Clay County Homes for Sale

Northeast Florida · county seat Green Cove Springs · 223,436 residents

Clay County is the value play of Northeast Florida — more home for the money than St. Johns or the Duval beaches, with the well-regarded Clay County District Schools and an easy commute to Jacksonville's Southside and NAS Jacksonville.

893 homes for saleMedian $337KBalanced Market110 neighborhoods
Live Market Pulse
69/100
Momentum
Balanced Market
Buyer 7/10 · Seller 4/10 · Investor 6/10. This is where Northeast Florida buyers priced out of St. Johns find space, newer homes, and good schools — with real builder leverage along the expressway corridor.
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Built fromZillow & Realtor.com datarealMLS listingsCensus & IRSUpdated monthly
LiveMarket PulseApril 2026
$337K
Median Value
-1.4%
1-Yr Price
54days
Avg DOM
23.1%
Price Cuts
Soft
Seller Leverage
$191/sf
Median $/Sqft
893
For Sale
Jon Brooks, founder of Momentum Realty
Jon's Current Read

"Clay County is the value play of Northeast Florida — more home for the money than St. Johns or the Duval beaches, with the well-regarded Clay County District Schools and an easy commute to Jacksonville's Southside and NAS Jacksonville. Growth is concentrated in Oakleaf, Fleming Island, and fast-rising Green Cove Springs along the new First Coast Expressway, which is reshaping where the county builds. For buyers that means real negotiating room; for sellers, sharp pricing and a willingness to offer a concession. The county median is a starting point — the number that matters is the one for a specific home in a specific Clay County neighborhood, which is what we price against live comps."

Jon Brooks, founder, Momentum Realty · Updated June 2026

The 60-Second Overview

Clay County snapshot (April 2026): typical home value $337K ($191/sqft), median rent $1,847, about 893 active listings, a median 54 days on market, and 23.1% of listings cutting price — a balanced market. Values are -1.4% over the past year and +5.3% over five years.

Clay County's economy leans on healthcare (Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County and nearby Orange Park Medical Center), retail and distribution along the US 17 and First Coast Expressway corridors, and a public sector led by the county school district and government. Just as important is what is across the river: a large share of Clay residents commute to Jacksonville's Southside and to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, so Duval's deep military, healthcare, and finance economy underwrites Clay housing demand.

Entry
under $236K

Condos, townhomes, and starter homes — the lowest-cost way into Clay County and its school zones.

Core
$236K–$438K

The heart of the market: established single-family homes and newer planned-community product.

Top
$438K+

Luxury, waterfront, acreage, and custom homes — the county's strongest-resale tier.

Rolled-up counts and medians from Realtor.com, April 2026. Price bands are typical ranges for orientation, not an appraisal.

Clay County Market Scorecard

Balanced Market

Clay County is a balanced market: about 893 active listings, a median list price of $359,000, 23.1% of them cutting price, and homes going under contract in about 54 days.

$337K
Typical value
444
New / mo
$191
$/sqft
54
Days on mkt
23.1%
Cut price
$1,847
Median rent
Typical home value · last 13 months $337K

Go deeper: county scorecard · all 67 counties · true cost calculator · affordability calculator.

Typical value & rent: Zillow Research. Listings & days on market: Realtor.com, April 2026. Market metrics describe homes for sale and recent sales, not residents.

Should You Buy, Sell, or Invest Here?

7/10
Buyer

This is where Northeast Florida buyers priced out of St. Johns find space, newer homes, and good schools — with real builder leverage along the expressway corridor.

4/10
Seller

Steady demand from value-focused buyers, but new construction along the First Coast Expressway is competition, so price to recent comps in your specific area.

6/10
Investor

Better entry prices than St. Johns and solid rental demand from the Jacksonville commuter base make Clay a more balanced cash-flow-and-appreciation option.

Cash offer
~$303K
  • Close in as little as 7–14 days
  • No repairs, cleaning, or showings
  • No financing fall-through
  • Pick your move-out date
List with Momentum
~$337Ktypical value
  • Often nets more, even after commission
  • Sells 1.25% above MLS average, 8 days faster
  • Full marketing & negotiation
  • We front the prep with our concierge

Figures are illustrative ranges, not an offer. Your actual cash offer and net-to-seller depend on the home's condition, location, and current Clay County demand. Compare both at our Clay County cash-offer page.

