For the most up to date information on economic development opportunities in Clay County, visit www.clayedo.com or contact the Chief Economic Developer.
Economy
 Clay County enjoys a diverse economy and a history of low unemployment and a low cost of doing business. The area’s foremost attributes are an abundant, readily available quality workforce and business-friendly community leaders working in a cohesive fashion to extend economic diversity and strong regional ties. Clay County, along with the surrounding areas, is a tremendous engine for the retail trade, and has a strong services industry component. One of the largest employers is Orange Park Medical Center, a significant community resource as a comprehensive provider of quality medical care.
Clay County is proactive about the future sustainability of its economy and boasts a variety of active neighborhoods including:
- Orange Park has an active service sector economy with a base of medical, business, commercial, light industrial and retail trade.
- Fleming Island is the current hot spot for growth in Clay County, featuring Eagle Harbor and Fleming Island Plantation, which offer highly attractive environments for both business and recreation. The Fleming Island area is ready to serve a variety of business build-to-suit needs, including office, headquarters and light industrial.
- The Branan Field-Chaffee area is slated to be the next growth corridor for Clay County, with direct north-south access between Clay County and I-10 near Cecil Commerce Center.
- OakLeaf Plantation is a 6,400-acre residential/commercial development with an abundance of amenities, infrastructure and environment right for commercial, office and industrial space, interconnected with well-planned neighborhoods, communities, schools, shopping and regional parks.
- Middleburg/Clay Hill provides a mixture of suburban and rural lifestyles through rolling hills and timberland, with a location advantageous for warehouse/distribution activities.
- Green Cove Springs incorporates a variety of historic sites and a quaint, old-town feel. Nevertheless, this area also sustains the largest percentage of industrial employers, strategically located to take advantage of multi-modal transportation options for movement of goods.
- Keystone Heights boasts an airpark that provides multiple employment activities through aviation commercial, select industrial and industrial, in addition to a natural park and timber/wildlife areas.
- The Camp Blanding Joint Training Center is recognized as a premier training center, with state-of-the-art-facilities, classrooms and teleconferencing capabilities, in addition to a wide range of training options.
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Lifestyle
In Clay County, the living is both easy and exhilarating. Business and residents find the best of both worlds – a small town atmosphere with the amenities of a major metro area. Whether one is looking for education, business, or recreation opportunities, Clay County has it all.
Nestled along the banks of the St. Johns River, Clay County offers an unsurpassed quality of life. Water sports, boating, sailing, golf and tennis are enjoyed here year round. Some of the finest public and private golf courses may be found in Clay County such as the Country Club of Orange Park, Eagle Harbor, Fleming Island Plantation, OakLeaf Plantation, and Magnolia Point. Clay County Fair Grounds, near Green Cove Springs, has expanded facilities and offers a variety of activities in a family-oriented atmosphere. Events like the North-Florida Scottish Highland Games, the annual Hunter-Jumper Event and the Agricultural County Fair, professional rodeos and much more utilize one of the largest multi-purpose pavilions in the region. Furthermore, Clay County has opportunities for those interested in the arts and culture with professional theater, dance, music performances and visual art exhibits at the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts.
Young families are relocating to the area because of the top-notch public school system. In fact, Clay County schools consistently rank above state and national standards and have been rated "superior" by outside consultants. Moreover, the post-secondary education system offers a variety of life long learning opportunities while the higher education options range from undergraduate to graduate degree programs.
Clay County residents and businesses alike are benefiting from the county’s proactive smart planning approach. To date, Clay County is home to several master planned communities such as OakLeaf Plantation, Eagle Harbor and Fleming Island Plantation. These areas provide "live, work, and play" environments. Future developments of regional impact include Black Creek and Saratoga Springs, areas which will incorporate a variety of mixed uses as well as the Peter’s Creek Business Park for business and industrial development.
Simply put, Clay County is ideal for all ages and all seasons - a perfect mix of city and country, modern hustle and natural tranquility. It is the perfect location in which to work, live, learn and play.
Government
Clay County includes unincorporated Middleburg and four municipalities - Orange Park (adjacent to Jacksonville), Green Cove Springs (county seat), Penney Farms and Keystone Heights. The Board of County Commissioners is the law-making body of the county operating under the Home Rule charter since 1991 along with a county manager.
The Clay County Chamber of Commerce and the Clay County Development Authority stand ready to help you get your business off the ground. Whether you are looking at relocation or expansion opportunities, we will work very closely with you, our client, in maintaining the utmost confidentiality throughout the entire business development process.
Chief Economic Developer
 Danita Andrews
Clay County Chamber of Commerce
1734 Kingsley Avenue
Orange Park, FL 32073
(904) 264-1005 phone
(904) 269-0363 fax
dandrews@clayedo.com
www.claychamber.org
Clay County Statistics
Population
| Classification |
Numbers |
| Total Population (2007) |
183,130 |
| Projected Population (2012) |
210,487 |
| Population Growth (1990 to 2007) |
4.2% |
| Median Age |
37.4 |
Source: Decision Data, 2007
| Age in Years |
Population |
| Under 4 |
6.3% |
| 5-14 |
13.4% |
| 15-19 |
7.5% |
| 20-24 |
7.1% |
| 25-34 |
12.7% |
| 35-44 |
14.1% |
| 45-54 |
15.4% |
| 55-64 |
12.3% |
| 65-74 |
7.0% |
| 75-84 |
3.2% |
| 85+ |
1.0% |
Source: Decision Data, 2007
Racial Mix*
| Race |
Percentage |
| White |
83.8% |
| Black |
9.0% |
| American Indian or Alaskan Native |
0.2% |
| Asian |
2.4% |
| Other Race |
1.8% |
| Two or More Races |
2.7% |
| **Hispanic or Latino Origin |
5.9% |
*Race alone or in combination with one or more other races. Total may not equal 100%.
** Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin can be of any race.
Source: Decision Data, 2007
Major Employers
| Employer |
Sector |
Number of Employees |
| Clay County School Board |
County School Board |
4,000 |
| Orange Park Medical Center |
Hospital |
950 |
| Jacksonville Kennel Club |
Race Track & Restaurant |
600 |
| Clay County Sheriff's Office |
Law Enforcement |
550 |
| HCA Patient Account Service Center |
Insurance, Billing, Claims Processing & Procurement |
550 |
| Challenge Enterprises |
Disabled Services |
336 |
| VAC-CON |
Truck Manufacturer |
250 |
| Clay Electric Cooperative Inc. |
Electric Utilities |
244 |
| Moosehaven International |
Retirement Services |
241 |
| Kindred Hospital North Florida |
Long-Term Care |
230 |
| AT&T |
Telecommunications |
225 |
| Life Care Center of Orange Park |
Nursing Home |
210 |
| Consulate Health Care |
Nursing Home |
200 |
| Mike Shad Ford |
Automobile Dealership |
200 |
| Hanson Pipe & Precast |
Underground Concrete Structures and Pipes |
150 |
Information Current as of January 2008
Income
| Classification |
Income |
| Per Capita Income |
$24,547 |
| Median Household Income |
$61,110 |
| Average Household Income |
$67,022 |
Source: Decision Data, 2007
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