History of Taylor County, Florida in Timeline
Taylor County is situated in the Big Bend region of northern Florida, with a population of 21,796 as of the 2020 census. Perry serves as the county seat. The county is recognized for hosting the annual Florida Forest Festival and has been known as the 'Tree Capital of the South' since 1965, a title given by then-Governor W. Haydon Burns.
1964: Political Shift
Taylor County, historically a Democratic-leaning county, saw a political shift in 1964 when Republican Barry Goldwater won the county.
1965: Tree Capital of the South
In 1965, then-Governor W. Haydon Burns designated Taylor County as the "Tree Capital of the South".
1996: Last Democratic Win
The last time a Democratic presidential candidate carried Taylor County was in 1996.
2000: 2000 Census
The 2000 United States Census reported a population of 19,256 in Taylor County, with a racial makeup of 77.84% White, 19.04% Black or African American, and smaller percentages of other racial groups.
2006: School System Performance
For the 2006-2007 school year, the Florida Department of Education gave the Taylor County School System an overall "B" grade.
2007: School System Performance
For the 2006-2007 school year, the Florida Department of Education gave the Taylor County School System an overall "B" grade.
March 2016: Unemployment Rate
In March 2016, Taylor County's unemployment rate was reported as 5.6%.
2020: 2020 Census
The 2020 United States Census recorded Taylor County's population at 21,796.
2020: 2020 Census - Demographics
The 2020 United States Census reported that Taylor County had a population of 21,796, with 7,405 households and 5,197 families.