Baker County
FL · Pop. 28,186 · Suburban County
Baker County, Florida covers 585 square miles with a population of 28,186 and a density of 48.2 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. A median home price of $225,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.63% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 254-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.5°F and average winter lows of 39.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 51.2 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital is 11.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 84.1% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 254-day growing season in USDA zone 9a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.63% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 11.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 51.2 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Baker County, FL is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 88/100
- Median home price
- $225k
- Property tax
- 0.63%
- Growing season
- 254 days (zone 9a)
- Annual rainfall
- 51.2"
- Broadband
- 84.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital, 11.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Baker County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Baker County?
- Baker County is in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 254-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.5°F, and average winter lows of 39.7°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $225,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.63%. There's no published county per-acre figure, so use recent comparable sales to gauge raw-land value.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 84.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital is 11.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Florida Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Florida
All Florida countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Baker County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.