A growing town that has experienced population and housing growth in recent years. The town is a short commute from Carmarthen, and this has helped drive the residential development. This growth has helped sustain the number of people of working age, economically active and in fulltime employment.
The town's direct access to the A40 has encouraged the growth of strong traditional employment including several light industrial and commercial employment areas throughout the town.
There is also a small traditional town centre. Outside of the town, the economy supports a broad range of rural enterprises including agricultural, land-based industries, food and drink and tourism. There are also many microbusinesses, including newer 'lifestyle', visitor-related and creative industries that combine both living and working in rural areas.
There is also an important foundational side of the economy with many people employed in providing essential day to day local services, skilled trades, and professions such as driving instructors, pc repair and personal instructors etc.
St Clears wider role includes supporting the social, employment, education and localised retail role for Laugharne and smaller outlying villages such as Bancyfelin and the communities of the Llansteffan and Trelech Wards. St Clears leisure centre also serves the needs of its neighbouring towns.