Baxter County, Arkansas
Baxter County | |
---|---|
UTC−5 (CDT) | |
Congressional district | 1st |
Website | Baxter County government's website |
Baxter County is a
The Mountain Home, AR,
Mountain Home, a small town whose origins date back to the early 19th century, is located in north-central Arkansas on a plateau in the Ozark Mountains. The natural environment of nearby Norfork and Bull Shoals lakes and the surrounding countryside has attracted tourists from around the country for many years.[4] Educational institutions have also played a role in the life of the community.[5]
History
Baxter County was created by the
In 1945, Baxter County voted to take the county "dry"—liquor sales prohibited—in 1945 by a vote of 548 to 432. The liquor sales prohibition was overturned in 1978 in the heaviest voter turnout in county history to that date, with 6,175 for the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors and 5,991 against. A narrow margin of 184 votes took the county "wet".[7]
Geography
Baxter County is located within the
The county has a total area of 586.74 square miles (1,519.6 km2), of which 554.36 square miles (1,435.8 km2) is land and 32.38 square miles (83.9 km2) (5.5%) is water.[1]
The county is located approximately 110 miles (180 km) southeast of
Hydrology
Baxter County is within the
Protected areas
Baxter County contains a small section of the
The
Norfork Lake WMA is a series of protected walk-in hunting areas along
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1880 | 6,004 | — | |
1890 | 8,527 | 42.0% | |
1900 | 9,298 | 9.0% | |
1910 | 10,389 | 11.7% | |
1920 | 10,216 | −1.7% | |
1930 | 9,519 | −6.8% | |
1940 | 10,281 | 8.0% | |
1950 | 11,683 | 13.6% | |
1960 | 9,943 | −14.9% | |
1970 | 15,319 | 54.1% | |
1980 | 27,409 | 78.9% | |
1990 | 31,186 | 13.8% | |
2000 | 38,386 | 23.1% | |
2010 | 41,513 | 8.1% | |
2020 | 41,627 | 0.3% | |
2023 (est.) | 42,875 | [14] | 3.0% |
U.S. Decennial Census[15] 1790–1960[16] 1900–1990[17] 1990–2000[18] 2010–2016[19] |
2020 census
As of the
There were 18,936 households, out of which 21.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, and 26.6% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 17.5% under the age of 18, 3.9% from 18 to 24, 18.6% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 31.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53 years. For every 100 females there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.[21]
The median income for a household in the county was $43,504, and the median income for a family was $52,342.[22]
2010 census
As of 2010 Baxter County had a population of 41,513. The racial makeup was 95.96% Non-Hispanic whites, 0.16% blacks, 0.56% Native Americans, 0.41% Asians, 0.04% Pacific Islanders, 1.25% Non-Hispanics reporting more than one race and 1.66% Hispanic or Latino.
2000 census
As of the
There were 17,052 households, out of which 22.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.00% were married couples living together, 7.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.80% were non-families. 27.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.65.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 19.00% under the age of 18, 5.80% from 18 to 24, 21.10% from 25 to 44, 27.40% from 45 to 64, and 26.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females there were 92.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $29,106, and the median income for a family was $34,578. Males had a median income of $25,976 versus $18,923 for females. The
Human resources
Education
The 2019 American Community Survey found 88.7% of Baxter County residents over age 25 held a high school degree or higher and 17.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Baxter County exceeded statewide and nationwide averages for high school attainment (86.6% and 88.0%, respectively), but lags far behind on bachelor's degree attainment (23.0% and 32.1%, respectively).[25]
Primary and secondary education
Three public school districts are based in Baxter County; Mountain Home School District is the largest school district in Baxter County, with Cotter School District serving the Cotter-Gassville area and the Norfork School District serving the southeast side of the county. Successful completion of the curriculum of these schools leads to graduation from Mountain Home High School, Cotter High School, or Norfork High School respectively. All three high schools are accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). Small areas in Baxter County are served by the Viola School District and Calico Rock School District.
