Baxley is a city in Appling County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 4,942. The city is the county seat of Appling County.

History

Baxley was first settled as a result of the Macon and Brunswick Railroad being built through Appling County in 1870. Originally, it was a railroad depot known as Station Number 7, but soon was named Baxley (after one of the community's first settlers, Wilson Baxley of North Carolina). Baxley incorporated in 1875.

Geography

Baxley is approximately 42 mi east of Douglas, 47 mi north of Waycross and 29 mi southwest of Glennville. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 21.7 km2, of which 0.03 sqkm, or 0.16%, is water.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,942 people, 1,436 households, and 1,068 families residing in the city.

Economy

The Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Power Plant is located north of the city along U.S. Route 1, on the banks of the Altamaha River. It is the area's largest employer. International Forest Products Limited operates a sawmill employing over 50 people.

Education

Appling County students in K-12 grades are in the Appling County School District, which consists of four elementary schools (three include a pre-school), a middle school and a high school. The district has 210 full-time teachers and over 3,303 students.

Notable people