Clay County, Florida is a hidden gem situated along the scenic St. Johns River and one of the best counties in the state. If you’re considering relocating or just visiting, you’ll find that the cities in Clay County Florida offer a wonderful mix of small-town charm and modern conveniences. Join us as we explore the unique characteristics and attractions of Clay County’s cities, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you discover the perfect place to call home. All information provided comes from the United States Census Bureau.
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Clay County, FL
Where is Clay County? Located just a short drive from Jacksonville, Clay County, Florida, is the third-largest county in the Jacksonville metropolitan area and is nestled along the St. Johns River. Once a quiet rural area, Clay County has transformed into a largely suburban region, boasting the third-highest median household income in Florida, just behind St. Johns County and Santa Rosa County.
This economic rise is largely due to an influx of workers from Jacksonville and other nearby cities, such as St. Augustine and Gainesville, who have moved into the county’s residential subdivisions. Clay County is a very popular place to live for people who want to live a laid-back lifestyle while still enjoying easy access to big city amenities. As such, it is no surprise that over half of Clay County’s workforce commutes to other counties for work– the highest rate in Florida.
Clay County is known for its military history, with significant installations like Branan Air Field, Naval Air Station Green Cove Springs, and Camp Blanding all calling the county home. Additionally, the county has several water features that attract tourists from all over. Kingsley Lake, Lake Asbury, Doctors Lake, and Lake Geneva are all situated in Clay County.
Clay County Demographics
- Clay County population: 226,589
- Clay County median age: 40.2
- Clay County median household income: $85,594
- Clay County median price of housing: $349,300
- Clay County area: 604.6 square miles
- Clay County density: 374.8 people per square mile
- Clay County educational attainment: 94.4% high school degree (or higher), 27.4% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
Cities in Clay County Florida
These are all of the cities in Clay County Florida.
#1 Lakeside
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When it comes to the best cities in Clay County Florida, you can’t skip out on Lakeside. This census-designated place (CDP) is the largest community by area in Clay County Florida and is situated alongside Doctors Lake. Lakeside is known for being a college town, as it is home to St. Johns River State College. Because of this, you’ll find several apartment complexes in the community. Some of the most popular apartments in Lakeside include Cypress Pointe Apartments, Cassie Gardens Apartments, and The Edge at Lakeside.
- Lakeside population: 30,973
- Lakeside population growth: 3% decrease since 2010
- Lakeside median age: 38.8
- Lakeside median household income: $79,270
- Lakeside median house price: $327,450
- Lakeside crime rate: 2,116 crimes per 100,000 people (16% higher than state average and 9% lower than national average)
- Lakeside map
#2 Fleming Island
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Fleming Island is easily one of the best cities in Clay County Florida. Located just 21 miles southwest of Downtown Jacksonville on the western side of the St. Johns River, this CDP is popular among commuters. Fleming Island is not only one of the wealthiest cities in Clay County Florida, but also one of the wealthiest areas in Florida. Residents in Fleming Island make an average of $117,414 per year, which is much higher than the Florida average of $67,917.
- Fleming Island population: 29,810
- Fleming Island population growth: 2.8% increase since 2010
- Fleming Island median age: 47
- Fleming Island median household income: $117,414
- Fleming Island median house price: $327,000
- Fleming Island crime rate: 1,242 crimes per 100,000 people (32% lower than state average and 47% lower than national average)
- Fleming Island map
#3 Oakleaf Plantation
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Oakleaf Plantation is a planned community and is located in the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area. Developed in 2002, Oakleaf Plantation is one of the newest cities in Clay County Florida. This area is popular among families, and 76% of the households in the area are occupied by married couples. Additionally, the median household size is 3.3 persons. When living in this area of Clay County Florida, you’ll find several fun outdoor attractions, such as Eagle Landing Golf Club and the Oakleaf Competition Pool.
- Oakleaf Plantation population: 29,265
- Oakleaf Plantation population growth: 56.5% increase since 2010
- Oakleaf Plantation median age: 35.2
- Oakleaf Plantation median household income: $102,791
- Oakleaf Plantation median house price: $385,000
- Oakleaf Plantation crime rate: 1,869 crimes per 100,000 people (2% higher than state average and 20% lower than national average)
- Oakleaf Plantation map
#4 Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace
When listing cities in Clay County Florida, you can’t skip over Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace. This CDP is one of the most bustling small towns in the county. Blanding Boulevard, which runs directly through the community, is home to several shops and restaurants such as Boot Barn, Red Lobster, and Sorbellos Authentic Sicilian Food. Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace has some of the most affordable real estate out of all the cities in Clay County Florida. The median home price in the CDP is $227,000, which is lower than the national average of $438,000 as well as the Florida average of $420,000.
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- Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace population: 13,850
- Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace population growth: 13.6% increase since 2010
- Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace median age: 36.5
- Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace median household income: $55,496
- Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace median house price: $227,000
- Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace crime rate: 2,258 crimes per 100,000 people (24% higher than state average and 3% lower than national average)
- Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace map
#5 Asbury Lake
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Asbury Lake is one of the most popular cities in Clay County Florida. This CDP is popular among those who are interested in waterfront living, as a majority of the community is made up of Lake Asbury. This area is almost entirely residential, consisting of large, single-family homes with spacious yards and plenty of space to raise a family. Asbury Lake is also one of the safest cities in Clay County Florida, with a crime rate that is 20% below the state average and 37% below the national average.
