Baldwin County is located in the southwest corner of Alabama, on the Gulf of Mexico. See Countryaah – Counties in Alabama. It borders Escambia County to the west, Monroe County to the north, Mobile and Washington counties to the east, and Florida’s Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties to the south. The county seat is Bay Minette. The county has a total area of 1,590 square miles and is made up of various cities and towns including Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Lillian, Magnolia Springs, Orange Beach and Silverhill. Baldwin County has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Average annual rainfall is around 64 inches with most precipitation occurring in late spring and early summer. The county experiences frequent thunderstorms during these months as well. Baldwin County also enjoys an abundance of natural beauty with its white sandy beaches along the Gulf Coast stretching from Dauphin Island to Perdido Key in Florida; rolling hills; lush forests; rivers; swamps; marshes; bays; bayous; saltwater estuaries; creeks and streams that create an outdoor paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who come for camping, fishing or boating activities.
Demographics of Baldwin County, Alabama
Baldwin County is the sixth most populous county in Alabama and is home to more than 200,000 people. The population density is 150 people per square mile. The racial makeup of Baldwin County is 73% White, 14% Black or African American, 3% Asian, 2% from other races, and 8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.7% of the population. The median age in Baldwin County is 38 years old while the median household income is $60,991.
The largest cities in Baldwin County are Daphne (21,272), Spanish Fort (7,919), Foley (15,822), Fairhope (18,310), and Gulf Shores (10,105). Daphne has seen the most growth since 2010 with a population increase of 41%. The majority of the population identify as Christian with non-denominational Christian being the largest group at 28%. Other religious affiliations include Baptist at 15%, Methodist at 11%, Pentecostal at 8%, Lutheran at 4%, and Catholic at 3%.
Places of Interest in Baldwin County, Alabama
Baldwin County is home to many places of interest for visitors and locals alike. Popular attractions include the Gulf Shores Beachfront, a beautiful stretch of white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, offering breathtaking views and a great place to relax. The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a great destination for nature lovers, with trails and boardwalks that wind through the refuge’s habitats. History buffs will enjoy exploring Fort Morgan and the Battle of Mobile Bay Museum, located on the western tip of Mobile Bay.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Baldwin County offers plenty to do including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and boating in its many rivers and bays; hiking or biking in its lush forests; birdwatching at its wildlife refuges; or simply relaxing on one of its many white sandy beaches. Other popular activities include golfing at one of several local courses; visiting one of the county’s many state parks; or taking a scenic drive along Baldwin County’s Scenic Byway.
For those looking for more culture and entertainment, there are plenty of museums to explore such as the Foley Railroad Museum or the Daphne Museum of History. There are also art galleries featuring works from local artists such as Fairhope’s Eastern Shore Art Center or Orange Beach’s Coastal Arts Center. For music fans there are several venues showcasing live music acts throughout Baldwin County including The Hangout in Gulf Shores and The Steeple in Fairhope. With so much to see and do in Baldwin County there is something for everyone.
Notable People of Baldwin County, Alabama
Baldwin County, Alabama is home to many notable people from all walks of life. From politicians and activists to athletes and entertainers, Baldwin County has produced some of the most influential figures in the United States.
Famous politicians from Baldwin County include former U.S. Senator Howell Heflin and current U.S. Representative Bradley Byrne. Also hailing from Baldwin County are prominent civil rights activists such as Rosa Parks, who was born in Tuskegee and spent her childhood in nearby Pine Level, and Martin Luther King Jr., who spoke at Fairhope High School during his civil rights tour of the South in 1964.
The entertainment industry has also seen its fair share of famous faces from Baldwin County including actors like Lou Diamond Phillips and musician Jason Isbell, both born in Escambia County but raised in Foley; singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffet; actor/director Tim Meadows; and comedian/actor Steve Harvey, who attended college at Alabama State University in Montgomery before moving to Chicago to pursue a career in stand-up comedy.
Athletically, Baldwin County has produced several world-class athletes including Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry; NBA legend Charles Barkley; NFL greats Bo Jackson and Jimmy Hitchcock; professional golfer Boo Weekley; Olympic swimmer Nick Thoman; professional soccer player Will Bruin; and NASCAR driver Chase Elliott.
As you can see, Baldwin County is home to some of the most influential people of our time.