61-545: Norfork is a city in Baxter County , Arkansas , United States. The population was 550 at the 2010 census . According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 2.5 square miles (6.5 km), of which 2.2 square miles (5.7 km) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km) (11.74%) is water. The White River flows 44 miles from Bull Shoals Dam to its confluence with
122-808: A gun range is open to the public. The Ozark Highlands Trail passes through the Leatherwood Wilderness and Sylamore WMA. The Bull Shoals-White River State Park is along the downstream shoreline of Bull Shoals Lake at the Bull Shoals Dam . The park contains campgrounds, a marina, and visitor center. The dam tailwater is well known for trout fishing . Norfork Lake WMA is a series of protected walk-in hunting areas along Lake Norfork covered in hardwood forest with some pine and ranging topography. The four Baxter County units are Indian Head Unit, Chapin Point Unit, Seward Point Unit, and
183-661: A 0.65-mile (1.05 km) hike from the river up a narrow, boxed canyon leads to a 209-foot (64 m) waterfall, Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls , the highest of its kind between the Southern Appalachians and the Rockies . The river's current also gives life to well over 300 species of fish, insects, freshwater mussels , and aquatic plants. The Buffalo National River is a popular camping, hiking , canoeing , and fishing destination. Visitors may bring their own canoes or rent from several independent concessioners. Camping
244-525: 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. The median income for
305-472: A healthcare hub for the region. Although no Interstate highways serve Baxter County, the county has access to two concurrent United States highways : U.S. Highway 62 (US 62) and US 412 , and thirteen Arkansas state highways . Baxter County is served by two public use airports: Baxter County Airport and Gaston's White River Resort Airstrip , two electric service providers, and fifteen public water systems providing potable water to customers in
366-596: 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). 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
427-456: 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 per capita income for the county was $ 16,859. About 7.90% of families and 11.10% of the population were below the poverty line , including 14.70% of those under age 18 and 8.90% of those age 65 or over. The 2019 American Community Survey found 88.7% of Baxter County residents over age 25 held
488-453: A household in the county was $ 43,504, and the median income for a family was $ 52,342. 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. As of the 2000 census , there were 38,386 people, 17,052 households, and 11,799 families residing in
549-707: A popular parade through downtown Mountain Home. 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. The county newspaper is The Baxter Bulletin , a daily newspaper established in Mountain Home in 1901. The first newspaper published in Baxter County
610-625: 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. 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,
671-546: 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". Baxter County is located within the Salem Plateau , a subregion of the Ozark Mountains . Land near Bull Shoals Lake , Norfork Lake , and along
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#1732784032944732-631: A year or so include The White River Headlight , The Screech Owl , and the Bull Shoals Gazette . The Ozark Clarion was briefly published at Three Brothers around 1912, and Norfork Enterprise ran briefly at Norfork. Baxter County is within the Springfield, Missouri designated market area with the following local TV stations: KYTV ( NBC , 33.1 ABC , 33.2 CW SD), KOLR ( CBS ), KOZK ( PBS ), KOZL-TV , KWBM , KSPR-LD (ABC), KBNS-CD , and KRBK ( Fox ). The county
793-648: Is a small municipality on Bull Shoals Lake. The small town of Big Flat is located in the southern part of Baxter County, and partly in Searcy County. 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. Baxter County has dozens of unincorporated communities and ghost towns within its borders. This
854-509: 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
915-409: 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. 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
976-548: Is elected at-large and does not vote in quorum court business, although capable of vetoing quorum court decisions. 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:
1037-502: Is generally allowed throughout the park with the following exceptions: the Hemmed-in-Hollow area, on Big Bluff, in historical structures, on private property within the park, or within 100 feet (30 m) of any trail or watercourse. Camping is also permitted on gravel bars and sand bars along the river. The National Park Service has a number of "developed" campgrounds along the river. The National Park Service headquarters for
1098-618: 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), and one AM radio station: KTLO (AM) (1240 AM). 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
