Clay County is located in the western part of North Carolina and is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains region. The county seat is Hayesville.

The county is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners, which is elected by the citizens of Clay County. The county is divided into five districts, each of which is represented by one commissioner. The county also has a sheriff, a clerk of court, a register of deeds, and a tax collector.

The county is home to the Nantahala National Forest, which covers over 500,000 acres and is the largest national forest in North Carolina. The county is also home to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, which is a designated wilderness area.

The county is served by the Clay County Schools system, which consists of seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The county also has a community college, Tri-County Community College, which offers a variety of degree and certificate programs.

For the most up-to-date and in-depth information, please check the public records links below.