countyscore
45.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 86.8Water Quality 86Property Tax 71.4

County Report Card

About Baker County, Florida

Baker matches the national livability median

Baker County's composite score of 45.7 sits just below the national median of 50.0, putting it squarely in the middle of American counties. This near-average standing masks a county of stark contrasts: exceptional tax rates and water quality alongside weaker health and school systems. The profile suggests Baker is competitive nationally but requires careful matching to individual priorities.

Baker edges above Florida's average

At 45.7, Baker County slightly exceeds Florida's average composite score of 45.1, ranking it among the state's mid-tier performers. The county's competitive tax burden (0.627% effective rate) and affordable housing help it keep pace despite notable health and education gaps. Baker's standing reflects a fiscally conservative county managing modest resources effectively.

Taxes, affordability, and natural resilience shine

Baker leads with outstanding tax efficiency (score: 71.4, effective rate: 0.627%) and strong housing affordability at $1,011/month rent and $225,000 median home values. The risk score of 86.8 and water score of 86.0 rank among the state's best, signaling low exposure to environmental hazards and clean water access. Median household income of $70,833 provides solid earning power.

Schools and health lag noticeably

Baker's school score of 13.1 is among Florida's lowest, a critical concern for families prioritizing education. Health infrastructure scores just 38.8, suggesting limited medical services or outcomes relative to state norms. These gaps mean residents often travel to neighboring counties for specialized care and educational alternatives.

Ideal for cost-conscious families without children

Baker County suits budget-focused professionals, retirees, and empty nesters seeking low taxes, affordable housing, and environmental safety without needing strong schools nearby. Young families seeking quality education should consider other Florida counties with stronger educational profiles. The livability sweet spot is for those whose priorities align with fiscal responsibility over institutional services.

Score breakdown

Tax71.4Cost30.2Safety54.2Health38.8Schools13.1Income68.5Risk86.8Water86Weather28.4
🏛71.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠30.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼68.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓13.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡86.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤28.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨33.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱20.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Charlton County
Georgia
53.1
Union County
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57.2
Nassau County
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48.6
Columbia County
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Bradford County
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Duval County
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Clay County
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Clinch County
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Deep Dives

Baker County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Baker County

via TaxByCounty

Baker taxes well below national average

Baker County's effective tax rate of 0.627% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.73%, placing it near the 40th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,410 runs $1,280 below the national median, even though home values are comparable.

Baker is Florida's tax bargain

Baker's 0.627% effective rate ranks as one of the lowest in Florida, well below the state average of 0.731%. At just $1,410 in median annual taxes, Baker homeowners save $475 yearly compared to the state average of $1,885.

Baker undercuts all regional peers

Baker's 0.627% rate beats Bradford County (0.567%) slightly and vastly outperforms Alachua County's 0.983%. Among North Florida counties, only Bradford and Calhoun offer comparable tax savings.

Your annual tax bill in Baker

On a median home value of $225,000, Baker residents pay approximately $1,410 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related expenses, the full bill comes to roughly $1,610 per year.

Even low taxes can be lowered

Even in affordable-tax Baker County, some homeowners remain overassessed and eligible for appeals. Contacting the Property Appraiser's office about a potential informal appeal is free and could provide additional relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Baker County

via CostByCounty

Baker County is genuinely affordable

Baker County residents spend just 17.1% of income on rent—well below the national affordability threshold and among Florida's best values. At $1,011 monthly on a $70,833 median income, renters here preserve more cash for other needs than most Americans.

Best rent-to-income ratio in North Florida

Baker's 17.1% rent burden ranks in Florida's most affordable tier, beating the state average of 22.5% by 5.4 percentage points. Few Florida counties deliver this combination of reasonable rents and decent household income.

Unbeaten value in the rural North

Baker's $1,011 rent and 17.1% burden outperform Alachua (25.2%), Bradford (16.8%, though cheaper rent), and Bay County (24.4%). Bradford edges slightly cheaper on rent alone, but Baker's higher income makes housing proportionally more manageable.

Balanced affordability for renters and owners

Renters spend 17.1% of income while homeowners spend 16.4%, creating rare parity in housing burdens. A median home value of $225,000 and monthly owner cost of $973 offer accessible homeownership paths alongside affordable rentals.

Hidden gem for budget-conscious relocators

Baker County delivers genuine affordability without sacrificing income—a rare combination in modern Florida. If you're fleeing high-cost metros and seeking rural quiet with 17% housing costs, Baker deserves your serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Baker County

via IncomeByCounty

Baker keeps pace with national earnings

Baker County's median household income of $70,833 nearly matches the national median of $74,755, just $3,922 behind. This strong performance places Baker in the upper-middle tier nationally, suggesting a resilient local economy with balanced employment across multiple sectors.

Above Florida's state income average

Baker County's $70,833 median household income exceeds Florida's state average of $65,468 by $5,365, positioning it in the upper third of Florida counties. The county punches well above its weight for a rural North Florida community, driven by stable employment in forestry, agriculture, and small manufacturing.

