countyscore
63.2
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 94.6Disaster Risk 90.3

County Report Card

About Baker County, Georgia

A National Leader in Livability

Baker County boasts an impressive composite score of 63.1, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score places it among the most livable rural counties in the entire United States.

Leading the Pack in Georgia

The county’s 63.1 score dwarfs the state average of 46.7, marking it as a premier destination in Georgia. It offers a quality-of-life profile that few other counties in the region can match.

Unmatched Safety and Housing Affordability

With a near-perfect Safety Score of 97.5 and a Cost Score of 94.6, Baker County is both secure and economical. Low median rents of $643 ensure that housing costs do not strain household budgets.

Lags in Income and Health

Despite its high overall score, the county sees low marks in Income (6.5) and Health (24.9). These figures reflect a median household income of $44,405 and limited local medical infrastructure.

The Verdict: Ideal for Secure, Low-Cost Living

Baker County is the ultimate choice for those who value extreme safety and maximum bang-for-their-buck. It is particularly well-suited for families looking to escape urban crime and high housing prices.

Score breakdown

Tax47.8Cost94.6Safety97.5Health24.9Schools41.5Income6.5Risk90.3Water86Weather36.3
🏛47.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠94.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼6.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡90.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.8
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

Mitchell County
Georgia
34.8
Calhoun County
Georgia
57.7
Miller County
Georgia
54.3
Dougherty County
Georgia
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Early County
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Decatur County
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Grady County
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Terrell 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 County taxes slightly below national median

Baker County's 0.868% effective rate sits just below the national median of 0.88%, placing it near the middle of the U.S. tax distribution. Despite higher-valued homes averaging $120,100, the median tax bill remains just $1,042—roughly 61% below the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above Georgia's statewide average

Baker County's 0.868% rate marginally exceeds Georgia's state average of 0.898%, yet its median tax of $1,042 falls $487 short of the state median of $1,529. The county represents a middle ground within Georgia's property tax landscape.

Moderate rates in a varied region

Baker County (0.868%) ranks between Appling (0.846%) and Bacon (1.022%), offering middle-ground property tax conditions. With a median home value of $120,100, it attracts buyers seeking moderate property values and reasonable tax bills.

Median home tax estimate

A typical $120,100 home in Baker County incurs roughly $1,042 in annual property taxes. With mortgage and insurance factored in, annual costs approach $572 for some households, though this varies based on individual mortgage terms.

Challenge your assessment if warranted

Baker County homeowners should review their assessments regularly, comparing them against recent sales of similar properties. Free assessment appeals can significantly reduce your tax burden if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Baker County

via CostByCounty

Baker offers Georgia's best rental affordability

Baker County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these eight Georgia counties and well below the national average, reflecting smart wage-to-rent alignment. The median rent of $643 combined with $44,405 median income creates one of the region's tightest affordability profiles.

Top-tier affordability statewide

Baker County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's most affordable counties in this dataset, beating the state average of 18.6% by 1.2 percentage points. This rural county punches above its weight on affordability despite moderate income levels.

Underrated gem in rural Georgia

Baker County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio beats nearby Appling (19.5%) and Atkinson (19.4%), while offering rents only $68 above Atkinson's floor. The $120,100 median home value represents the highest in this rural cluster, signaling deeper market strength than rent prices alone suggest.

Just over a sixth goes to rent

Baker County residents earning $44,405 median income pay $643 monthly rent—only 17.4% of gross household earnings. Homeowners benefit even more, with $475 monthly mortgage costs on homes valued at $120,100, the highest median home value in this rural cohort.

Baker's the affordability sweet spot

Baker County delivers Georgia's best rental affordability in this region while maintaining the highest median home values, making it ideal for both renters and first-time buyers. Compare its 17.4% rent-to-income ratio against neighboring counties before moving—Baker genuinely offers more housing breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Baker County

via IncomeByCounty

Baker earns 41% below national median

Baker County's median household income of $44,405 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $30,350. This gap reflects limited higher-wage employers and economic diversity typical of rural Southwest Georgia counties.

Below-average earner statewide

Baker County's $44,405 median household income falls 27% short of Georgia's county average of $60,488. The county ranks in the lower half of Georgia's 159 counties for household earnings capacity.

Mid-range earner among rural peers

Baker County's $44,405 median sits between Appling ($43,728) and Bacon ($50,310), positioning it squarely in the rural South Georgia earnings range. The county is part of a cluster of counties sharing similar economic conditions.

Best housing affordability in group

Baker County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 17.4%, meaning housing remains highly affordable despite modest incomes. However, the median home value of $120,100 is notably higher than neighboring counties, suggesting appreciation potential but requiring careful homebuying decisions.

