Cities and Towns in Baxter County, Arkansas

Founded on March 24, 1873, Baxter County is one of 75 counties in the state of Arkansas. Historically, Baxter County was formed from Fulton, Izard, Marion, and Searcy counties. The city of Mountain Home is the county seat. With FIPS code of 5, Baxter County has a population of 42,144 and area of 586.74 square miles (1,520 km²).

List of all cities in Baxter County, AR alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Big Flat, AR	72617	870
Clarkridge, AR	72623	870
Cotter, AR	72626	870
East Cotter, AR	72635	870
Gamaliel, AR	72537	870
Gassville, AR	72635	870
Harriet, AR	72617	870
Henderson, AR	72544	870
Lakeview, AR	72642	870
Midway, AR	72651	870
Monkey Run, AR	72635	870
Mountain Home, AR	72653	870
	72654	870
Norfork, AR	72658	870
	72659	870
Old Joe, AR	72658	870
Salesville, AR	72653	870
Whiteville, AR	72635	870

Major Cities and Towns in Baxter County, Arkansas

Mountain Home

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 11.7 square miles
• Population: 12,825 (as of the last census)
• ZIP Codes: 72653
• Latitude and Longitude:
  • Latitude: 36.3353° N
  • Longitude: 92.3852° W

Location and History

Mountain Home is the county seat and the largest city in Baxter County, Arkansas. The city is located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, offering a picturesque setting surrounded by natural beauty. Mountain Home was originally settled in the early 19th century and became an official city in 1888. The city developed as a trading post and later grew with the arrival of the railroad, which connected it to larger markets. Mountain Home is known for its strong ties to the outdoors, with nearby lakes and rivers providing ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. The city has evolved into a hub for tourism and retirement, attracting visitors and new residents with its mild climate, scenic landscapes, and friendly community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Mountain Home is served by the Mountain Home School District, which includes Mountain Home High School, Mountain Home Junior High, and several elementary schools. The city is also home to Arkansas State University-Mountain Home, a two-year college offering a range of degree programs and community education. Key landmarks in Mountain Home include the Baxter County Courthouse, a historic building that has served the community since the early 20th century, and the Donald W. Reynolds Library, which provides extensive resources and programming for residents. The nearby Norfork and Bull Shoals Lakes are major attractions, offering some of the best fishing, boating, and water sports in the region. The Ozark Mountains and the White River also provide stunning natural backdrops, making Mountain Home a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Gassville

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 3.6 square miles
• Population: 2,158 (as of the last census)
• ZIP Codes: 72635
• Latitude and Longitude:
  • Latitude: 36.2817° N
  • Longitude: 92.4879° W

Location and History

Gassville is a small city located in the northern part of Baxter County, Arkansas. The town was established in the late 19th century and named after P.A. Cox, a local businessman whose nickname was “Gass.” Gassville developed as an agricultural community, with farming and livestock raising being the primary economic activities. The arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century helped to spur growth, and Gassville became an important local center for trade and services. Today, Gassville is a quiet, residential community with a strong connection to the surrounding natural environment, including the nearby Ozark Mountains and White River.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Gassville is part of the Cotter School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby Cotter, including Cotter High School and Cotter Elementary School. The city is home to several local landmarks, including the historic Gassville Gymnasium, which has served as a community gathering place for many years. The nearby White River is a major attraction, offering world-class trout fishing and opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and other water sports. The town’s annual Gassville in the Park event is a significant cultural event, bringing residents together for a day of food, music, and family-friendly activities. The surrounding Ozark Mountains provide a stunning natural backdrop, making Gassville a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

Cotter

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 2.5 square miles
• Population: 970 (as of the last census)
• ZIP Codes: 72626
• Latitude and Longitude:
  • Latitude: 36.2714° N
  • Longitude: 92.5365° W

Location and History

Cotter is a small city located along the banks of the White River in Baxter County, Arkansas. The city was founded in the early 20th century as a railroad town, serving as a key point along the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Cotter quickly became known as the “Trout Capital USA” due to its prime location on the White River, which is famous for its trout fishing. The town’s history is closely tied to the railroad and the river, with both playing crucial roles in its development. Today, Cotter is a popular destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, who are drawn to its scenic river views and abundant fishing opportunities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Cotter is served by the Cotter School District, which includes Cotter High School and Cotter Elementary School. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including the historic Cotter Bridge, also known as the R.M. Ruthven Bridge, which spans the White River and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The White River is the town’s most significant natural landmark, offering excellent fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The nearby Big Spring Park is a popular spot for picnicking and enjoying the river’s beauty, with its historic spring house and scenic walking trails. The annual Cotter Trout Festival celebrates the town’s fishing heritage with activities, competitions, and live music, drawing visitors from across the region.

Norfork

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 1.9 square miles
• Population: 511 (as of the last census)
• ZIP Codes: 72658
• Latitude and Longitude:
  • Latitude: 36.2108° N
  • Longitude: 92.2821° W

Location and History

Norfork is a small town located at the confluence of the North Fork River and the White River in Baxter County, Arkansas. The town was established in the early 19th century and is one of the oldest settlements in the county. Norfork developed as a trading post and a center for agriculture, with the fertile lands along the rivers supporting farming and livestock raising. The town’s location at the meeting point of two major rivers has made it a key site for outdoor activities, particularly fishing and boating. Norfork’s rich history is reflected in its well-preserved historic sites, including the Wolf House, the oldest public structure in Arkansas.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Norfork is served by the Norfork School District, which includes Norfork High School and Norfork Elementary School. The town is home to several significant landmarks, including the Wolf House, a log structure built in the early 1820s that served as the first courthouse in the region. The nearby Norfork Dam and Lake Norfork are major attractions, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. The town’s location at the confluence of the North Fork and White Rivers makes it a prime spot for trout fishing, with anglers from around the country visiting the area. The annual Norfork Pioneer Day is a key event in the town, celebrating its history and heritage with a parade, crafts, and family-friendly activities.

Map of Cities in Baxter County, AR