Schools in Clay County

Clay County District Schools is well regarded and scores above the Florida average on math and reading proficiency, which is a core part of the county's value proposition — strong schools at prices below St. Johns.

  • Fleming Island High School
  • Oakleaf High School
  • Ridgeview High School
  • Fleming Island Elementary
  • Robert M. Paterson Elementary

Zoning varies by address and shifts as the county adds schools along the expressway corridor — confirm the current assignment before you buy. See school-zone guides →

Taxes, Insurance & Cost to Own

A median-priced Clay County home costs about $2,392/month all-in (mortgage, tax, and insurance, 10% down) against median household income of $86,094. Florida's homestead exemption removes up to $50,000 of assessed value, and Save Our Homes caps annual assessed-value increases at 3% while you keep the homestead.

Typical property-tax millage15.053 mills (~1.51% before exemptions)
Avg. homeowners insurance$1,189/yr (Citizens county avg)
Homestead exemptionUp to $50,000 + 3% Save Our Homes cap
Est. all-in monthly (PITI)$2,392/mo on a $337K home
Income to buy median home$95,663/yr (est.)

At about $1,189 a year on average, Clay is among the more reasonable insurance markets in Florida, though coastal and older homes still run well above the average. Wind-mitigation features earn insurance credits; flood insurance is priced separately by address. Run your own numbers with the true cost calculator.

New Construction in Clay County

Builders pulled 1,522 residential permits last year (-19.0% YoY) — 1,240 single-family and 282 multifamily, about 6.8 per 1,000 residents. Active master-planned communities include Oakleaf Plantation; Eagle Harbor (Fleming Island); Hyland Trail (Green Cove Springs); Granary Park; Rolling Hills; Two Creeks (Middleburg). Builders compete on rate buydowns and closing-cost credits; buyer representation matters even on a new build. See active builders →

Population & Migration

Clay County has about 223,436 residents. On a net domestic basis it gained roughly 3,611 people and a net +$122.70M in adjusted gross income in the latest IRS filing year (county-to-county moves within the U.S.; this does not count international migration or births). Domestic arrivals are led by CA, VA, NY, NC. Migration is the demand engine behind prices: when more income flows in than out, it supports both rents and values.

12-Month Forecast

Expect Clay to stay the region's steady value market over the next 12 months. Demand from buyers priced out of St. Johns and Duval keeps a firm floor under prices, while heavy new construction along the First Coast Expressway keeps a lid on resale appreciation — a healthy, buyer-friendly balance.

Fleming IslandEstablished premium area on Doctors Lake; top Clay schools, Eagle Harbor golf.
Orange ParkMature commercial and residential hub; convenient and relatively affordable.
Green Cove SpringsHistoric riverfront county seat and the county's growth frontier along the expressway.
OakleafLarge master-planned area on the Duval line; newer family housing and new retail.
MiddleburgRural-suburban, larger lots and value; quieter pace.

Economy & Major Employers

Clay County's economy leans on healthcare (Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County and nearby Orange Park Medical Center), retail and distribution along the US 17 and First Coast Expressway corridors, and a public sector led by the county school district and government. Just as important is what is across the river: a large share of Clay residents commute to Jacksonville's Southside and to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, so Duval's deep military, healthcare, and finance economy underwrites Clay housing demand.

  • Clay County District Schools
  • Clay County government
  • Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County
  • Orange Park Medical Center (HCA)
  • Walmart
  • Publix
  • First Coast Expressway corridor retail (Oakleaf)

Many Clay residents commute to Jacksonville's Southside and NAS Jacksonville, so Duval's economy is a major demand driver.

