countyscore
63.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 96.5Disaster 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.

2040608010046.396.597.524.941.56.790.38636.3Tax46.3Cost96.5Safety97.5Health24.9Schools41.5Income6.7Risk90.3Water86Weather36.363.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Baker County DNA

D+overall

How Baker County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Baker County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (96.5/100) but notably weak in Income (6.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
46.3
Cost
96.5+48.5
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
24.9-25.1
Schools
41.5-12.5
Income
6.7-44.3
Risk
90.3+43.3
Water
86+28
Weather
36.3-19.700000000000003
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Think property taxes are too high in Baker County?

Many homeowners in Baker County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$119,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$631/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$119,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $46,012/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Counties with similar scores

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Colorado
Median income: $46,215
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Barbour County
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Lafayette County
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Median income: $62,757
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Magoffin County
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Median income: $33,080
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Cook County
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Median income: $72,638
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Ralls County
Missouri
Median income: $65,388
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Valley County
Nebraska
Median income: $61,852
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Nearby counties

Mitchell County
Georgia
35.5
Calhoun County
Georgia
57.8
Miller County
Georgia
51.5
Dougherty County
Georgia
29.8
Early County
Georgia
43.1
Decatur County
Georgia
31.3
Grady County
Georgia
45.8
Terrell County
Georgia
49.1

Deep Dives

Baker County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 63.3 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 $1,023, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns Baker County a tax score of 46.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Baker County?
The median household income in Baker County, Georgia is $46,012 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Baker County earns an income score of 6.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Baker County, Georgia a good place to live?
Baker County scores 63.3/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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