Clay ZIP Codes — Webster County, KY

There is one unique ZIP code in Clay, Kentucky and it is 42404. Area code: 270/364.

ZIP codes

87.74

sq mi land

0.98

sq mi water

270/364

area code

Clay, KY ZIP code map

About Clay, KY

Clay, Kentucky is a small, charming city located in the heart of Webster County. Known for its tranquil environment, Clay offers a warm community atmosphere while providing access to the natural beauty of western Kentucky. This quaint town embodies the essence of rural living with a tight-knit community spirit and local charm.

Location & geography

Geographically, Clay is situated in the western region of Kentucky, surrounded by the rich farmlands of Webster County. Nearby cities include Providence, located approximately 10 miles to the northwest, Dixon about 14 miles to the west, and the larger city of Madisonville around 25 miles to the southeast. The city spans a total area of 87.74 square miles, of which 0.98 square miles is covered by water, creating a blend of land and aquatic features.

Community & economy

The community in Clay is characterized by its friendly residents and strong neighborhood ties, reflecting small-town values. Agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy, alongside other industries that support the livelihood of residents. Daily life in Clay revolves around local events, outdoor activities, and community gatherings that highlight its cultural heritage.

Transportation

Transportation in Clay is facilitated by several highways, including Kentucky Route 70, which provides access to surrounding areas. The nearest major airport is the Barkley Regional Airport, located about 40 miles away in Paducah. Local travel is primarily by personal vehicles, given the town's rural setting.

History

Clay was founded in the mid-19th century and has since been a hub for agriculture and small local businesses. Historically, the city has contributed to the surrounding agricultural economy, making it an essential part of Webster County's development. Notable events include its establishment during the westward expansion, leading to its growth as a community and service center.

Did you know?

One little-known fact about Clay, KY is that it has a rich history related to coal mining in the region, which influenced local industry for many years. Additionally, the city is often celebrated for its annual community events that reflect the local culture and heritage.

ZIP codes for Clay, KY (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
42404	Clay	Webster	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,342

Population

35.6

Median age

$53,000

Median household income

$23,008

Per capita income

$86,500

Median home value

Median monthly rent

81.5%

Home ownership

18.1%

Poverty rate

6.1%

Unemployment

856

Housing units

11.6%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

114

15–19

101

20–24

122

25–34

141

35–44

115

138

45–54

159

55–59

60–64

110

65–74

128

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	611	26.1%
18 and over	1,731	73.9%
65 and over	410	17.5%
Median age	35.6 years

Race & ethnicity

White 93.9%

Hispanic or Latino 2%

Other race 2%

Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander 1.1%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.5%

Black or African American 0.3%

Two or more races 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	2,245	93.9%
Hispanic or Latino	48	2%
Other race	48	2%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander	27	1.1%
American Indian / Alaska Native	11	0.5%
Black or African American	7	0.3%
Two or more races	4	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 7.3%

$10k–$15k 7.0%

$15k–$25k 16.6%

$25k–$35k 7.0%

$35k–$50k 10.9%

$50k–$75k 17.1%

$75k–$100k 13.6%

$100k–$150k 16.9%

$150k–$200k 3.4%

$200k+ 0.2%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	7.3%
$10k–$15k	7.0%
$15k–$25k	16.6%
$25k–$35k	7.0%
$35k–$50k	10.9%
$50k–$75k	17.1%
$75k–$100k	13.6%
$100k–$150k	16.9%
$150k–$200k	3.4%
$200k+	0.2%
Median income	$53,000

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 32.7%

$50k–$100k 24.0%

$100k–$150k 17.7%

$150k–$200k 6.3%

$200k–$300k 8.0%

$300k–$500k 10.0%

$500k–$1M 1.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$86,500
Median rent / month	$0
Owner occupied	81.5%
Renter occupied	18.5%
Vacant	15.3%
Single-family detached	74.6%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	20.3%
Median rooms	5.9
Avg household size (owned)	2.80

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	10.3%
2000–2009	5.8%
1990–1999	7.2%
1980–1989	12.5%
1970–1979	14.4%
1960–1969	9.8%
1950–1959	15.8%
1940–1949	7.5%
1939 or earlier	16.7%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	2.7%
1 bedroom	5.1%
2 bedrooms	36.7%
3 bedrooms	40.0%
4 bedrooms	12.2%
5+ bedrooms	3.3%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	8.7%
1 vehicle	24.8%
2 vehicles	33.3%
3 or more	33.3%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	36.5%
Electricity	47.0%
Propane / LP gas	14.1%
Wood	1.6%
No fuel used	0.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	430	50.0%
Cohabiting couple	70	8.1%
Male householder, no spouse	119	13.8%
Female householder, no spouse	241	28.0%
Households with children under 18	268	31.2%
Households with seniors (65+)	326	37.9%
Average household size	2.72

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	33.7%	20.5%
Married	49.8%	51.8%
Separated	1.7%	4.8%
Widowed	2.7%	14.1%
Divorced	12.1%	8.7%

Education

Less than 9th grade 4.1%

Some HS, no diploma 8.9%

HS graduate 49.3%

Some college, no degree 16.2%

Associate's degree 9.8%

Bachelor's degree 4.1%

Graduate / professional 7.5%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	86.9%
Bachelor's or higher	11.6%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	17	3.2%
Kindergarten	47	8.9%
Elementary school	267	50.6%
High school	154	29.2%
College / grad school	43	8.1%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 20.9%

Manufacturing 14.2%

Agriculture & mining 12.6%

Retail trade 10.6%

Arts, food & hospitality 9.6%

Construction 9.1%

Transportation & utilities 7.1%

Other services 4.8%

Wholesale trade 4.7%

Public administration 4.4%

Professional & management 1.1%

Finance & real estate 0.9%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	31.5%
Service	13.7%
Sales & office	13.0%
Natural resources & construction	17.8%
Production & transportation	24.0%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	78.1%
Government	16.6%
Self-employed	5.3%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	94.2%
Carpool	3.8%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	0.9%
Avg commute (minutes)	24.9

Poverty

All people 18.1%

Under 18 years 13.8%

18 and over 19.6%

Married-couple families 14.9%

Female-led households 51.8%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	40.5%
Retirement income	27.2%
Supplemental Security	10.7%
Cash public assistance	3.3%
Food stamps / SNAP	14.1%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	43.8%
High cholesterol	38.5%
Heart disease	9.2%
Stroke	4.4%
Asthma	12.0%
Arthritis	35.5%
Kidney disease	3.7%
Pulmonary disease	13.7%
Cancer	6.9%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	14.5%
No physical activity	36.9%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	40.1%
Fair or poor health	25.9%
Poor mental health	19.7%
Poor physical health	17.4%
No health insurance	12.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	76.1%
Visited dentist	48.1%
Cholesterol screening	88.5%
Teeth loss	25.3%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	105	6.1%

Disability	%
Any disability	32.2%
Under 18	25.5%
18–64 years	27.2%
65 and over	58.0%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	65.0%
Public insurance	45.6%
Uninsured under 19	2.6%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,195	93.7%
Spanish	13	0.6%
Other Indo-European	13	0.6%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,326	99.3%
Born in same state	2,312	98.7%
Born in different state	1,847	78.9%
Foreign born	14	0.6%
Naturalized citizen	16	0.7%
Not a US citizen	16	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	296	12.6%
Arab	282	12%

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	233	9.9%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	36.7%
Internet access	85.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Clay, KY have?

Clay, KY has one ZIP code: 42404. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.