal is to install 125 miles of fiber beginning this fall. Charter/Spectrum communications have already received the grants for the project.   

Clay County Offices 

The county includes several offices to serve the residents. Here’s a more detailed look at several of these offices.  

  • County Judge Office: Mike Campbell is the Clay County judge. You can reach him through phone at (940)538-465, fax at (940)264-4160, or email [email protected]. 
  • County Attorney Office: Seth C. Slagle is in charge of this office. You can reach him by phone by calling (940)538-0533 or fax:(940)538-5567 
  • County Clerk Office: Clay County’s clerk is Sash Kerlton. Her office is at 214 N. Main St. Henrietta, Texas 76365. Contact her through Phone: 940 538-4631 or email her at [email protected]. 
  • County Treasurer Office: Danja Bloodworth is in charge of this office. In case of any query or concern, visit the office on Clay County Courthouse Annex 214 N. Main Street Henrietta, Texas 76365 or call (940) 538-5911. 
  • County Auditor Office: Gina Blevins is the County auditor. You can reach her through email:[email protected], or call 940 538-5560. 

Clay County has several other offices dedicated to serving the public. Visit their website for more information.  

Clay County, Texas FAQs 

What are the economic activities in Clay County, Texas? 

Clay County heavily relies on oil, agribusiness, and commuting. It also has gas and stones that also generate revenue. 

What are the agricultural activities in Clay County, Texas? 

Clay County farmers rear beef and dairy cattle. They also grow wheat, peaches, oaks, elms, mesquite, and pecans.