Baker leads its regional peer group

Baker ($70,833) significantly outearns neighboring Alachua County ($59,659) and Bradford County ($59,740), making it the income leader in the North Florida region. This advantage reflects Baker's diverse economic base and lower cost of living compared to college-town Alachua.

Housing costs remain highly affordable

Baker's rent-to-income ratio of just 17.1% is the lowest among regional peers, indicating excellent housing affordability. Combined with a median home value of $225,000, Baker households enjoy significant financial breathing room compared to state and national benchmarks.

Invest savings in your family's future

With strong income and low housing costs, Baker County households have genuine opportunity to save and invest. Automatic transfers to high-yield savings accounts and diversified investment portfolios can help families build generational wealth faster than the national average.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Baker County

via CrimeByCounty

Baker County Offers High National Security

With a safety score of 98.4, Baker County is significantly safer than the average American county. Its total crime rate of 1033.3 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Perfect Alignment with Florida Averages

Baker County’s safety score of 98.4 perfectly matches the Florida state average. Its crime rate of 1033.3 is also nearly identical to the state average of 1027.9, showing consistent local performance.

Leading Nearby Counties in Safety

Baker County is significantly safer than neighboring Alachua County, where the crime rate reaches 2160.7. Residents here enjoy a more tranquil environment compared to the higher-density areas to the south.

Understanding Local Property and Violent Crime

The county reports 715.1 property crimes and 318.2 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Both figures remain lower than national benchmarks, keeping the community relatively secure.

Simple Steps for Baker County Security

Security awareness remains important even in safe areas like Baker County. Basic measures such as locking all entry points and maintaining clear sightlines around your property provide effective protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Baker County

via HealthByCounty

Baker County faces significant health gaps

At 73.5 years, Baker County residents live more than 2 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 19.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county's health burden exceeds the national average of 21%—a warning sign of healthcare and economic barriers.

Among Florida's lowest life expectancies

Baker County's 73.5-year life expectancy ranks near the bottom of Florida counties, falling 2.3 years behind the state average of 75.8 years. The 19.5% poor/fair health rate signals widespread chronic conditions and limited preventive care access compared to healthier Florida communities.

Isolation compounds health challenges

Baker's 73.5-year life expectancy trails neighbor Alachua County by more than 4 years, and its 38 primary care providers per 100,000 residents represents one-quarter the density of Alachua. With only 134 mental health providers per 100,000, Baker residents face significant waits and travel burdens to find behavioral health support.

Coverage gaps leave families vulnerable

At 10.8% uninsured, Baker County slightly beats the state average, yet sparse provider networks mean even covered residents struggle to find care. The shortage of 38 primary care providers per 100,000—less than half the state's typical density—forces residents into costly emergency care and delayed diagnoses.

Enrollment opens doors to care

If you're among the 10.8% uninsured, coverage is your first step to accessing Baker's limited providers and reducing out-of-pocket costs. Apply at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health center sliding-scale options today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Baker County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused and Centralized Education in Baker

Baker County operates a streamlined educational system consisting of nine public schools all managed by a single district. The infrastructure supports 5,003 students through six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This concentrated approach ensures that nearly every student in the county follows the same academic pathway.

Steady Growth Toward State Standards

The county reports an 85.0% graduation rate, which sits just below the national average of 87.0%. Funding follows state trends with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,079, while the school score of 46.7 reflects a system currently building toward state benchmarks. These metrics highlight a community where every dollar is focused on core classroom needs.

A Single, Unified School District

The Baker District manages 100% of the county's public education, serving all 5,003 enrolled students. Notably, there are no charter schools in the county, meaning the district provides a consistent, traditional public school experience for every family. This unity allows for a high degree of coordination across all grade levels.

The Heart of Small-Town Schooling

Every school in the county is classified as a 'Town' locale, creating a cohesive community feel where students rarely feel lost in the crowd. The average school size is 715 students, but the high school experience is much larger, with Baker County Senior High hosting 1,425 students. Even the PreK/Kindergarten Center maintains a significant presence with 592 early learners.

A Tight-Knit Community for Families

Baker County offers a rare, unified school experience where your neighbors are often your classmates from kindergarten through graduation. Families looking for a stable, town-centered lifestyle will find Baker's singular school district highly predictable and community-oriented. Consider exploring homes near Macclenny to stay close to the heart of this educational system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Baker County

via RiskByCounty

Baker County faces very low disaster risk

Baker County's composite risk score of 13.26 places it far below the U.S. average, earning a "Very Low" risk rating. This inland location shelters it from many of the coastal hazards that plague Florida's more exposed counties.

Lowest-risk county in Florida

Baker's score of 13.26 is dramatically lower than Florida's 75.74 state average, making it the safest county in the state. Only a handful of other inland Florida counties come close to Baker's favorable risk profile.

