Located in the center of the county, it borders the following townships: No municipalities are located in Clay Township, although the city of Portsmouth (the county seat of Scioto County) has incorporated much of the southern part of the township.

The census-designated place of Rosemount lies in the center of the township, along with the unincorporated communities of Eden Park, Rubyville, and Twin Valley.

[4] The township was named after Henry Clay, the Kentucky statesman.

[6] The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.

Volunteer fire departments are operated in the communities of Rosemount and Rubyville.