Capitalize on housing market potential

Baker County residents should consider homeownership strategically, as rising property values ($120,100 median) combined with low rent-to-income ratios create wealth-building opportunities. Pair this with consistent savings habits and long-term market investing to grow net worth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Baker County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Baker County

Baker County reports a safety score of 100.0, representing the highest possible tier of security. Two local agencies reported zero incidents in 2022, placing the county far below the national crime rate of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Safety Rankings

Baker County’s safety score of 100.0 is significantly higher than the Georgia average of 97.8. While the reported rate of 0.0 per 100K is exceptional, it may reflect limited reporting periods from local agencies.

A Quiet Presence in Southwest Georgia

Compared to nearby counties with more active reporting, Baker stands out as a pocket of tranquility. Its reported zero-crime status is a rarity even among the safest counties in the state.

Interpreting Zero Reported Incidents

The violent and property crime rates both stand at 0.0 per 100K based on 2022 data. While residents enjoy high security, it is always wise to stay vigilant as statistics can vary year-to-year.

Vigilance Even in Silent Data

Even with perfect safety scores, homeowners should maintain standard security protocols like motion-sensor lighting. Reliable reporting depends on community engagement, so always report suspicious activity to your local sheriff.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Baker County

via HealthByCounty

Slightly below U.S. life expectancy

Baker County residents live an average of 71.8 years, roughly 5.1 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.9 years. One in four (23.7%) report poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 17.8%. While the county shows relative strength on the uninsured metric, health outcomes remain below national norms.

Near Georgia's state average

At 71.8 years, Baker County's life expectancy is nearly half a year below Georgia's 73.3-year average, placing it near the middle of the state's health rankings. The 23.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state baseline, suggesting room for improvement in chronic disease prevention. The county performs better on insurance coverage, with an 11.1% uninsured rate—well below the state's 15%.

Better coverage, mixed health profile

Baker's 71.8-year life expectancy falls between Bacon (69.5) and Appling (71.5) among neighbors. Its 11.1% uninsured rate is the lowest in this eight-county group and significantly better than the state average, suggesting residents have better access to insurance pathways. However, the 23.7% poor/fair health rate indicates existing insurance alone doesn't guarantee good health outcomes.

Insurance strength offset by provider limits

Baker stands out with an 11.1% uninsured rate—the best in this comparison and notably below Georgia's 15% average. Mental health provider availability (37 per 100K) is modest but present; primary care provider data is unavailable. Good insurance coverage without complete information on in-county provider capacity suggests residents may need to travel for specialized care.

Maintain coverage and explore options

Baker residents with insurance should confirm annual renewal to avoid coverage gaps; uninsured residents should explore healthcare.gov, Medicaid, or employer plans. The county's strong insurance rates suggest community awareness—build on that momentum by ensuring every resident has active coverage. Annual check-ins on coverage keep care accessible year-round.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Baker County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Baker County

Baker County has one of the smallest public school footprints in Georgia, with only two schools serving 300 total students. The infrastructure consists of one high school and one PK-12 'other' category school. This ultra-small scale results in an average school size of just 150 students across the entire county.

Challenges in Graduation and Performance

The county faces significant academic challenges, with a graduation rate of 75.0% falling well below the state average of 88.1%. Despite a high per-pupil expenditure of $9,066, the composite school score stands at 50.1. These metrics suggest that while funding is relatively high, the district is struggling to meet state and national performance benchmarks.

A Single District for All Learners

The Baker County School District manages both local schools and the 300 students enrolled within them. There are no charter schools available, leaving the traditional public system as the sole provider of education. The system is dominated by the Baker County K12 School, which holds 292 of the county's 300 students.

Intimate Rural Learning Environment

Both schools in the county are classified as rural, reflecting the sparse population and agricultural nature of the region. The Baker County Learning Academy is exceptionally small, reporting only 8 students, while the K12 school provides a comprehensive environment for nearly 300 students. Education here is highly personal, as nearly every student in the county attends the same K-12 campus.

Rural Living Near Local Schools

For those seeking an extremely small, tight-knit school environment, Baker County offers a unique PK-12 experience. While graduation rates lag, the small student-to-teacher ratios in these rural schools offer a level of individual attention rarely found elsewhere. Prospective buyers should consider the specific needs of their children when exploring the limited local housing market.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Baker County

via RiskByCounty

Baker enjoys rare natural disaster safety

Baker County scores just 9.76 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low category and far below Georgia's state average of 39.49. This community faces substantially less exposure to major natural hazards than the typical American county.

