[8] Before 1880, Clay was inaccessible to traffic from horse-drawn vehicles, and the Elk River was its primary mode of transport.

[8] In June 2016, the town was impacted by severe flooding from the Elk River.

[9][10] In November 2016, Clay mayor Beverly Whaling approvingly responded to a social media post that referred to U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama as an "ape in heels".

[11][12] The city of Charleston, the state capitol, is approximately 40 miles (64 km) from Clay to the southwest.

There is not much bottom land in Clay, as the river cuts a deep gorge through the city, limiting growth.

[15] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

33.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The racial makeup of the town was 98.82% White, 0.17% Native American, and 1.01% from two or more races.

Some newer businesses in the Clay area are located along what is called "Two Run" by locals.

[8] In May 2015, the Piggly Wiggly on 2200 Main Street closed; it was the only grocery store at the time in Clay County.