Northeast Florida Regional Overview

Baker County
Country Living
Within Reach

For the most up to date information on economic development in Baker County, visit www.bakerchamberfl.com or contact the Chief Economic Developer.

Economy

Baker County OverviewBaker County is friendly to industry. There are two industrial parks: Enterprise East, 250 acres, and Enterprise West, 80 acres. Wal-Mart has constructed an 900,000-sq.-ft. food distribution center employing 930 at Enterprise East, two miles east of county seat Macclenny. Enterprise West in Sanderson houses two rail users, a pre-stressed steel cable manufacturer and a PVC pipe manufacturer. Hanson Roof has recently constructed a 125,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility in the park.

Agriculture has always played a predominant role in the history of Baker County. Forestry is the backbone of the agricultural community, followed closely by the ornamental horticulture industry. Baker County has some of Florida's oldest and largest wholesale nurseries, especially in woody ornamentals. Nursery stock grown in Baker County is shipped nationwide. 

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Lifestyle

Baker County offers the unique advantages of a small-town atmosphere with big-city convenience. Baker County today is a thriving, progressive county with an excellent school system, quality medical services, an abundance of recreational facilities, a variety of churches offering almost all denominations and a knowledgeable business community. Baker County residents can enjoy all of the cultural, educational, recreational and professional opportunities of a large metropolitan area only 20 minutes away in Jacksonville.

There are boundless opportunities for the outdoor sportsman in Baker County. A large part of the Osceola National Forest lies within its boundaries and along with it some of Florida's best hunting. The mild climate and the abundance of lakes and parks make the Baker County area a haven for fishing, boating, water skiing and numerous other outdoor activities.

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Government

Baker County government and economic development are centered in Macclenny, FL. Its pro-business attitude is embodied by the five-member Board of County Commissioners, elected to represent the citizens of Baker County, and the seven-member gubernatorially appointed Baker County Development Commission. The development commission contracts with the Baker County Chamber of Commerce for administrative services. The commission is responsible for the development of Enterprise East and Enterprise West. A mayor and four councilmen govern the city of Macclenny, and the council oversees the growth and development of Macclenny.

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Chief Economic Developer

Darryl Register- Executive Director of Baker County Chamber of CommerceDarryl Register
Baker County Chamber of Commerce
20 East Macclenny Avenue
Macclenny, FL 32063
(904) 259-6433 phone
(904) 259-2737 fax 
dregister@bakerchamberfl.com
www.bakerchamberfl.com

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Baker County Statistics

Population

Classification Numbers
Total Population (2007) 24,585
Projected Population (2012) 26,269
Population Growth (1990 to 2007) 2.5%
Median Age 34.8


Source:  Decision Data 2007

 

Age in Years Population
Under 4 7.6%
5-14 13.7%
15-19 7.1%
20-24 7.9%
25-34 14.0%
35-44 14.4%
45-54 14.3%
55-64 10.7%
65-74 6.6%
75-84 2.9%
85+ 0.8%

Source: Decision Data, 20067

Racial Mix*

Race Percentage
White 84.3%
Black 13.7%
American Indian or Alaskan Native                 0.4%
Asian 0.4%
Other Race 0.2%
Two or More Races 1.0%
**Hispanic or Latino Origin 2.5%

*Race alone or in combination with one or more other races. Total may not equal 100%.
** Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin can be of any race.
Source: Decision Data, 2007
 

Major Employers

Employer Sector Number of Employees
Northeast Florida Hospital Adult Mental Health Hospital 1,192
Wal-Mart Food Distribution Center Grocery Warehouse 930
Baker County School Board Public Education 557
Baker Correctional Institute Prison 400
Baker County Medical Services Hospital 243
Ray's Nursery Nursery 200
Macclenny Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Nursing Home 156
Baker County Board of Commissioners County Government 121
Hanson Roof Tile Construction Material Manufacturer 117
Insteel Wire Florida Steel Cable Manufacturer 103

Information current as of January 2008.

Income

Classification Income
Per Capita Income $18,783
Median Household Income $48,309
Average Household Income $54,044

Decision Data, 2007

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