Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Taylor County, Florida had a population of about 21,815. The median age was 42.2 years. Approximately 52% were male and 48% female. Racially, the county was 74% White, 18% Black or African American, 2% Native American, 1% Asian, and 4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprised about 4% of the population.
Elections
As of 2024, Taylor County, FL has approximately 13,500 registered voters, with party affiliation split among Democrats (about 45%), Republicans (40%), and others/no party (15%). Voters participate in presidential, state, and local elections, with turnout in recent general elections nearing 70%. Polling locations include the Taylor County Supervisor of Elections Office and multiple precincts across Perry and Steinhatchee. Key issues often include jobs and environmental concerns. County elections are managed by the Taylor County Supervisor of Elections. Republican candidates have generally won countywide races since 2016, reflecting a conservative electoral shift.
Education, Employment and Housing
Taylor County, FL has 9 public schools, including 1 high school, serving approximately 3,000 students. The high school graduation rate is around 79%, while 14% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools average a 5/10 rating on GreatSchools. School safety measures are in place, with regular drills and resource officers. Educational programs include vocational training and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Adult education is offered through Taylor Technical Institute, providing workforce-oriented programs.
As of 2023, Taylor County, FL has an unemployment rate of approximately 3.2%. Major employment sectors include manufacturing (16%), education and health services (19%), and retail trade (12%). The most common occupations are in production, office/administrative support, and education. About 82% of employed residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 20 minutes. Nearly 60% of workers are employed within Taylor County, while others travel to neighboring counties for work.
Taylor County, FL, has a homeownership rate of around 73%, with median home values near $145,000 in 2023. The median gross rent is approximately $824/month. Property values have increased about 8% year-over-year. Housing types include single-family homes, mobile homes, and some apartments, mostly in Perry and Steinhatchee. Neighborhoods generally feature spacious lots and rural settings. The median property tax is about $600 annually, reflecting a rate of approximately 0.52%. The area is known for affordable living and modest growth in the real estate market.
County Crime & Safety
Taylor County, FL, reports higher crime rates than the state average, with a violent crime rate of about 6.9 per 1,000 residents, above Florida’s average of 3.8. Property crime stands at 21.5 per 1,000, outpacing the state’s 17.8 average. Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and Perry Police handle reporting via phone, online, and in person. Most incidents involve theft and assault. Residents are encouraged to use neighborhood watch programs and regular police updates for safety. Despite efforts, the county’s overall crime index remains less favorable compared to much of Florida.
Popular names
- James Rodgers
- James Parker
- Joseph Taylor
- Mary Williams
- David Roberts
- John Cruce
- Michael Smith
- Michael Williams
- Robert Simmons
- William Clark
- William Sadler
- William Smith
- Amanda Johnson
- Brittany Vaughn
- Bryant Miller
- Danny Parker
- David Goodman
- David Gray
- David Johnson
- David Morgan
- Donald Mosley
- Dorothy Davis
- George Williams
- Henry Smith
- James Cruce
- James Grambling
- James Lee
- James Slaughter
- Jessica Williams
- John Anderson
- John Lewis
- Justin Blue
- Kimberly Tamme
- Lee Brown
- Michael Harris
- Michael Hornsby
- Michael James
- Robert Murphy
- Shakayla Giacomucci
- Tiffany Davis
- Victoria Davis
- William Cruce
- William Davis
- William Murphy
- William Wigglesworth
- William Wright
- Amanda Thomas
- Amber Morgan
- Angela Thompson
- Benjamin Anderson
- Benjamin Sadler
- Betty Hathcock
- Billy Murphy
- Bria Thomas
- Brooke Davis
- Carla Russell
- Casey Borklund
- Charles Carlton
- Charles Johnson
- Charles Padgett
Other Counties in Florida
- Alachua
- Baker
- Bay
- Bradford
- Brevard
- Broward
- Calhoun
- Charlotte
- Citrus
- Clay
- Collier
- Columbia
- De Soto
- Dixie
- Duval
- Escambia
- Flagler
- Franklin
- Gadsden
- Gilchrist
- Glades
- Gulf
- Hamilton
- Hardee
- Hendry
- Hernando
- Highlands
- Hillsborough
- Holmes
- Indian River
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Lafayette
- Lake
- Lee
- Leon
- Levy
- Liberty
- Madison
- Manatee
- Marion
- Martin
- Miami Dade
- Monroe
- Nassau
- Okaloosa
- Okeechobee
- Orange
- Osceola
- Palm Beach
- Pasco