Baker ranks among Georgia's most resilient counties

Baker's 9.76 score positions it in the bottom quartile of risk across Georgia's 159 counties. Few Georgia communities enjoy greater natural disaster resilience than Baker, reflecting its favorable geographic and climatic position.

Safest county in the surrounding region

Baker's 9.76 score beats nearby Atkinson (7.32) marginally and substantially outperforms Bacon (20.58) and Appling (50.22). The county benefits from geographic isolation from major hurricane corridors and relatively moderate exposure to other hazards.

Hurricane remains the primary exposure point

Baker's lone significant hazard is hurricane risk at 76.35, far exceeding all other threat categories in the county. Wildfire (30.60), tornado (26.72), and earthquake (17.21) risks all remain minimal, creating a narrow risk profile.

Focus coverage on hurricane winds and storms

Baker's exceptional safety means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate baseline protection; prioritize confirming strong hurricane and wind coverage given the 76.35 hurricane score. Flood insurance remains optional at your discretion, given the county's 13.07 flood risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Baker County

via WeatherByCounty

Humid Subtropical Climate in the Deep South

Baker County maintains a 66.3°F annual average, placing it well above the U.S. national median temperature. This environment is characterized by long, humid summers and short, mild winters.

Staying Above the Georgia Average

Its average of 66.3°F exceeds the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. This puts Baker firmly in the warmer half of the state's 159 counties.

Consistent Warmth Across the Region

Baker’s 51.2 inches of annual precipitation aligns closely with the state average of 51.4 inches. It shares an identical annual temperature of 66.3°F with nearby Appling and Ben Hill counties.

High Summer Humidity and Mild Winters

The county sees 78 days per year where temperatures top 90°F. While snow data is unavailable, the mild 51.5°F winter average suggests frozen precipitation is extremely rare.

Moisture and Heat Management Strategies

Efficient irrigation and cooling systems are essential for managing the 78-day stretch of extreme temperatures. Residents should prepare for high moisture levels, as annual rainfall hits 51.2 inches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Baker County

via SoilByCounty

Soil Identity in Baker County

Local data for pH levels and taxonomic classification is currently missing for this region. Most Georgia soils trend toward higher acidity compared to the 6.5 national median pH.

Analyzing Soil Components

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are not logged in the current dataset for Baker County. These components dictate how well your soil drains water and holds onto vital plant nutrients.

Baker's Growth Potential

Specific fertility metrics like organic matter and water capacity are currently unavailable. Residents should look to the state average of 1.14 in/in for water capacity as a regional benchmark.

Understanding Local Hydrology

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group remain unrecorded for this area. Conducting a simple percolation test can help you understand how water moves through your specific plot of land.

Gardening in Zone 8b

Baker County is located in Hardiness Zone 8b, which is perfect for a wide variety of southern crops. Start planting your favorites today to make the most of the region's productive climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Baker County

via LawnByCounty

Tackling tough lawn conditions in Baker

Baker County is one of the most challenging places for lawn care in Georgia, with a difficulty score of only 24.8. This is much lower than the state average of 35.8 and less than half the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in this Zone 8b region must work harder than most to maintain a healthy yard.

High rainfall meets high heat

The county receives 51.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly above the ideal range but typical for the state. While it sees 78 extreme heat days, the 6,287 growing degree days ensure that grass will grow vigorously if given enough water. This combination creates high humidity and rapid growth, making mowing and fungal control top priorities.

Starting with a solid soil test

Local soil characteristics like pH and texture are not currently documented in this dataset, but the state ideal remains 6.0 to 7.0. Given the high annual rainfall, ensuring your lawn has adequate drainage is vital to prevent soil compaction and root rot. A professional soil test is the best way to determine exactly what amendments your Baker County lawn needs.

Navigating intense drought cycles

Despite high annual rainfall, Baker County has faced 30 weeks of drought in the past year and is currently 100% under severe drought conditions. This paradox means you must be ready to irrigate heavily during dry spells even in a 'wet' year. Rain barrels and smart irrigation controllers can help you manage these extreme fluctuations efficiently.

Best bets for Baker County turf

Centipede and Zoysia are popular choices for Zone 8b because they can handle the local heat while remaining relatively low-maintenance. Wait until after the last spring frost on March 11 to seed, ensuring the soil has warmed enough for germination. You have until the first frost on November 19 to establish your lawn and prepare it for winter dormancy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baker County's county score?
Baker County, Georgia has a composite county score of 63.2 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 Georgia?
Baker County ranks #4 among all counties in Georgia 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, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Baker County is $1,042, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Baker County a tax score of 47.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Baker County?
The median household income in Baker County, Georgia is $44,405 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Baker County earns an income score of 6.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Baker County, Georgia a good place to live?
Baker County scores 63.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Georgia. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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