Clay County, located in central Alabama, is a rural region known for its scenic views, historic sites, and quiet atmosphere. The county is home to several small towns and communities, each with its own unique character. Clay County has 7 zip codes that correspond to various towns and unincorporated areas throughout the county. These postal codes are integral to the organization of postal services, but they also help define the geographical and social characteristics of each community. Below is a detailed exploration of each of these zip codes and the areas they serve.
Zip Codes and Corresponding Cities/Towns/Villages
| Zip Code | City/Town/Village |
|---|---|
| 36201 | Ashland |
| 36203 | Ashland (Part of the city) |
| 36255 | Lineville |
| 36256 | Hackleburg |
| 36258 | Cragford |
| 36260 | Delta |
| 36265 | Talladega (Part of the city) |
36201 – Ashland
The 36201 zip code covers Ashland, the county seat of Clay County. Ashland is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, giving the town beautiful mountain views and a strong connection to outdoor recreation. With a population of around 2,000, Ashland is a small, close-knit community that serves as the central hub for the surrounding rural area. The town’s economy is centered on agriculture, small businesses, and some manufacturing.
Ashland is a town rich in history, with several historic sites and landmarks. The Clay County Courthouse, located in the town center, is an iconic building and a hub of county government activity. Nearby, the Ashland Museum showcases the town’s history, including its agricultural roots and role during the Civil War. The town’s city park provides ample space for outdoor activities, including walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, which makes it a popular spot for families and visitors.
The town is accessible by Alabama Highway 77, which connects Ashland to other towns in the region. Lake Ashland is also a short drive away, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and relaxation in a natural setting. Ashland’s quiet, rural lifestyle, paired with its accessibility to larger towns and recreational areas, makes it an attractive place to live for those seeking a slower pace of life.
36203 – Ashland (Part of the City)
The 36203 zip code covers another section of Ashland, specifically the northern and northeastern parts of the city. This part of Ashland is primarily residential, with a mix of single-family homes, farms, and small businesses. It offers residents a rural atmosphere, while still providing easy access to the town’s commercial and recreational amenities.
This area of Ashland is known for its beautiful countryside, with fields, woods, and streams providing a peaceful setting for those who live here. The community is supportive, with local churches, schools, and social organizations playing a central role in daily life. This part of Ashland is also home to a number of historic buildings and landmarks that reflect the area’s rich history.
Lake Ashland is located close by, and residents in this section often take advantage of the recreational opportunities it provides. The town’s proximity to the Talladega National Forest also makes it a prime location for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. With its scenic beauty and welcoming community, the northern part of Ashland is a desirable place to live for those who want both rural living and easy access to the amenities of the town center.
36255 – Lineville
The 36255 zip code serves Lineville, a small town located to the east of Ashland. Lineville is a rural community with a population of around 2,000 residents. Known for its agricultural roots, Lineville is primarily a farming community, with crops such as cotton, soybeans, and corn being staples in the area. The town has a number of small businesses, including local markets, restaurants, and convenience stores, as well as public services like schools and a post office.
Lineville is the commercial and cultural hub for much of the surrounding region. The town hosts various community events throughout the year, including the Lineville Spring Festival and local parades, which bring together residents and visitors alike. In addition to these events, Lineville offers a number of recreational activities, such as walking and hiking trails in Lineville City Park, as well as sports fields and playgrounds for children.
One of the key attractions near Lineville is the Talladega National Forest, located just a few miles to the south. This vast expanse of forest provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Lineville’s small-town charm, combined with its convenient location near larger cities like Birmingham and Talladega, makes it an appealing place to live.
36256 – Hackleburg
The 36256 zip code serves Hackleburg, a tiny, rural community in southeastern Clay County. Hackleburg is home to a small population of around 500 people, and it is best known for its scenic beauty and its close proximity to the Talladega National Forest. The town is primarily agricultural, with farming and livestock raising being key contributors to the local economy.
