Baxter Facts

In Baxter, you CAN have it all! Small town comfort AND unlimited opportunity. Whether you’re looking for life in the fast lane, or prefer a more leisurely country drive, Baxter has everything you need to live exactly as you choose, all within a few minutes’ drive.

Population

Demographics
EVERYONE is welcome to join us in Baxter! Here is what the U.S. Census Bureau had to say about us after the 2010 Census:

]Click here to view the complete census report]

History
Baxter’s history is filled with interesting characters and tales, from the rugged and hardy pioneers who first tilled our rich soil to today’s successful families, who are making their own homes here. Come join us and begin writing your own history in Baxter!

How it started…It is generally believed the first pioneer settler to live in Independence Township was Daniel Weir who came in 1842. Pioneers Dawson, Howell, and Perin came in 1845, one year before Iowa became a state. The first land entered was in 1849. Settlers began to establish homes. In 1870 a schoolhouse was built and became the educational and religious center for the surrounding residents. Erastus O. Seeley was the first postmaster. Another influential citizen was Sidney Baxter Higgens. The name Independence Center was established in January 1870. The government would not accept that name as there was already an Independence in Iowa. Next they submitted the name Sidney, this too being rejected for the same reason. The third choice was Baxter and thus the name was changed in February 1872. There were several stores and homes built and the town grew.

As is common with many early settlements the coming of the railroad was the demise of this community. In July of 1883 the contract was let for "grading the diagonal." However, where the railroad line was planned was one and one half miles to the east and north. So with much labor and Vandike's twelve-yoke ox team, the town was moved. In a few weeks all the buildings except the schoolhouse were relocated. (The schoolhouse still stands in 2000, being used as a dwelling.) A more detailed account of early Baxter history can be found in "Recollections and Sketches of Northwest Jasper" a work written in 1970 for the Baxter Centennial Celebration, copies available at the Baxter Library.


Workforce - Laborshed
When you join us in Baxter, your business will draw from a labor force of 674 right here in Baxter and a total labor force of more than 287,000 skilled workers from the area. A 2006 Laborshed Study by Iowa Workforce Development shows that people who are willing to change employment in the area are willing to commute an average of 26 miles.

Regardless of your industry, you will find a capable, highly trained workforce at hand. The wide range of industries in which our labor force is employed includes:

Manufacturing: 20.8%
Finance, Insurance and Real Estate: 11.9%
Heath Care and Social Services: 11.6%
Wholesale & Retail Trade: 11.3%

For a more detailed look at the Laborshed Study, click here.