1159-472: Is home to the state's only elk herd. The upper section of the river in the Ozark National Forest is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is designated as a National Scenic River and a National Wild River . The Buffalo National River was established by an Act of Congress on March 1, 1972, ending the recurring plans of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct one or more dams on
1220-405: Is land and 32.38 square miles (83.9 km ) (5.5%) is water. The county is located approximately 110 miles (180 km) southeast of Springfield , Missouri , 152 miles (245 km) north of Little Rock , and 246 miles (396 km) southwest of St. Louis, Missouri . Baxter County is surrounded by sparsely populated Ozark counties on all sides: Fulton County to the east, Izard County to
1281-701: Is named for Elisha Baxter , the tenth governor of Arkansas . It is coterminal with the Mountain Home Micropolitan Statistical Area . The county is located in a steep section of the Ozark Mountains sometimes known as the Twin Lakes Area because it is bordered by two of Arkansas's largest lakes, Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake . On its southern border are the White River , Norfork Tailwater and
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#17327840329441342-768: Is rated as a Level 3 Trauma Center by the Arkansas Department of Health . The nearest Level 1 Trauma Centers are CoxHealth and Mercy Hospital Springfield , both in Springfield, Missouri . 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
1403-477: 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. 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
1464-686: The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration . Arkansas's statewide sales and use tax has been 6.5% since July 1, 2013. Baxter County has an additional sales and use tax of 1.25% since January 1, 2019. Within Baxter County, the City of Mountain Home has had an additional 2.125% sales and use tax since July 1, 2021, and Cotter has had an additional 2% since January 1, 2022, with the remaining incorporated communities having 1.00% sales and use tax rates. The Arkansas State Treasurer disburses tax revenue to counties/cities in accordance with tax rules. Seven incorporated cities and one town are located within
1525-591: The Buffalo National River . Occupying 587 square miles (170,000 ha), the county's population was 41,627 as of the 2020 Census , ranking Baxter the 66th largest and 16th most populous of the 75 counties in Arkansas. The county seat is Mountain Home . The county contains five protected areas, including parts of the Buffalo National River , Ozark National Forest , Bull Shoals-White River State Park , and two Wildlife Management Areas . The natural environment of nearby Norfork and Bull Shoals lakes and
1586-895: The Cotter Trout Festival in Big Spring Park and the Sowbug Roundup at the Baxter County Fairgrounds are held in May, and the Southern Council Federation of Flyfishers Fair is held on campus at ASUMH in September. The Mountain Home Farmer's Market operates on the downtown square on Wednesdays and Saturdays, April–November. The Baxter County Fair is one of the most well-attended in Arkansas, and begins with
1647-879: The Horace Mann School Historic District , as well as Big Flat School Gymnasium , Old Cotter High School Gymnasium . Several buildings are preserved for connections to the county's economic and cultural history: Baxter County Courthouse , the Sid Hutcheson Building in Norfork, and several structures in the Mountain Home Commercial Historic District . Trout fishing enthusiasts visit the White River in Baxter County year-round, with several annual events also celebrating trout fishing:
1708-604: The Jacob Wolf House , a historic log cabin built in 1825, is operated as a historic house museum by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism , and the Baxter County Heritage Center, located in the former Rollins Hospital in downtown Gassville. Five National Register of Historic Places (NRHP, complete county list ) properties in the county relate to the history of education: Buford School Building , Cold Water School , and
1769-502: The North Fork River's tailwater at Norfork. As of the census of 2000, the population density was 221.5 inhabitants per square mile (85.5/km). There were 283 housing units at an average density of 129.5 per square mile (50.0/km). The racial makeup of the city was 96.07% White , 0.21% Black or African American , 1.50% Native American , 0.41% Asian , 0.41% from other races , and 1.45% from two or more races. 1.41% of
1830-490: 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
1891-919: The Viola School District and Calico Rock School District . The lone institution of higher education in Baxter County is Arkansas State University-Mountain Home (ASUMH), a public community college . Other nearby institutions include Ozarka College in Melbourne and North Arkansas College in Harrison . 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. Baxter Health in Mountain Home offers acute inpatient care, emergency care , diagnostics , surgery, OB/GYN, rehabilitation, therapy, and senior care services. The facility