Hackleburg offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with few commercial services. However, the town is well-supported by local churches, schools, and community organizations that play an important role in the area’s social life. The Hackleburg Community Park is a key gathering place for locals, offering recreational activities like sports fields, picnic areas, and a playground.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Hackleburg is a great location. The town is near Lake Thurlow and Chickasaw State Park, both of which offer excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking. The town’s rural nature and close-knit community make it an ideal place for those seeking tranquility and a strong sense of local connection.
36258 – Cragford
The 36258 zip code serves Cragford, a rural town located to the northwest of Ashland. Cragford has a small population, with fewer than 500 residents, and is known for its agricultural community and beautiful surroundings. Like other small towns in Clay County, Cragford’s economy is primarily based on farming and livestock production. The town is home to a few small businesses and local services, including a post office and several family-owned stores.
Cragford is located near the Talladega National Forest, which makes it a desirable place for people who enjoy outdoor recreation. The national forest offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, making it a popular spot for nature lovers. The town also has Cragford Park, a local park with walking trails, playgrounds, and spaces for family gatherings.
The rural nature of Cragford and its proximity to the national forest provide a quiet, nature-filled environment for residents. While the town is small, its location makes it ideal for people seeking a peaceful place to live with easy access to outdoor activities and nearby larger communities like Ashland and Lineville.
36260 – Delta
The 36260 zip code covers Delta, a small town located to the south of Ashland. Delta is a quiet rural community with a population of approximately 400 people. The town’s economy is largely based on agriculture, with farming and livestock being the primary industries. Delta is also known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, forests, and access to nearby lakes making it an ideal location for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Delta is located near Lake Martin, which is one of the largest man-made lakes in Alabama. The lake provides numerous opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, making it a popular spot for both residents and visitors. In addition to the lake, Delta is close to the Talladega National Forest, which offers hiking, camping, and hunting.
The town itself has a few small businesses, including local stores and restaurants. It also features Delta City Park, which includes sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas for residents to enjoy. The town’s small size and rural atmosphere, combined with its access to outdoor recreation, make it a peaceful and desirable place to live.
36265 – Talladega (Part of the City)
The 36265 zip code covers part of the larger city of Talladega, which is located in both Talladega County and Clay County. This section of Talladega includes residential areas, commercial districts, and some historical landmarks. Talladega is a city with a population of around 15,000 people, and it is known for its historical significance and its association with the Talladega Superspeedway, one of the most famous NASCAR race tracks in the country.
In addition to its racing history, Talladega is home to the Talladega Historic District, which contains several historic buildings and landmarks. The city also has a number of parks and public spaces, including Jemison Park, which features walking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas.
Talladega is located along U.S. Highway 78, which provides access to both Birmingham and Atlanta. The city is an important economic and cultural center for Clay County, offering a range of services, businesses, and recreational opportunities to its residents. Its proximity to Talladega National Forest also makes it a popular spot for outdoor activities.
County Facts
Geography and Location
Clay County is located in central Alabama, within the Piedmont Plateau region. The county is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and small rivers. It is bordered by Talladega County to the west, Calhoun County to the north, Randolph County to the east, and Tallapoosa County to the south. The region’s geography makes it an ideal location for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and fishing. The county is also home to parts of the Talladega National Forest, which offers an expansive natural area for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The county’s landscape is dotted with lakes and rivers, including Lake Martin, which is one of the largest reservoirs in Alabama. This area provides opportunities for water-based recreation, such as boating and fishing. Clay County’s rural nature, combined with its accessibility to larger cities, makes it an attractive place for people seeking a quiet lifestyle close to nature.
Key County Information
- County Seat: Ashland
- Population: Approximately 13,000
- Area: 606 square miles
- 3 Largest Cities: Ashland, Lineville, Talladega (Part)
- Major Landmarks: Talladega National Forest, Lake Martin, Talladega Superspeedway
- Major Libraries: Clay County Public Library (Ashland), Lineville Public Library