A deep, diversified employer base is what underpins housing demand through national cycles. Talk to a local Clay County agent →

Master-plannedOakleaf Plantation, Eagle Harbor (Fleming Island), Hyland Trail (Green Cove Springs), Granary Park, Rolling Hills, Two Creeks (Middleburg)
GolfEagle Harbor Golf Club, Fleming Island Plantation
WaterfrontPace Island (guard-gated, Doctors Lake), Fleming Island (Doctors Lake), Black Creek frontage
LuxuryPace Island, Eagle Harbor, Doctors Lake estates
55+ / active adultActive-adult sections within Oakleaf and Fleming Island master plans

Lifestyle in Clay County

Clay is built around water and value: Doctors Lake and Black Creek for boating, Jennings State Forest and Camp Blanding for the outdoors, and a chain of family-oriented master plans with their own pools, trails, and golf. The new First Coast Expressway has opened a limited-access route toward I-10 and the Jacksonville westside, pulling new retail — including a Walmart Supercenter at Oakleaf — and steering growth toward Green Cove Springs.

Risks to Weigh

Clay's risks are riverine flooding (Black Creek and the Doctors Lake/St. Johns shoreline can flood in major storms), rising insurance, and the growing pains of fast expressway-corridor development, including county budget pressure as commercial construction cools. Inland and away from the water, risk is comparatively low for Florida.

Doctors Inlet (1)

Green Cove Springs (Lake Asbury) (1)

Jacksonville (1)

Middleburg / Green Cove Springs (1)

Oakleaf area (1)

Starke (1)

Recent Developments in Clay County

Development, infrastructure, retail, and school activity affecting Clay County, tracked by our team and summarized from public reporting and official sources, with links to the original coverage. Last updated June 2026.

  1. June 2026
    Development

    Hyland Trail adds to more than 3,000 homes planned for Lake Asbury

    Hyland Trail is among the developments set to bring more than 3,000 new homes, along with an amenity center, to the Lake Asbury area of Clay County, according to a June 16 report. The project adds to a cluster of large residential communities advancing in the growth corridor south of Jacksonville.

    What it may mean for the marketA concentration of planned rooftops in Lake Asbury may expand housing supply in southern Clay County over the coming years and could raise demand for roads, schools and retail, much of which is still being planned.

    Source: News4Jax
  2. June 2026
    Civic

    Clay County projects $44.5 million General Fund deficit amid slower commercial construction

    At a June budget workshop, Clay County staff projected a General Fund deficit of about $44.5 million for the next fiscal year, citing lower revenue and a slowdown in new construction, with the property appraiser pointing to commercial activity as the main difference. Commissioners discussed reducing software costs and eliminating more than 30 frozen positions, with further workshops set through the summer. The projection does not include any effect from the statewide property tax reform measure on the November ballot.

    What it may mean for the marketCounty budget pressure and the pending property tax vote are worth watching for buyers weighing long-term carrying costs in Clay County. Changes to millage or services could influence the total cost of ownership even where home prices hold steady.

    Source: News4Jax
  3. June 2026
    Infrastructure

    First Coast Expressway credited with steering growth across Clay County

    The Jacksonville Daily Record published a feature on the 1.8 billion dollar First Coast Expressway, describing how the SR 23 toll road is channeling commercial and residential investment through Clay County. The piece ties recent retail activity along the corridor, including the new Walmart Supercenter at the Oakleaf Plantation Parkway interchange, to the road's expanding reach.

    What it may mean for the marketContinued buildout along the expressway corridor could keep adding commuter routes and commercial services across the county, a pattern that historically supports sustained buyer interest in Clay's master-planned communities.

    Source: Jacksonville Daily Record
  4. May 2026
    Infrastructure

    Countywide resurfacing underway on CR 220, Town Center Boulevard and US 17

    Clay County's road and lane closure report for late May 2026 details nighttime milling and resurfacing on County Road 220 from US 17 to Arena Road, with crews then shifting to Town Center Boulevard between Eagle Harbor Parkway and East-West Parkway. The report also notes FDOT began a 5.3 million dollar US 17 resurfacing project from Doctors Inlet to Wells Road the week of May 25, alongside the county's ongoing CR 218 and CR 209 widening programs.

    What it may mean for the marketCoordinated repaving and widening of the county's main connectors may improve corridor conditions over time, though residents could see short-term nighttime lane closures while the work runs.

