RANK #903 / 996 · POP 219,650 · FL
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.7%
Clay County, Florida, distinguishes itself with its abundance of natural water features, including Kingsley Lake, Lake Asbury, Doctors Lake, and Black Creek, which offer extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking, fishing, and water sports. Located southwest of Jacksonville, the county maintains a suburban and rural feel, despite its proximity to the larger city. Commuting to Jacksonville is common, with over half of Clay County's workforce traveling to other counties for work, resulting in an average commute time of approximately 33 minutes. The ongoing construction of the First Coast Expressway, with several interchanges within Clay County, aims to improve connectivity and ease travel.
Life in Clay County often appeals to families seeking a balance between suburban amenities and natural surroundings. The Clay County School District is recognized for its academic programs. Recent economic developments in the county are driven by significant investments in infrastructure, particularly with the First Coast Expressway project, which is fostering new residential, commercial, and industrial growth. There is also ongoing development in master-planned communities that include new housing and schools. The county's strategic location and available land are attracting businesses, contributing to job creation and supporting a growing population.
Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks overvalued at 7.9x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
First Coast Expressway (FCX) - Phase 3
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
|
$1,900M | Under Construction |
|
IKO Industries Manufacturing Campus (Clay Hill)
IKO Industries Ltd.
|
$270M | Under Construction |
|
Solar Energy Centers (Magnolia Springs, Anhinga, Terrill Creek)
Florida Power & Light Company (FPL)
|
$225M | Operating/Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Clay County has a Boom Town Index score of 9/100, ranking #903 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.6% and a median household income of $82,242, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Clay County is $254,500 with median rent at $1,372/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3232, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.6% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.6%. Home values changed -2.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.6% of Clay County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.