Clay County Map, Illinois

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 26, 2026 | 14:30 ET

Map of Clay County - Clay County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. Clay County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Clay County located in the map, major cities in Clay county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Clay County Map, Illinois

Clay County Map, Illinois

About Clay County Map, Illinois: The map showing the county boundary, county seat, major cities, highways, water bodies and neighbouring counties.

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Clay County, Illinois

Clay County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. It's county seat is Louisville. As per 2020 census, the population of Clay County is 13143 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 468 sq mi (1,212 km2). Clay County was established on 1824.

Facts about Clay County, Illinois

CountryUnited States
StateIllinois
RegionSoutheastern Illinois
County SeatLouisville
Named AfterHenry Clay
Established1824
Organized1824
Coordinates38.75° N, 88.49° W
Total Area~469 sq mi
Land Area~466 sq mi
Water Area~3 sq mi
Population (2020)~13,288
Population RankSmall-sized county in Illinois
Largest CityFlora
Main IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, Energy, Healthcare
Major HighwaysIllinois Route 50, Illinois Route 45
Time ZoneCentral Time (UTC−06:00)
Known ForRural farmland, oil production history, small-town communities
Websitehttps://www.claycountyillinois.org

Ctities in Clay county

City NameTypePopulation (2020)Pop. DensityArea
Clay CityVillage847475.3/sq mi (183.5/km2)1.782 sq mi (4.62 km2)
FloraCity4,8031,024.1/sq mi (395.4/km2)4.69 sq mi (12.15 km2)
IolaVillage98101.7/sq mi (39.3/km2)0.964 sq mi (2.5 km2)
LouisvilleVillage1,1361,372.0/sq mi (529.7/km2)0.828 sq mi (2.14 km2)
Sailor SpringsVillage89342.3/sq mi (132.2/km2)0.26 sq mi (0.67 km2)
XeniaVillage380770.8/sq mi (297.6/km2)0.493 sq mi (1.28 km2)

Roads and Highways in Clay County, Illinois

Clay County is connected by several state highways that provide access to southeastern Illinois and nearby regional centers.

  • U.S. Route 50 – runs east-west through the county, connecting Flora to Olney and Centralia
  • Illinois Route 45 – runs north-south, linking Flora to Louisville and Fairfield
  • Illinois Route 37 – passes through the county, connecting Salem to Mount Vernon
  • Illinois Route 130 – runs north-south along the eastern side, connecting Clay County to Effingham and Olney

Neighboring Counties of Clay County

  • Effingham County (north)
  • Jasper County (east)
  • Richland County (southeast)
  • Wayne County (south)
  • Marion County (west)
  • Fayette County (northwest)

Top Attractions in Clay County, Illinois

Clay County offers a quiet rural setting with local parks, small-town charm, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

  • Charley Brown Park – A community park in Flora with playgrounds and open green space.
  • Flora Depot Museum – Highlights local railroad history and heritage.
  • Clay County Fairgrounds – Hosts the annual fair and community events.
  • Flora Community Park – Offers walking paths, sports fields, and picnic areas.
  • Charley Brown Memorial Park Lake – A small lake ideal for fishing and relaxing.
  • Downtown Flora – Features local shops, dining, and a friendly small-town atmosphere.
  • Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area (nearby) – Offers camping, boating, and hiking opportunities.

Distance from Clay County to Nearby Cities

  • Flora to Effingham – 30 mi (48 km)
  • Flora to Centralia – 40 mi (64 km)
  • Flora to Mount Vernon – 45 mi (72 km)
  • Flora to Springfield – 100 mi (161 km)
  • Flora to St. Louis – 120 mi (193 km)

FAQs about Clay County

Where is Clay County located?

Clay County is located in southeastern Illinois, surrounded by rural landscapes and small communities.

What is Clay County known for?

The county is known for its agricultural setting, small-town charm, and local parks.

What is the county seat of Clay County?

Louisville is the county seat, while Flora is the largest city in Clay County.

Are there outdoor activities in Clay County?

Yes, visitors can enjoy parks, lakes, and nearby recreation areas for fishing, hiking, and outdoor activities.

How can I reach Clay County?

Clay County is accessible via U.S. Route 50 and several Illinois state highways including Routes 45, 37, and 130.