Baker County Public RecordsFlorida

Baker County, FL, had approximately 19,200 registered voters as of 2024, with registered Republicans outnumbering Democrats 2:1. The county participates in primary, general, and municipal elections, administered by the Baker County Supervisor of Elections. In the 2020 general election, voter turnout was 77%. Polling locations include Macclenny City Hall and Sanderson Community Center. Key local issues are school funding and rural development. Republicans dominate local offices, reflecting the county’s conservative trend. Election results and polling locations are available at www.bakerelections.com.

As of 2023, Baker County, FL has a population of approximately 29,191. The median age is about 37.5 years, with 49.3% male and 50.7% female residents. The racial and ethnic composition is around 78% White, 16% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino, and less than 1% each for Asian and other groups. The population is largely rural, with a mix of families and a moderate proportion of young and elderly residents.

Baker County, FL, generally reports lower crime rates compared to state averages. In 2022, the county recorded a total crime rate of 1,190 incidents per 100,000 residents, significantly below Florida’s average of 2,150. Violent crime rates remain low, at 255 per 100,000, while property crimes make up the majority, at 935 per 100,000. The Baker County Sheriff’s Office actively reports and investigates all incidents, promoting community safety initiatives to maintain its relatively safe environment. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities, contributing to high crime clearance rates.

Baker County, FL, has 8 public schools, including Baker County High School. According to the Florida Department of Education, the high school graduation rate is approximately 88%. About 10% of adults over age 25 hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores are above the state average, with minimal major incidents reported. The district offers programs like dual enrollment and career/technical education. Adult education is available through the local technical center. Overall, Baker County schools score a “B” grade on state assessments, reflecting solid academic performance and diverse educational opportunities.

As of 2022, Baker County, FL had an employment rate of approximately 59%, with a labor force participation rate near 54%. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (17%), Retail Trade (13%), and Educational Services (11%). The most common occupations are Office & Administrative Support (13%), Sales (11%), and Management (10%). Over 70% of workers commute outside the county, primarily to Jacksonville, with an average commute time of 33 minutes. The unemployment rate hovers around 3.2%, slightly below the national average.

Baker County, FL, has a homeownership rate of about 78%, with a median home value around $260,000 as of early 2024. The rental vacancy rate is low, and median rent is approximately $1,150 per month. Single-family homes dominate housing types, especially in neighborhoods like Macclenny and Glen St. Mary. Recent years have seen property values rise by about 7% annually. Property taxes average 0.82% of assessed value, equating to roughly $2,100 per year on a median-priced home, making Baker County an affordable option compared to many Florida counties.