Higher education
The lone institution of higher education in Baxter County is
Libraries
The Donald W. Reynolds Library serving Baxter County was opened in September 2010 at 300 Library Hill in Mountain Home. The library offers books, e-books, media, reference, programs, youth, special collections, and genealogy services.
Public health
The nearest
Public safety
The Baxter County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency in the county. The agency is led by the Baxter County Sheriff, an official elected by countywide vote every four years. Police departments in Cotter, Gassville, Lakeview, and Mountain Home provide law enforcement in their respective jurisdictions, with remaining municipalities contracting with the Baxter County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services.
The county is under the jurisdiction of the Baxter County District Court, a state district court.[28] State district courts in Arkansas are courts of original jurisdiction for criminal, civil, and traffic matters.[29] State district courts are presided over by an elected full-time judge. The district court has seven departments, one in each municipality of Baxter County.[28]
Superseding district court jurisdiction is the 14th Judicial Circuit Court, which covers Baxter, Boone, Marion, and Newton counties. The 14th Circuit contains four circuit judges, elected to six-year terms circuitwide.[30]
Fire protection is provided by nineteen agencies in Baxter County, together covering the entire county except areas within the major lakes. Cotter, Gassville, Norfork, and Mountain Home, each provide fire protection, in some cases extending beyond corporate limits. Rural areas are served by the Buford Volunteer, Clarkridge Volunteer, Cotter-Gassville Rural, Gamaliel, Grover Township, Hand Cove Fire Protection District, Henderson, Lone Rock Volunteer, Midway Volunteer, Northeast Lakeside, Oakland-Promise Land Volunteer, Rodney Volunteer, Salesville, Tracy Area, and the United States Forest Service.[31]
Culture and contemporary life
Baxter County has several facilities, monuments, and museums dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the area. Perhaps one of the most recognizable and important historic structures in Baxter County is the Cotter Bridge over the White River. Upon opening in 1930, the bridge opened Baxter County and north Arkansas to economic development and tourism by providing reliable transportation across the White River.
Two facilities interpret the county's history and heritage: the
Annual cultural events
Trout fishing enthusiasts visit the White River in Baxter County year-round,[32] with several annual events also celebrating trout fishing: the Cotter Trout Festival in Big Spring Park and the Sowbug Roundup at the Baxter County Fairgrounds are held in May,[33][34] and the Southern Council Federation of Flyfishers Fair is held on campus at ASUMH in September.[35]
The Mountain Home Farmer's Market operates on the downtown square on Wednesdays and Saturdays, April–November.[36] The Baxter County Fair is one of the most well-attended in Arkansas, and begins with a popular parade through downtown Mountain Home.[37] Norfork Pioneer Days Heritage Festival is held annually on the third Saturday in May at the Jacob Wolf House.
The David's Trail Endurance Run was founded in 2017 as an ultramarathon around Lake Norfork in January.[38]
Media
The county newspaper is The Baxter Bulletin, a daily newspaper established in Mountain Home in 1901.