    Source: Clay County, FL Newsroom
  5. April 2026
    Builder Activity

    Build-to-rent buyer acquires 10 parcels in The District at Oakleaf Village

    County records published by the Jacksonville Daily Record show Oakleaf BTR SPE LLC paid about 2.36 million dollars for 10 residential parcels on York Lane in The District at Oakleaf Village Phase 1, purchased from Meritage Homes of Florida. The transaction ranked among Northeast Florida's top commercial sales recorded March 30 through April 5, 2026.

    What it may mean for the marketInstitutional build-to-rent activity in new Clay County phases may add rental inventory alongside for-sale product, a mix that could influence absorption pacing in nearby resale segments.

    Source: Jacksonville Daily Record
  6. March 2026
    Market

    Fleming Island Medical Plaza sells for 24.12 million dollars

    SG Property Services of Atlanta, buying through Fleming Island MOB Owner LLC, acquired the Fleming Island Medical Plaza for 24.12 million dollars, the Jacksonville Daily Record reported. The firm specializes in health care real estate development and acquisitions.

    What it may mean for the marketInstitutional capital acquiring medical office space in the county may reflect confidence in long-term service demand along the US 17 corridor, which historically tracks with stable residential occupancy.

    Source: Jacksonville Daily Record
  7. February 2026
    Retail & Dining

    Walmart Supercenter opens at First Coast Expressway and Oakleaf Plantation Parkway

    Walmart cut the ribbon February 4 on a roughly 175,000 square foot Supercenter with an adjacent 4,365 square foot liquor store at 10000 Omni Drive, at the southwest corner of the First Coast Expressway and Oakleaf Plantation Parkway. The company said the store adds about 400 jobs to the region.

    What it may mean for the marketA full-size Supercenter at a county interchange could shorten everyday shopping trips for northern Clay households, an amenity factor that historically supports demand in surrounding subdivisions.

    Source: Jacksonville Daily Record
  8. August 2025
    Infrastructure

    First Coast Expressway segment to US 17 opens ahead of schedule

    News4Jax reported the second Clay County phase of the First Coast Expressway, an 18 mile stretch from SR 21 near Middleburg to US 17 south of Green Cove Springs, opened in August 2025, well ahead of its original spring 2026 projection. The toll road gives Clay County drivers a new limited-access route toward I-10 and the Jacksonville westside.

    What it may mean for the marketA completed expressway link to US 17 could redistribute commute patterns countywide, and new limited-access capacity has historically broadened the buyer pool for communities along the corridor.

    Source: News4Jax

Summaries reflect public reporting and official sources linked above as of the dates shown. Project details, timelines, and approvals can change. Commentary on potential market effects is general observation, not investment advice or a prediction for any specific property. For the freshest items across the whole region, see This Week in Northeast Florida.