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1952-618: The White River are within the White River Hills subregion, known for steep, rocky soils, spring-fed mountain streams, and oak-hickory-pine forest. Eastern Baxter County and a small area around Mountain Home are within the Central Plateau subregion, known for comparatively flatter terrain more suited for hayfields, pastures, and housing, as well as karst . The county has a total area of 586.74 square miles (1,519.6 km ), of which 554.36 square miles (1,435.8 km )
2013-583: The 3rd District ( Stetson Painter , R, since 2023), the 4th District ( Jack Fortner , R, since 2023), and the 27th ( Steven Walker , R, since 2023). 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
2074-564: 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 . State district courts in Arkansas are courts of original jurisdiction for criminal, civil, and traffic matters. 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. Superseding district court jurisdiction
2135-652: The Baxter- Marion county line. South of the dam, the White River forms the western boundary of Baxter-Marion county line until Buffalo City , when the Buffalo National River empties into the White, with the White continuing across Baxter County from west to east. South of Salesville , the North Fork of White River empties into the White via the Norfork Tailwater downstream of Norfork Dam . Within
2196-553: The Bennett's Creek Unit. The WMA is managed for deer, turkey and small game and attracts waterfowl during migration. Racial/Ethnic Makeup of Baxter County treating Hispanics as a Separate Category (2020) As of the 2020 census , there were 41,627 people and 18,936 households in the county. The population density was 71 people per square mile (27 people/km ). There were 22,699 housing units at an average density of 39 units per square mile (15 units/km ). The racial makeup of
2257-533: The Buffalo National River is located in Harrison, Arkansas . In 2012, C&H Hog Farms was granted a permit to operate on a major tributary of the Buffalo River. The facility contained over 6,500 hogs, as well as storage areas for their manure. In 2019, the company reached a deal with the State of Arkansas to cease operations on the river. The then-governor of Arkansas, Asa Hutchinson , subsequently announced
2318-551: 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 . Baxter County has several facilities, monuments, and museums dedicated to preserving
2379-612: 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
2440-715: The Ozark National Forest known as the Leatherwood Wilderness is located along Highway 341 (Push Mountain Road). Another part of the Ozark National Forest is also protected in the Sylamore Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The WMA is known as a destination for hiking, fishing, and hunting wild turkey , bear, squirrel, and deer . Camping is available at Blanchard Springs Caverns , Gunner Pool, and Barkshed areas and
2501-766: The Park boundary in Newton County, Arkansas , the Buffalo River begins as the Main Prong of Big Buffalo Creek. The river flows north through Boxley to Ponca, where it then begins an eastward trek across northern Arkansas to its confluence with the White River on the Marion-Baxter County line. Advanced canoeists and kayakers often refer to the 15-mile (24 km) section upriver from Boxley as the Hailstone River. This extremely challenging section of
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2562-572: The cities, towns, and/or census-designated places that are fully or partially inside the township. Buffalo National River The Buffalo National River , in Northern Arkansas , was the first National River to be designated in the United States . The Buffalo River is 153 miles (246 km) long. The lower 135 miles (217 km) flow within the boundaries of an area managed by the National Park Service , where
2623-417: The city was $ 30,192, and the median income for a family was $ 34,375. Males had a median income of $ 23,750 versus $ 19,028 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 16,671. About 7.5% of families and 13.0% of the population were below the poverty line , including 18.9% of those under age 18 and 16.5% of those age 65 or over. Norfork is the home of the Norfork School District . Norfork High School
2684-415: The county was 92.5% White , 0.2% Black or African American , 0.6% Native American , 0.6% Asian , 0.0002% Pacific Islander , 0.8% from other races , and 5.3% from two or more races. 2.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 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
2745-454: The county, Barren Fork, Big Creek, Bruce Creek, Hightower Creek, Leatherwood Creek, and Moccasin Creek are important watercourses. Baxter County contains a small section of the Buffalo National River near Buffalo City where the river empties into the White River. Almost all land in Baxter County south of the White River is part of the Ozark National Forest . Within this area, a subdivision of
2806-447: The county. Baxter County was created by the 19th Arkansas General Assembly on March 24, 1873, from parts of Fulton , Izard , Marion , and Searcy counties. It was named for Elisha Baxter , who was governor of Arkansas at the time. The small community of Mountain Home was named temporary county seat; and was later named permanent county seat. In 1945, Baxter County voted to take the county "dry"—liquor sales prohibited—in 1945 by
