Baker County, Georgia

Baker County, Georgia
County
Location in the state of Georgia
Country	United States
State	Georgia
Founded	December 12, 1825
County seat	Newton
Area
• Total	349 sq mi (900 km2)
• Land	343 sq mi (890 km2)
• Water	6 sq mi (20 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	2,876
• Density	8.2/sq mi (3.2/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)

Baker County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 2,876, making it one of the least populous counties in Georgia. The county seat is Newton.

History

Baker County was created on December 12, 1825, from a portion of Early County. It was named after Colonel John Baker, a notable figure in the American Revolutionary War. The county has a rich history tied to agriculture, particularly cotton farming, which was a major economic driver in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 349 square miles (900 km²), of which 343 square miles (890 km²) is land and 6.0 square miles (16 km²) (1.7%) is water. The Flint River forms the eastern boundary of the county, providing a natural resource and recreational opportunities.

Adjacent counties

• Mitchell County - north
• Colquitt County - northeast
• Decatur County - west
• Miller County - southwest
• Early County - south
• Calhoun County - east

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,876 people, 1,200 households, and 800 families residing in the county. The population density was 8.4 inhabitants per square mile (3.2/km²). The racial makeup of the county was diverse, with a significant portion of the population being African American.

Economy

The economy of Baker County is primarily based on agriculture, with peanuts, cotton, and corn being the main crops. The county also has a growing interest in ecotourism and outdoor recreational activities, thanks to its natural landscapes and the Flint River.

Education

Baker County is served by the Baker County School District, which includes Baker County Elementary School and Baker County High School. The district provides education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Transportation

The county is accessible via several major highways, including Georgia State Route 37, Georgia State Route 91, and Georgia State Route 200. These routes connect Baker County to neighboring counties and major cities in Georgia.

Communities

• Newton (county seat)
• Elmodel
• Milford

Notable People

• Colonel John Baker - The county's namesake, a Revolutionary War hero.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Baker County, Georgia

External links

• Baker County Government