Taylor County, Florida

History Taylor County was created in 1856. It was named for Zachary Taylor, twelfth President of the United States of America, who served from 1849 to 1851.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,191 km² (1,232 mi²). 2,699 km² (1,042 mi²) of it is land and 492 km² (190 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 15.43% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 19,256 people, 7,176 households, and 5,130 families residing in the county. The population density is 7/km² (18/mi²). There are 9,646 housing units at an average density of 4/km² (9/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 77.84% White, 19.04% African American, 0.98% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.32% from other races, and 1.38% from two or more races. 1.53% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 7,176 households out of which 31.60% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.50% are married couples living together, 14.40% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.50% are non-families. 24.20% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.60% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.51 and the average family size is 2.95.

In the county the population is spread out with 24.60% under the age of 18, 8.20% from 18 to 24, 28.30% from 25 to 44, 24.80% from 45 to 64, and 14.10% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 104.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 104.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $30,032, and the median income for a family is $35,061. Males have a median income of $27,967 versus $19,054 for females. The per capita income for the county is $15,281. 18.00% of the population and 14.50% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 22.20% are under the age of 18 and 17.90% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Perry