Hunt & Live

Baker County, FL

27,803 residents · 585 sq mi · 47.5/sq mi · 62% rural

Climate
68.6°F
51.3" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.32
Hardiness
Zone 10a
Winter low ~31.1°F

About Baker County

Baker County is a county in the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,259. Its county seat is Macclenny. The county was founded in 1861 and is named for James McNair Baker, a judge and Confederate Senator. Baker County is included in the Jacksonville metropolitan area. In 1864, the Battle of Olustee, which was the only major American Civil War battle in Florida, was fought near Lake City in Baker County.

61
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #855 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a humid subtropical climate with an annual mean temperature of 68.6°F and ample rainfall of 51.3 inches per year. The growing season is favorable for a variety of crops, supported by USDA zone 10a, allowing for diverse agricultural potential. The terrain is primarily rural, with 62% of the population living outside urban centers, providing opportunities for self-sufficient living, though access to water sources will need to be considered carefully due to the humidity and rainfall patterns.

Baker County faces several natural hazards, including a notable wildfire risk rated at FEMA 76 and hurricanes at FEMA 74, which could pose significant threats to homesteaders. The area also experiences heat waves (FEMA 57) and lightning (FEMA 47), which may complicate outdoor activities. With a population density of 47.5 people per square mile, crime and violence rates are moderate, with a violence percentile of 46, indicating a mixed safety picture. The median home price is $198,900, which may be a concern for budget-conscious individuals.

This county could be a suitable fit for those seeking a rural lifestyle with a warm climate and ample rainfall for agriculture. Homesteaders who are well-prepared for the risks of wildfire and hurricanes may thrive here, especially if they have experience in managing these hazards. However, those who are averse to extreme weather conditions or are looking for a more densely populated, urban environment might find this area challenging to navigate.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Ranked #751 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#3 in FL
Top 5 counties in Florida out of 67.
Dominant hazard: wildfire
FEMA ranks wildfire risk at 76/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
47.5 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 68.6°F annual mean and 51.3" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 10a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $198,900.

Score Breakdown

Violence
52
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
13
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
52
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
13.3
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 17
Drought 17
Earthquake 36
Hail 9
Hurricane 75
Heat Wave 57
Riverine Flood 23
Landslide 3
Lightning 47
Strong Wind 8
Tornado 32
Wildfire 76
Winter Weather 3

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
92.2°F
Winter low
41.1°F
Heating degree days
1,368
Cooling degree days
2,698

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$198,900
Median HH income
$67,872
Price to income
2.9×
Property tax rate
0.66%
~$1,309/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
37.7
Homeownership
79.8%
Poverty rate
13.7%
Unemployment
4.9%

Connectivity

Broadband households
73.9%
No internet access
11.3%

Explore Baker County Further

Similar Counties

Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.