2867-485: The county. The largest city and county seat is Mountain Home , located centrally between Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Norfork. Mountain Home had a population of 12,825 at the 2020 census and is the focal point of the Mountain Home, AR, Micropolitan Statistical Area , which includes all of Baxter County. Cotter and Gassville are located west of Mountain Home. Briarcliff , Norfork , and Salesville are small towns with populations under 1,000 south of Mountain Home. Lakeview
2928-399: The county. The population density was 69 people per square mile (27 people/km ). There were 19,891 housing units at an average density of 36 units per square mile (14 units/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 97.81% White, 0.11% Black or African American, 0.52% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.22% from other races, and 0.97% from two or more races. 1.00% of
2989-463: 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:
3050-510: 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. Presiding over quorum court meetings is the county judge , who serves as the chief operating officer of the county. The county judge
3111-434: The population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 224 households, out of which 17.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.5% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
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#17327840329443172-436: The population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 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
3233-538: The river is floatable only during periods of high water and should be attempted only by those with solid whitewater skills. Along the upper river, the gradient is steep and the water is fast, leveling and slowing as the river runs its course. The upper section has most of the whitewater rapids to be found along the river, and features dramatic karst topography including sink holes and caves , springs , and waterfalls, over 500-foot (150 m) tall sandstone and limestone bluffs, and many rock formations. At one point,
3294-516: The river. The National River designation protects natural rivers from industrial uses, impoundments and other obstructions that may change the natural character of the river or disrupt the natural habitat for the flora and fauna that live in or near the river. Three segments totaling 11,978 acres (48.47 km ) were designated the Buffalo National River Wilderness in 1975. At a point about 15 miles (24 km) above
3355-559: The southeast, Stone County to the south, Searcy County to the southwest, Marion County to the west, and Ozark County , Missouri to the north. Baxter County is within the White River watershed . The river has several important milestones in Baxter County: beginning along the western boundary of Baxter County, the White River is impounded to form the Bull Shoals Lake reservoir by Bull Shoals Dam , which spans
3416-600: The stream is designated the Buffalo National River. The river flows through Newton , Searcy , Marion , and Baxter Counties, from west to east. The river originates in the highest part of the Boston Mountains of the Ozarks , flows out onto the Springfield Plateau near the historic community of Erbie, and finally crosses a portion of the Salem Plateau just before joining the White River . The Park
3477-525: The surrounding countryside has attracted tourists from around the country for many years. Educational institutions have also played a role in the life of the community. Other historical features such as the Jacob Wolf House and Cold Water School preserve the history and culture of Baxter County. Baxter County is served by three public school districts: Mountain Home , Cotter , and Norfork , and contains one public community college: Arkansas State University–Mountain Home (ASUMH). Baxter Health serves as
3538-408: Was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.65. In the city the population was spread out, with 16.5% under the age of 18, 3.1% from 18 to 24, 16.9% from 25 to 44, 36.4% from 45 to 64, and 27.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.5 males. The median income for a household in
3599-400: 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
3660-548: Was nationally recognized as a silver medalist and ranked No. 18 in Arkansas and No. 1,863 in the nation in the Best High Schools Report 2012 developed by U.S. News & World Report . Baxter County, Arkansas Baxter County is a county in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas . Created as Arkansas's 66th county on March 24, 1873, the county has eight incorporated municipalities, including Mountain Home , its largest city and county seat . The county
3721-594: Was the Quid Nunc , from 1877 to 1880. The Baxter County Citizen was published in Mountain Home from 1880 until 1937. Mountain Home was also home to briefly operated papers named The North Arkansas Herald (monthly, c. 1890 ) and The Arkansas News ( c. 1897 ). Cotter has been home to five newspapers over the years, the longest lasting being the Cotter Courier (1903-c. 1918) and The Cotter Record (1911-1937). Publications lasting only
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