Baxter County is within the
The county is home to four FM radio stations: KCMH (FM) (91.5 FM, "Keep Christ Most High"), KKTZ (107.5 FM), KTLO-FM (97.9 FM), and KPFM (FM) (105.5 MHz),[40] and one AM radio station: KTLO (AM) (1240 AM).[41]
Government and politics
The county government is a constitutional body granted specific powers by the Constitution of Arkansas and the Arkansas Code. The quorum court is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all spending and revenue collection. Representatives are called justices of the peace and are elected from county districts every even-numbered year. The number of districts in a county vary from nine to fifteen based on population, and district boundaries are drawn by the Baxter County Election Commission. The Baxter County Quorum Court has eleven members.[42] Presiding over quorum court meetings is the county judge, who serves as the chief operating officer of the county. The county judge is elected at-large and does not vote in quorum court business, although capable of vetoing quorum court decisions.[43][44]
In the Arkansas Senate, Baxter County is within the 23rd District. The district contains Marion County and parts of Boone, Fulton, and Izard counties, and has been represented by Scott Flippo (R) since 2015. In the Arkansas House of Representatives, Baxter County is split among three districts: the 3rd District (Stetson Painter, R, since 2023), the 4th District (Jack Fortner, R, since 2023), and the 27th (Steven Walker, R, since 2023).[45]
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 15,836 | 75.38% | 4,635 | 22.06% | 536 | 2.55% |
2016 | 14,682 | 74.28% | 4,169 | 21.09% | 915 | 4.63% |
2012 | 13,688 | 70.78% | 5,172 | 26.74% | 479 | 2.48% |
2008 | 12,852 | 64.32% | 6,539 | 32.73% | 590 | 2.95% |
2004 | 11,128 | 60.05% | 7,129 | 38.47% | 273 | 1.47% |
2000 | 9,538 | 57.09% | 6,516 | 39.00% | 654 | 3.91% |
1996 | 6,877 | 44.35% | 6,703 | 43.23% | 1,925 | 12.42% |
1992 | 5,640 | 35.85% | 6,991 | 44.44% | 3,101 | 19.71% |
1988 | 8,614 | 63.35% | 4,808 | 35.36% | 175 | 1.29% |
1984 | 10,870 | 69.84% | 4,528 | 29.09% | 166 | 1.07% |
1980 | 9,684 | 63.93% | 4,789 | 31.62% | 674 | 4.45% |
1976 | 5,885 | 50.51% | 5,766 | 49.49% | 0 | 0.00% |
1972 | 6,754 | 70.65% | 2,677 | 28.00% | 129 | 1.35% |
1968 | 3,401 | 49.53% | 1,952 | 28.43% | 1,513 | 22.04% |
1964 | 1,986 | 40.61% | 2,900 | 59.29% | 5 | 0.10% |
1960 | 2,108 | 54.34% | 1,694 | 43.67% | 77 | 1.99% |
1956 | 1,721 | 53.92% | 1,451 | 45.46% | 20 | 0.63% |
1952 | 1,387 | 49.66% | 1,388 | 49.70% | 18 | 0.64% |
1948 | 553 | 31.42% | 1,098 | 62.39% | 109 | 6.19% |
1944 | 572 | 41.69% | 796 | 58.02% | 4 | 0.29% |
1940 | 489 | 36.09% | 859 | 63.39% | 7 | 0.52% |
1936 | 375 | 32.47% | 773 | 66.93% | 7 | 0.61% |
1932 | 194 | 15.47% | 1,039 | 82.85% | 21 | 1.67% |
1928 | 504 | 42.71% | 665 | 56.36% | 11 | 0.93% |
1924 | 301 | 27.29% | 640 | 58.02% | 162 | 14.69% |
1920 | 484 | 38.38% | 707 | 56.07% | 70 | 5.55% |
1916 | 318 | 25.81% | 914 | 74.19% | 0 | 0.00% |
1912 | 142 | 14.26% | 536 | 53.82% | 318 | 31.93% |
1908 | 300 | 30.74% | 607 | 62.19% | 69 | 7.07% |
1904 | 236 | 34.40% | 426 | 62.10% | 24 | 3.50% |
1900 | 287 | 28.28% | 723 | 71.23% | 5 | 0.49% |
1896 | 262 | 21.06% | 980 | 78.78% | 2 | 0.16% |
Taxation
Property tax is assessed by the Baxter County Assessor annually based upon the fair market value of the property and determining which tax rate, commonly called a millage in Arkansas, will apply. The rate depends upon the property's location with respect to city limits, school district, and special tax increment financing (TIF) districts. This tax is collected by the Baxter County Collector between the first business day of March of each year through October 15 without penalty. The Baxter County Treasurer disburses tax revenues to various government agencies, such as cities, county road departments, fire departments, libraries, and police departments in accordance with the budget set by the quorum court.
Sales and use taxes in Arkansas are voter approved and collected by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Arkansas's statewide
Communities
Seven incorporated cities and one town are located within the county. The largest city and county seat is
The United States Census Bureau has also designated four unincorporated communities as Census-designated places: Gamaliel and Henderson near Norfork Lake, Buffalo City near the Buffalo National River, and Midway between Mountain Home and Lakeview.