Safest in its region by far

Baker County (13.26) sits well below neighboring Bradford County (36.86) and dramatically safer than Alachua County (90.33). Its inland, northern location provides natural protection unavailable to Florida's coastal and central counties.

Wildfire and hurricane exposure worth monitoring

Despite very low overall risk, wildfire risk scores 76.21—Baker's highest hazard—reflecting Florida's dry season vulnerability. Hurricane risk (74.47) remains present even this far inland, though the county's small population limits overall exposure.

Standard homeowners insurance generally sufficient

Baker County residents benefit from exceptional safety; standard homeowners insurance typically covers the county's modest risks. Verify your policy includes wildfire coverage if you live near forested areas, though flood insurance is generally low-priority here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Baker County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Inland Subtropical Patterns

Baker County maintains an average annual temperature of 68.7°F, far exceeding the national median for a typical American county. This subtropical climate provides a consistently warm atmosphere compared to most of the country.

One of Florida's Coolest Counties

With an average of 68.7°F, Baker is one of the coolest counties in Florida, sitting more than two degrees below the state average of 71.1°F. It provides a slightly more temperate experience than its neighbors to the south.

Typical Northern Florida Rainfall

Baker is marginally cooler than Alachua County's 69.0°F average and shares a similar inland climate profile. Its 53.2 inches of annual rainfall nearly matches the state average of 54.8 inches.

Brief Winters and Moderate Heat

The county sees 81 days of extreme heat where temperatures top 90°F, concentrated mostly in the 81.1°F summer months. Winters are brief and mild, averaging 55.6°F with zero inches of snow.

HVAC and Drainage Priorities

Residents should focus on dual-purpose HVAC units that handle humid summers and the occasional 53.5°F January dip. Outdoor planning should account for the 53.2 inches of rain that fall mostly in the warmer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Baker County

via SoilByCounty

Baker's extremely acidic soil

Baker County features very acidic soil with a pH of 4.05, which is well below the Florida average of 4.88 and the national median of 6.5. This intense acidity often limits the availability of certain plant nutrients.

Slightly less sand, more workability

The soil is 76.6% sand and only 2.3% clay, offering a bit more body than many coastal counties. This mix ensures easy workability for farmers but requires constant monitoring of drainage due to the low silt levels.

Rich in organic material

Organic matter is exceptionally high here at 12.23%, far surpassing both the national 2.0% average and the state 8.03% average. This richness is paired with an available water capacity of 0.124 in/in, providing excellent growing potential.

Variable drainage and hydrology

Dominant drainage classes are not specifically listed for this county in the current data. Given the high water capacity, growers should watch for seasonal saturation in low-lying areas during the rainy season.

Acid-loving plants thrive here

Zone 9a conditions combined with low pH make Baker County a paradise for acid-loving shrubs and pines. Consider testing your soil and adding lime if you plan to grow vegetables that prefer neutral conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Baker County

via LawnByCounty

A Slightly Easier Path in Baker County

Baker County earns a lawn difficulty score of 20.7, making it a bit easier to manage than the Florida state average of 19.2. Despite this relative advantage, the county remains much more challenging than the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 9a still face the high humidity and unique soil traits common to the Deep South.

Abundant Rain Feeds the Growing Season

The county sees a robust 53.2 inches of annual rainfall, which is slightly above the ideal lawn range and requires well-planned drainage. Residents experience 81 extreme heat days per year, which is lower than the state average of 92 but still necessitates heat-tolerant grass species. The 7,028 growing degree days ensure a long, productive season for turf growth.

Correcting Extremely Acidic Sand in Baker

Baker County soil features a very low pH of 4.05, placing it far outside the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot for healthy lawns. With only 2.3% clay and 76.6% sand, the soil struggles to hold onto essential nutrients and water. You will likely need frequent lime treatments to neutralize the acidity and regular fertilization to compensate for the high sand content.

Managing Severe Drought in the Panhandle

Despite the heavy annual rain, Baker County spent 26 weeks in drought over the last year and currently faces 100% severe drought coverage. Mulching around landscape edges and keeping grass at a taller height can help protect the soil from moisture loss. Drought-tolerant species are essential here since the current conditions are classified as severe.

When to Plant in Zone 9a

Centipede grass is a popular local choice because it handles acidic soil better than most, though St. Augustine remains a Florida favorite. Plan your major lawn projects after the last frost on March 8 and well before the first fall frost on December 1. Starting your lawn in mid-spring allows the grass to capitalize on the 53 inches of annual rain.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baker County's county score?
Baker County, Florida has a composite county score of 45.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Baker County rank among counties in Florida?
Baker County ranks #32 among all counties in Florida on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Baker County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Baker County is $1,410, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Baker County a tax score of 71.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Baker County?
The median household income in Baker County, Florida is $70,833 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Baker County earns an income score of 68.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Baker County, Florida a good place to live?
Baker County scores 45.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Baker County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Baker County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.