- Asbury Lake population: 12,515
- Asbury Lake population growth: 17.0% increase since 2010
- Asbury Lake median age: 38.6
- Asbury Lake median household income: $102,454
- Asbury Lake median house price: $350,000
- Asbury Lake crime rate: 1,468 crimes per 100,000 people (20% lower than state average and 37% lower than national average)
- Asbury Lake map
#6 Middleburg
Middleburg is one of the best cities in Clay County Florida. With a population of just over 11,000, this area offers a small-town feel while still providing residents with easy access to the big city of Jacksonville. Middleburg is home to several cozy family-owned restaurants like Kelly’s Country Kitchen, Stone E Cabin, and Black Creek Cafe. Additionally, you’ll find some amazing schools in the area, such as Middleburg Elementary School and Lighthouse Christian School.
- Middleburg population: 11,838
- Middleburg population growth: 9.5% increase since 2010
- Middleburg median age: 45.7
- Middleburg median household income: $68,158
- Middleburg median house price: $353,000
- Middleburg crime rate: 2,202 crimes per 100,000 people (21% higher than state average and 5% lower than national average)
- Middleburg map
#7 Green Cove Springs
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Green Cove Springs is the county seat of Clay County, Florida. This community is one of the few cities in Clay County Florida that shares a border with the St. Johns River, providing residents with easy access to waterfront activities at places like Spring Park and Reynolds Park Yacht Center. This area is also popular among tourists, as it is home to the Military Museum of North Florida.
- Green Cove Springs population: 9,758
- Green Cove Springs population growth: 17.0% increase since 2010
- Green Cove Springs median age: 38.5
- Green Cove Springs median household income: $63,760
- Green Cove Springs median house price: $435,000
- Green Cove Springs crime rate: 2,106 crimes per 100,000 people (2.2% lower than state average and 10.2% lower than national average)
- Green Cove Springs map
#8 Orange Park
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Situated directly south of the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Orange Park is one of the most popular cities in Clay County Florida. There is always something to do in this area, and the city is home to top attractions like Orange Park Farmers’ & Arts Market, Rob Bradley Conservation Park at Nelson Point, and bestbet Orange Park. Orange Park is one of the most popular cities in Clay County Florida among young couples, and the median household size is 2.4 persons. Due to its close proximity to the naval station, it is also a popular place for retired service members to settle down, and 14.9% of residents living in the area are veterans.
- Orange Park population: 9,047
- Orange Park population growth: 0.2% increase since 2010
- Orange Park median age: 45.3
- Orange Park median household income: $67,035
- Orange Park median house price: $290,000
- Orange Park crime rate: 2,200 crimes per 100,000 people (2.2% higher than state average and 6.2% higher than national average)
- Orange Park map
#9 Keystone Heights
You can’t talk about the cities in Clay County Florida without mentioning Keystone Heights. This city is located in southwestern Clay County and borders the popular Lake Geneva. Keystone Heights is popular among families and is home to top-rated schools like Keystone Heights Elementary and Keystone Heights High School. This area is also a haven for outdoor lovers, with attractions like McDavid Park and Keystone Golf and Country Club calling the city home.
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- Keystone Heights population: 1,398
- Keystone Heights population growth: 11.3% increase since 2010
- Keystone Heights median age: 36.6
- Keystone Heights median household income: $73,750
- Keystone Heights median house price: $300,000
- Keystone Heights crime rate: 763 crimes per 100,000 people (58% lower than state average and 67% lower than national average)
- Keystone Heights map
#10 Penney Farms
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Founded by department store pioneer J.C. Penney, Penney Farms is one of the best cities in Clay County Florida. This CDP is almost entirely made up of the Penney Retirement Community, making it no surprise that the median age in the area is 76.5. This Christian retirement community offers several wonderful amenities, such as tennis courts, a fitness center, a heated Olympic-size pool, and a community garden. If you are looking for cities in Clay County Florida to retire in, make sure you consider Penney Farms.
- Penney Farms population: 721
- Penney Farms population growth: 73.8% increase since 2010
- Penney Farms median age: 76.5
- Penney Farms median household income: $63,333
- Penney Farms median house price: $263,000
- Penney Farms crime rate: 2,140 crimes per 100,000 people (17% higher than state average and 8% lower than national average)
- Penney Farms map
Cities in Clay County Map
What cities are in Clay County Florida? Check out this map below to find out.
FAQ Section
How Many Cities Are in Clay County?
There are 10 CDPs, towns, and cities in Clay County Florida.
What Is the Most Populous City in Clay County?
The most populous city in Clay County Florida is the CDP of Lakeside, which has a population of 30,973.
What Is the Wealthiest City in Clay County?
Fleming Island is the wealthiest city in Clay County, with a median household income of $117,414.
Which City is the Largest in Land Size?
Out of all of the Clay County cities, Middleburg is the largest in land size. This city has an area of 19.6 square miles.
What Is the Most Crowded City Instate?
When it comes to crowded Clay County Florida cities, Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace takes the cake. This city has a population density of 3,376 people per square mile.
Which One of Clay County’s Cities Is Right For You?
Which one of these cities in Clay County Florida is a good fit for you and your family? Clay County invites people of all ages and families of all sizes to live a comfortable life in the area. The county is full of big passions, endless opportunities, and friendly people. If you’re ready to move to one of these Clay County cities, then give 2 College Brothers a call. To get started with a free estimate, give us a call today at (352) 448-9095.