Other unincorporated communities
Baxter County has dozens of unincorporated communities and ghost towns within its borders. This is due to early settlers in Arkansas tending to settle in small clusters rather than incorporated towns. Some communities, including Bennett's, Cumi, Custer, and Hand were inundated during creation of Lake Norfork.[49] For example, communities like Clarkridge and Monkey Run had a post office or other buildings at some point in their history. Other communities are simply a few dwellings at a crossroads, or a residential area near a cove or point on the lake that have adopted a common place name over time. Some are officially listed as populated places by the United States Geological Survey, and others are listed as historic settlements.
- Advance
- Amos
- Arkana
- Arkawana
- Buford
- Cartney
- Colfax
- County Line
- Culp
- Diamond Bay
- Dogwood Park
- Fawn Park
- Heritage Estates
- Holiday Hills
- Hopewell
- Jordan
- Kingswood Estates
- Lakeside Terrace
- Lone Rock
- Mallard Point
- McPhearson
- Norfork Lake Estates
- Norfork Village
- Old Joe
- Rodney
- Shady Grove
- Shipp
- Spring Lake Estates
- Sycamore Heights
- Sycamore Spring
- Three Brothers
- Timber Lake Manor
- Whiteville
- Woods Point Landing
Historic communities
Townships
Townships in Arkansas are the divisions of a county. Each township includes unincorporated areas; some may have incorporated cities or towns within part of their boundaries. Arkansas townships have limited purposes in modern times. However, the United States census does list Arkansas population based on townships (sometimes referred to as "county subdivisions" or "minor civil divisions"). Townships are also of value for historical purposes in terms of genealogical research. Each town or city is within one or more townships in an Arkansas county based on census maps and publications. The townships of Baxter County are listed below; listed in parentheses are the cities, towns, and/or census-designated places that are fully or partially inside the township. [50][51]
Infrastructure
Major highways
- US 62
- US 412
- U.S. Route 62 Business
- Arkansas Highway 5
- Arkansas Highway 14
- Arkansas Highway 101
- Arkansas Highway 126
- Arkansas Highway 177
- Arkansas Highway 178
- Arkansas Highway 201
- Arkansas Highway 202
- Arkansas Highway 201 Spur
- Arkansas Highway 263
- Arkansas Highway 341
- Arkansas Highway 342
- Arkansas Highway 345
Notable residents
- Richard Antrim, naval rear admiral, World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient
- Lonnie D. Bentley, professor and the head of the Department of Computer and Information Technology at Purdue University
- Robbie Branscum, writer of children's books and young adult fiction
- William U. McCabe, represented Baxter County in the Arkansas Senate from 1921 to 1924, and in the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1931 until his death
- Vada Sheid, longtime member of the Arkansas General Assembly representing Baxter County
- Carolyn D. Wright – poet, born in Mountain Home
See also
Notes
References
- ^ U.S. Department of Transportation (October 16, 2014). Arkansas County Polygons(SHP file) (Map). Arkansas GIS Office. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
- ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Baxter County, Arkansas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on July 4, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ^ Garrett, Thomas (March 25, 2015). "Baxter County Tourism: It's something in the water". Asbury Park Press NJ. USA Today. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
Resorts, motels and guide services all flourished, as well as restaurants and other businesses, as tourism became a driving force for the local, and state, economy.
- ^ Mulloy, Clement. "Mountain Home (Baxter County)". Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Retrieved June 2, 2015.
- OCLC 3920841.
- ^ Edge, Maryanne. "Chronology of Baxter County History" (PDF). Baxter County Historical & Genealogical Society. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ This article incorporates public domain material from Woods, A.J.; Foti, T.L.; Chapman, S.S.; Omernik, J.M.; et al. Ecoregions of Arkansas (PDF). United States Geological Survey. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 2, 2021. (color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs).
- ^ "Google Maps (Search for Mountain Home, AR)". Retrieved December 28, 2021.
- Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality. Archived(PDF) from the original on April 7, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- OCLC 1066245581.
