City of Clay Alabama

As visitors enter Clay from the interstate, they are welcomed by a serene vista of mountains, letting people know that this small city is special.

Clay's unique spirit reflects strong community bonds, hard-working parents providing the best growing environment for their children and protection of the natural resources. Chatting with friends at the Clay Post Office, cheering for their child at the ballpark or fishing at Cosby Lake Park are samples of the activities residents enjoy.

Climate- In the subtropics of the Southeast, Clay experiences three full seasons, with just a touch of winter. Average snowfall is 1.5" per year. The mean temperature in January is 42 degrees, April's is 61, July's is 79, and October's is 62. Normal annual rainfall amount is 54 inches. March is the wettest month with rainfall amounts in that month consistently averaging over six inches. August and October have the lowest rainfall totals, averaging 3-3 1/2 inches.

Plant Life- Clay's climate provides for rich autumn leaf colors and an explosion of flowering trees in the spring, including dogwood trees, redbuds, and cherry trees. As for flowering bushes, residents enjoy the azalias and the wild blackberry blooms scattered along roadsides in the spring.  The wild goldenrod brings some bright warmth to the open fields as temperatures fall in the autumn.

Animal Life- With much rural area, including woods, Clay's wildlife is abundant, including deer, coyote, bobcats and the hawks often seen sitting on power lines. The lakes in Clay make a great habitat for the fish, Canada geese and migrating birds.

Future- To ensure that Clay keeps these pleasant living conditions, the City adopted a Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Goals in that plan include  pedestrian-friendly commercial centers, a variety of major parks, mini-parks and connections between residential areas. 

Facilities / Amenities- In its infancy, the city's visionary leaders invested in the community's future by acquiring three park properties that include athletic use, fishing and community-gathering facilities. The city is also pursuing another property to become an undisturbed, natural retreat in the heart of the city. Additionally, mature Clay residents enjoy a very active senior activity center.

The city offers three different facilities for events, including weddings, reunions and birthday parties.

Population- The 2010 Census shows Clay's population as 9,708.  According to the 2000 Census, the median age of Clay residents is 34.6, younger than the national average. That official count shows 86.9% of the households are families. Residents 62 years of age or older make up 7.4% of our population.
 

Housing

The 2007 special Census count shows the City of Clay has 29,031 housing units. The 2010 Census housing figures are expected to show we have more than that now.

Within the City of Clay are a variety of housing choices. Architectural styles range from old fashioned bungalows to recently-constructed, upscale subdivisions....

















 Town homes and garden homes...




 

And many other choices.


Just outside the city limits are three gated residential communities. Each of these has a lake for the recreational pleasure of those residents. Others come to Clay for recreation, staying in trailers and recreational vehicles at Zamora Park, also just outside the city limits.

According to the Jefferson County Board of Equalization, the midian value for Clay residential properties in 2010 was $147,000. The average residential property value was $166,266.





Some of the residential areas offer beautiful mountain views, such as the one seen here in the Somersby Subdivision.

The Clay Area Chamber of Commerce includes a realtor who is experienced in the Clay real estate market. 
 
 
 

Taxes and Services

Clay property owners are not charged any municipal property or ad valorem tax. They pay the same amount as if they were in unincorporated Jefferson County. The city does levy a 2% sales tax.

City of Clay residents benefit from contracted garbage service. Residents pay Advanced Disposal for their garbage pick-up service. At no additional charge, residents receive yard debris and appliance pick-up service.

For people of faith, the City of Clay has many opportunities to gather in worship. Churches in Clay include Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Church of God, Church of Christ, Jehovah's Witness and non-denominational Christian.  A Spanish non-denominational Christian congregation also meets at a church in Clay. Our city is known for active congregations with a volunteer spirit.

The City is excited about the new library which opened in October 2009 in the historic Jayfe Ware House located at the Clay City Park.

Events

The City of Clay sponsors and assists with many events that help create a sense of community, offer volunteer opportunities for community service and provide for recreation.

Each year, the city sponsors a Christmas parade. Participation is available at no charge. Residents line the streets eager to see the many floats, the band and sometimes some oddities for a laugh. The cold temperatures have not discouraged the spectators from this shared experience.

The City of  Clay partners with the Clay Area Chamber of Commerce for an annual Clay May Days festival. This festival highlights Clay's unique distinction as being named after clay soil. Many activities at the festival center around clay and the many uses of clay.