Median Income
$7,198
90% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,500
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
165/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.2%
41% higher than US avg
Unemployment
65.9%
1731% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
74.4%
500% higher than US avg
How Baxter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population153
Median Age23.5 yrs
Density1,020/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans91.0%
Economy
F
Median Income$7,198
Per Capita$5,097
Unemployment65.9%
Poverty74.4%
County GDP$3,048M
Housing
F
Home Value$93,500
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$125,359
Housing Units45
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent165/100K
Property1,439/100K
Health
Obesity45.2%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking22.2%
Depression34.3%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain50.6 in/yr
Sunny Days290/yr
Elevation1,037 ft (316 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+71.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 33%
Broadband51.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Baxter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Baxter receives an overall livability score of 1.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Baxter faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Baxter is $7,198, 90% below the national average of $75,149. At 65.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 74.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Baxter is $93,500, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. With a home price-to-income ratio of 13x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Baxter is below the national average at 165 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,439 per 100,000, 27% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Baxter experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 290 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Baxter has a population of 153 with a density of 1,020 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 23.5 years, 40% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.6% female and 65.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 91.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 78.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
23.5yrs
Median Age
40% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Baxter is $7,198, which is 90% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $5,097 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,039, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 65.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 74.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,724 business establishments, including 113 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living.
Income
| Median HH Income | $7,198 |
| 90% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $5,097 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,039 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,684 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 65.9% |
| 1731% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 74.4% |
| 500% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,724 |
| County GDP | $3,048M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 113 |
| Healthcare | 151 |
| Retail | 179 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,521 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.70% |
The median home value in Baxter is $93,500, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $125,359, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 45 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $2,521 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 13x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,500 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $125,359 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 45 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,521 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.70% |
In Baxter, 45.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 39.2% have high blood pressure. 22.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.2% report binge drinking. 32.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 34.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,074. The dentist ratio is 1:1,865. 66.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Baxter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.2% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.2% |
| Asthma | 13.6% |
| COPD | 9.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.2% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.9% |
| Depression | 34.3% |
| Mental Distress | 25.4% |
| Physical Distress | 17.2% |
| Short Sleep | 41.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,074 |
| Dentists | 1:1,865 |
| Mental Health | 1:698 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.1% |
| Dental Visits | 59.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,153/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 151 |
Baxter has a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,439 per 100,000, 27% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Baxter receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Baxter vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 164.6/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,438.8/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Baxter experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 290 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 50.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,037 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 290 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,037 ft (316 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,020/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5408°N, 80.1442°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Marion County County |
| Nearest Airport | Arnold Palmer Regional (LBE) 64 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.6"
33% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
25 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
116 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
124 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
126 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
95 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
108 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
98 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
102 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
115 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
96 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km WNW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
111 km |
| May 7, 2010 |
14 km WSW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
124 km |
| Aug 16, 2013 |
13 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
104 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
3 km N of Saint Marys, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
92 km |
| Aug 21, 2010 |
19 km WNW of Helvetia, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
86 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
147 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 192 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2021 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1990 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEW CREEK MTN (1,689 ac, 2001).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Baxter has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 29°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Baxter. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$224 ($134–$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179–$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90–$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716–$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134–$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358–$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90–$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134–$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580–$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358–$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923–$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448–$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475–$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790–$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716–$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179–$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895–$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69–$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24–$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24–$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69–$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58–$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72–$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67–$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074–$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537–$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448–$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179–$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358–$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475–$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90–$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $721 |
| Toddler | $686 |
| Preschool | $714 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $667 |
| Toddler | $734 |
| Preschool | $734 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Baxter
What is the population of Baxter?
Baxter has a population of 153 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 1,020 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 34.6% female and 65.4% male.
Is Baxter expensive to live in?
Baxter is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $7,198, 90% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,500 (67% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 13x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Baxter safe?
Baxter is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,439 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Baxter receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Baxter?
Baxter has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 290 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Baxter?
The job market in Baxter faces challenges, with unemployment at 65.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,039. There are 1,724 business establishments in the area, including 113 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Baxter?
The median home value in Baxter is $93,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $125,359. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,521.
How are the schools in Baxter?
Schools in Baxter score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Baxter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Baxter?
The obesity rate in Baxter is 45.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.2% of adults are smokers. 32.9% are physically inactive. 34.3% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 66.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,074.
What are the demographics of Baxter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Baxter is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 91.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.3% of residents have a disability. 78.0% have health insurance coverage.