Palm Coast, Florida SperlingViews

The economy in Palm Coast is horrible.

Measured unemployment is in the 12% range (measured being those collecting benefits)

Un-measured unemployment is in the 15% range (un-measured being those who are either no longer eligible for benefits or formerly self employed and were never eligible).

Job creation is in the negatives, businesses are failing left and right.

There is an abundance of unoccupied retail space, in fact almost every retail building has at least one unoccupied unit, some newer construction is 90% vacant.

Essentially the only employment for professionals is either self employment or you must leave the county all together.

The Services industry has been the hardest hit this year with an abundance of companies shutting down.

There are practically no construction jobs left within the county.

Income levels for the entire city are grossly skewed due to the inclusion of the Hammocks which is one of the most expensive areas in FL to live, yet the Hammocks are not part of the city of Palm Coast.

The city government is wasteful and takes poor care of the common areas in the inner portions of the city. Swales, drainage ditches, canals, vacant lots and roads are all neglected except for the main street areas. Yet they are very quick to post violations and fines to residents if their grass grows above six inches.

I would estimate 1-in-3 houses are vacant.

Impact fees for new businesses and new construction are prohibitive. Business license restrictions are prohibitive to new and innovative businesses.

All-in-all, where Palm Coast had been one of the fastest growing cities in the US through 2006, it is on the verge of becoming one of the most depressed areas in the country today.

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