Clay County Real Estate FAQ

What is the median home price in Clay County?
The typical Clay County home is worth about $337K as of April 2026 (Zillow ZHVI), -1.4% over the past year. The median list price is similar; individual neighborhoods range widely around that figure.
Is Clay County a buyer's or seller's market?
As of April 2026, Clay County is a balanced market. Homes are taking a median of 54 days to sell, and inventory has rebuilt from its lows, giving buyers more room to negotiate than in recent years.
Is Clay County expensive?
Clay County's price-to-income ratio is about 3.9×, which is below the typical Florida county. The bigger cost surprises for newcomers are property insurance and, in newer communities, CDD fees — not the sticker price.
What is the average rent in Clay County?
The median rent is about $1,847 a month (Zillow ZORI). Against the typical home value, that is a gross rental yield near 6.6%.
Are property taxes high in Clay County?
The typical millage is about 15.053 mills, or roughly 1.51% of taxable value before exemptions. Florida's $50,000 homestead exemption and the Save Our Homes 3% assessment cap meaningfully lower the bill for owner-occupants.
How much is homeowners insurance in Clay County?
The Citizens county-average premium is about $1,189 a year, but your actual cost depends heavily on the home's age, roof, construction, and flood zone. Wind-mitigation credits can lower it; flood insurance is priced separately by address.
Is Clay County a good place to invest in real estate?
Better entry prices than St. Johns and solid rental demand from the Jacksonville commuter base make Clay a more balanced cash-flow-and-appreciation option.
Is Clay County growing?
Clay County has about 223,436 residents and is still drawing net in-migration of people and income. Migration and jobs are the forces most likely to support prices through the rate cycle.
How long do homes take to sell in Clay County?
A median of about 54 days on market as of April 2026, longer than the 2021-2022 frenzy and a sign of today's more balanced conditions.
What are the best areas to live in Clay County?
The county seat, Green Cove Springs, anchors the market, and the right area depends on whether you prioritize schools, commute, the water, or new construction. Our neighborhood guides map each on price, schools, and lifestyle.
What is the price per square foot in Clay County?
Listings in Clay County are priced around the area's median per-square-foot rate as of April 2026; smaller, older, and inland homes run below it, while new construction and waterfront run above. Per-square-foot is most useful within a single neighborhood, not across the whole county.
How much income do I need to buy a home in Clay County?
As a rough rule, a buyer needs household income roughly in line with the county's price-to-income ratio of 3.9× the home price, keeping total housing costs near 30% of income. Median household income here is $86,094. A lender pre-approval gives you the exact figure for your situation.
Is now a good time to buy in Clay County?
It depends on your horizon. For buyers planning to stay several years, today's balanced market conditions — more inventory and routine price cuts — offer better terms than the 2021-2022 peak. For short-term flips, flat appreciation makes the math tight. The right answer is specific to the home and your timeline.
Do I need flood insurance in Clay County?
It depends on the address. Homes in FEMA high-risk flood zones (A or V) typically require flood insurance with a federally backed mortgage, and even outside those zones it can be worth carrying in low-lying or coastal parts of Clay County. Flood premiums are priced separately by address under FEMA Risk Rating 2.0, so always check the flood zone before you buy.
Is Clay County a good place to retire?
Florida's lack of a state income tax and the homestead/Save Our Homes protections make Clay County attractive for retirees on a fixed income, especially in its 55+ and lower-maintenance communities. Weigh that against insurance costs and proximity to healthcare when you choose a specific area.
How fast are home prices rising in Clay County?
Over the past year, the typical Clay County home value moved -1.4%. Over five years it is +5.3% and over ten years +6.7% — so the long-run trend is up even though near-term growth has cooled.
What is the cost of living in Clay County?
Housing, insurance, and property tax are the main local cost drivers; Florida charges no state income tax. A median-priced home runs about $2,392 a month all-in (mortgage, tax, and insurance), against median household income of $86,094 a year. Utilities, transportation, and healthcare track close to state averages.
What are the risks of buying in Clay County?
The main ones are hurricane and flood exposure (which drive insurance costs), rising premiums statewide, and — in fast-growing submarkets — overbuilding that can soften resale and rents. On older condos, ask about reserves and special assessments. None are dealbreakers, but all belong in your budget before you offer.
Is Clay County good for real estate investors?
Clay County's estimated cap rate is about 6.6% with a gross yield near 6.6%, so it leans cash-flow-friendly. Net migration and the local job base are the demand signals that matter most for landlords here.
What counties are near Clay County?
See the 'Explore more' section on this page for direct links to the neighboring county market reports, plus the full set of scorecards for all 67 Florida counties.
Has inventory in Clay County gone up?
Yes — active listings are -7.2% versus a year ago. That rebuild from pandemic-era lows is the single biggest reason buyers have more leverage now than they did in 2021-2022.
Is Clay County cheaper than St. Johns County?
Yes, meaningfully. Clay offers more square footage and newer homes for the money, with well-regarded schools, which is exactly why buyers priced out of St. Johns look here. The trade-offs are a longer beach drive and schools that are strong but a notch below St. Johns' #1-in-Florida district.
Oakleaf or Fleming Island?
Fleming Island is the established premium area around Doctors Lake with top Clay schools and golf; Oakleaf is the newer, larger master-planned area on the Duval line with more new construction and fresh retail. Fleming Island tends to cost more; Oakleaf offers newer homes and easier access to the Southside.

or call (904) 351-6461 · jon@movewithmomentum.com
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