Clay Center is located in Clay County (of which it is the county seat), situated southeast of Hastings, off of US Hwy 41.
The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 861, an increase of 36 since 1990.
The town of Clay Center was laid out in the summer of 1879. In February 1887 Clay Center became an incorporated village.
Clay Center experienced major change in 1942 when a Naval Ammunition Depot was constructed just west of town to produce bombs and shells during World War II. This property was later transferred to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and has been designated by Congress as the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center.
Today a popular attraction in Clay Center is the Old Trusty Days, nationally known, brings life to the fairgrounds in September. From across the United States, people attend this two-day celebration of "the way it was" in Nebraska.