Yulee
RANK #747 / 996 NAT · #17 / 41 FL · POP 91,538
1YR FORECAST: -0.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +17%
Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island, stands out in Nassau County with its historic Victorian architecture and designation as the only place in the U.S. to have been governed under eight different flags. Located in the northeastern corner of Florida, Nassau County is about 25 miles from Jacksonville International Airport, offering a blend of coastal living and rural charm. The community maintains a small-town feel, with residents often appreciating the sense of connection and local events. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with miles of beaches on Amelia Island, kayaking and fishing opportunities in the St. Marys and Nassau Rivers, and extensive nature trails in areas like Four Creeks State Forest and Fort Clinch State Park.
Life in Nassau County appeals to families and retirees seeking a quieter pace. The public schools in Nassau County are highly rated, contributing to its appeal for families. While public transportation options exist, such as Nassau Transit and Nassau Express Select for commutes to Jacksonville, personal vehicles are generally necessary for most errands. The economy is experiencing growth, driven by tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare, with major investments flowing into industrial and commercial sectors. This development is bringing new businesses and amenities to the area.
Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.4x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
NextNRG Nassau County Data Center Campus & Smart Microgrid
NextNRG
|
$500M | Planned |
|
FPL Thomas Creek Solar Energy Center
Florida Power & Light (FPL)
|
$74M | Operating |
|
Nassau Solar Center
Florida Power & Light (FPL)
|
$74M | Operating |
|
Wildlight Development Natural Gas Infrastructure Expansion
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (Florida Public Utilities & Peninsula Pipeline Company)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Wildlight Master-Planned Community
Unknown
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 24/100, Nassau County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $84,085 combined with job growth of +2.6% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Nassau County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $306,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $1,171/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Nassau County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +3.4% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.6% clip. Home values shifted -2.5% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.51% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Nassau County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.