- ^ Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (April 16, 2021). "Recreation opportunities abound around Sylarmore [sic]". The Batesville Daily Guard. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
- ^ Staff of the AGFC. "Norfork Lake WMA" (PDF). Little Rock: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
- ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
- ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
- ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
- 2020 United States Census. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- ^ Staff of the United States Census Bureau (2020). "INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". 2020 American Community Survey. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- 2000 censusdata
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
- ^ "American Community Survey". United States Census Bureau. 2015–2019. Retrieved January 8, 2022.
- ^ Tucker, Noah (July 27, 2022). "Baxter Regional Medical Center changing its name". Springfield, MO: KYTV. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
- ^ "Designated Trauma Centers" (PDF). Little Rock: Arkansas Department of Health. March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
- ^ a b Staff of the Arkansas Judiciary. "District Courts Directory". Arkansas Judiciary. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
- ^ Staff of the Arkansas Judiciary (July 1, 2019). "District Courts". Arkansas Judiciary. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
- ^ Staff of the Arkansas Judiciary. "Circuit Courts Directory". Arkansas Judiciary. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
- ^ GIS Applications Laboratory (2022). Arkansas Fire Districts (SHP) (Map). Various. Little Rock, Arkansas: Arkansas Economic Development Institute, University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
- ^ Powell, Sam (February 25, 1997). "Browns, Rainbows in White Trout Fishing a Paradise On This River in Arkansas". Tulsa World. Tulsa, OK. p. B1. Retrieved September 2, 2023 – via NewsBank.
- ^ "Great Cotter Trout Festival begins May 4". Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. April 26, 2012. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- Russellville, AR. April 21, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023 – via NewsBank.
- Joplin, MO. September 24, 2006. Retrieved September 2, 2023 – via NewsBank.
- ^ Stewart, Julie (February 24, 2007). "Mountain Home looks to separate local, carted-in produce at market". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Little Rock, AR. p. 13. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- ^ Stewart, Julie (September 20, 2006). "After parade, mayor in lather over manure". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Little Rock, AR. pp. 9, 20. Retrieved September 2, 2023 – via NewsBank.
- ^ Conley III, Byrd (January 15, 2018). "David's Trail runs set for Friday, Saturday". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Little Rock, AR. p. 20. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- ^ "Springfield, MO TV Channels". Station Index. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- Washington DC: Federal Communications Commission. September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- ^ "Arkansas AM Radio Stations". AM Query Results. Washington DC: Federal Communications Commission. September 2, 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- ^ "Baxter County". Association of Arkansas Counties. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
- Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture. Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at the Central Arkansas Library System. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
- Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture. Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at the Central Arkansas Library System. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
- ^ Arkansas Economic Development Institute. Arkansas District Finder (Map). Various. Little Rock: University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
- ^ "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ "State Tax Rates". Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. January 1, 2019. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- ^ "List of Cities and Counties with Local Sales and Use Tax" (PDF). Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. July–September 2023. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- OCLC 724611.
- ^ 2011 Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS): Baxter County, AR (PDF) (Map). U. S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2012. Retrieved July 26, 2011.
- ^ "Arkansas: 2010 Census Block Maps - County Subdivision". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
- ^ "County Subdivisions: Arkansas". Census 2010 U.S. Gazetteer Files. United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original (TXT) on May 31, 2014.
- ^ "Census 2010 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau.
Further reading
- Baxter County Historical Society Book Committee (2003). History and families of Baxter County, Arkansas. Paducah, Kentucky: Turner Publishing Co. OCLC 865999618.
- Messick, Mary Ann (1973). History of Baxter County (Centennial ed.). Mountain Home, Arkansas: Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce. OCLC 724611.
- Schoolcraft, Henry Rowe (1955). Park, Hugh (ed.). Schoolcraft in the Ozarks (Reprint ed.). Van Buren, Arkansas: Press-Argus Printers. OCLC 2583865.
- Shiras, Frances H. (1939). History of Baxter County (First ed.). J.W. Daniel and Shiras Bros. Print Shop. OCLC 2481304.