Brazil is a small town in Clay County, west central Indiana, located about an hour west of Indianapolis and 25 minutes east of Terre Haute. With a population of 8,239, it's the county seat and the largest town in Clay County. Known as "The Clay Metropolis," Brazil was a 19th-century coal and brick-mining hub, and today it's home to Forest Park, the Route 40 Fest, and a classic Hoosier courthouse square.

Small Town Breakdown No. 38: Brazil, Indiana

As part of our 2026 series highlighting 52 small towns across Indiana in 52 weeks, our 38th breakdown takes us from the county seat of Paoli in Orange County to the county seat of Brazil in Clay County. Brazil is 1 hour west of Indianapolis, 25 minutes east of Terre Haute, and 1 hour northwest of Bloomington.

What’s it like in Brazil?

From beautiful murals and parks to its downtown scene complete with antiques, shops and eateries, Brazil is a small town in west central Indiana worth visiting.

The History of Clay County and Brazil, Indiana

Clay County was founded in 1825 and formed from parts of Owen, Putnam, Sullivan, and Vigo counties. It was named after U.S. statesman Henry Clay. The first county seat was Bowling Green, but it was eventually moved to the more centrally located Brazil in 1877.

Before we go any further, yes, the town was named after the Republic of Brazil, South America.

The county's early settlers found the land rich in coal and clay deposits, which helped shape the economy and the region's identity. By the mid-1800s, Brazil emerged as a booming industrial hub thanks to the arrival of the National Road (now U.S. 40) and later, the railroad. The abundance of coal and clay led to the rise of mining and brick production, with the town famously earning the nickname