countyscore
52.9
County Score
Safety 84.8Cost of Living 71Property Tax 60.4

County Report Card

About Taylor County, Florida

Taylor meets national livability standards

Taylor County's composite score of 52.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it slightly above the 50th percentile nationally. Despite very low incomes, strong safety and affordability boost its overall standing.

Above-average by Florida standards

Taylor's score of 52.9 outperforms Florida's state average of 45.1, indicating above-average livability for the state. The county's strength in safety and affordability elevates its profile despite economic challenges.

Safety and affordability are exceptional

Taylor shines with a safety score of 84.8 and remarkable affordability—median rent of just $878/month and median home value of only $100,200, the lowest in this group. The cost score of 71.0 reflects some of Florida's most accessible housing markets.

Income and health severely constrained

Taylor's income score of 7.3 with a median household income of $44,985 is critically low, reflecting severe economic constraints. Health (25.8) and water quality (11.8) scores are among the weakest, indicating infrastructure and public health gaps.

For retirees seeking maximum affordability

Taylor is best for fixed-income retirees or those with substantial outside income who can accept limited job opportunities and health services. Working families, especially those with children, should prioritize counties with stronger income potential and health care infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax60.4Cost71Safety84.8Health25.8Schools39.7Income7.3Risk34.6Water11.8Weather24.8
🏛60.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡84.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡34.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤24.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨29.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱19.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Lafayette County
Florida
62.9
Madison County
Florida
50.4
Jefferson County
Florida
57
Suwannee County
Florida
56.2
Dixie County
Florida
51
Gilchrist County
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Wakulla County
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Hamilton County
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Deep Dives

Taylor County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Taylor County

via TaxByCounty

Taylor County has the nation's lowest tax burden here

Taylor County's effective rate of 0.723% sits just below the national median, but its median annual tax of $724 is the lowest among all eight counties profiled. On a median home worth $100,200—less than half the national average—Taylor residents enjoy one of America's most affordable property tax situations.

Taylor ranks among Florida's most affordable counties

At 0.723%, Taylor's effective rate nearly matches Florida's 0.731% statewide average, but its median tax bill of just $724 is 62% below the state median of $1,885. This rural Panhandle county offers some of Florida's most attractive property tax conditions for budget-conscious homeowners.

Taylor taxes less than Suwannee despite similar rates

Taylor's 0.723% rate is slightly lower than Suwannee's 0.727%, but Taylor's median bill of $724 falls below Suwannee's $1,169 due to lower home valuations ($100,200 vs. $160,900). Taylor emerges as the region's most tax-affordable option.

A $100,200 home costs about $724 yearly

The median Taylor home, valued at $100,200, incurs an annual property tax of just $724. With mortgage taxes included, homeowners pay $1,347; without a mortgage, the bill drops to $533.

Appeal your Taylor County assessment if needed

Even in affordable markets like Taylor, homeowners occasionally face inflated valuations that warrant appeal. Filing a free assessment challenge with the county property appraiser costs nothing and could lower an already modest bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Taylor County

via CostByCounty

Taylor County: affordability on a shoestring

Taylor County's 23.4% rent-to-income ratio reflects deep affordability challenges, paired with the lowest median household income in our comparison at $44,985. At $878 monthly rent, housing costs remain low in absolute terms but consume a larger income share than national averages.

Lowest incomes, moderate affordability ratio

Taylor's 23.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Florida's state average of 22.5%, placing it among the state's more strained counties despite modest rents. The median rent of $878 sits below the statewide $1,233 median, yet incomes here run far lower.

Similar costs, similar income pressures

Taylor's $878 rent and 23.4% ratio compare closely to Suwannee ($849, 18.4%) and Union ($846, 15.6%), though Taylor's weaker incomes create sharper affordability tension. The trio of northern counties shares economic challenges despite varying absolute costs.

Lowest costs paired with lowest incomes

Renters pay $878 monthly (23.4% of income) and homeowners $467 (12.4% of income), the lowest absolute costs in our group. The median home value of $100,200 offers genuine first-time-buyer potential for residents.

Taylor for patient homebuyers with low income

Households earning under $50,000 should weigh Taylor's rock-bottom home prices ($100,200 median) against limited job opportunities and services. Renters may find better income-to-housing balance in Suwannee; those seeking growth should explore Sumter or Seminole.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Taylor County

via IncomeByCounty

Taylor faces earnings challenges

Taylor County's median household income of $44,985 falls 40% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-earning counties nationally. This significant gap reflects structural economic challenges and limited job diversity.

Florida's lowest-income county

Taylor County's median household income of $44,985 ranks last among Florida's 67 counties, nearly $21,000 below the state average of $65,468. Per capita income of $26,808 also ranks among the state's lowest.

Significantly below all peers

Taylor's $44,985 median income severely lags neighboring Suwannee County ($55,479) and all other regional counties. The gap reflects deeper economic distress and fewer opportunities for wage growth in the area.

Housing affordable but income-strained

Taylor's rent-to-income ratio of 23.4% keeps housing costs reasonable, and a median home value of just $100,200 makes ownership accessible. However, low median incomes mean households must carefully prioritize all expenses.

Focus on stability first

Taylor County households earning $44,985 should prioritize job training and career development to boost earning potential. Once income stabilizes, even modest savings accumulate into meaningful wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Taylor County

via CrimeByCounty

Taylor County Offers High Safety Scores

Taylor County is remarkably safe, with a safety score of 99.4. Its total crime rate of 354.8 per 100,000 residents is roughly seven times lower than the national average of 2385.5.

One of Florida’s Safest Counties

Taylor County’s safety score of 99.4 easily beats the Florida average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 354.8 is far superior to the state average of 1027.9, making it a standout performer.

Safer than Neighboring Inland Areas

Taylor County reports a lower crime rate than Union County, which has 515.3 crimes per 100,000. With 8 reporting agencies, Taylor County maintains a strong grip on public safety across its rural landscape.

Low Rates of Both Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 116.7, while property crime is recorded at 238.1 per 100,000. These low numbers indicate that criminal activity is infrequent and manageable for local law enforcement.

Proactive Security for Taylor County Homes

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but property owners should still secure equipment and vehicles. Motion sensors and outdoor lighting are excellent, low-cost ways to maintain this high level of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Taylor County

via HealthByCounty

Taylor County's life expectancy significantly trails U.S. average

At 72.6 years, Taylor County residents live nearly 3.8 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 21.7% reporting poor or fair health—the highest rate in Florida—the county faces acute health challenges.

Florida's poorest health outcomes

Taylor County's 72.6-year life expectancy is 3.2 years below Florida's 75.8-year average, and its 21.7% poor/fair health rate is the worst in the state. At 13.4% uninsured, the county's coverage rate slightly beats the state average, yet health outcomes remain dire.

Worst health outcomes among regional peers

Taylor County residents live 8.4 years fewer than St. Johns County (81.0 years) and nearly match Suwannee's 72.9-year life expectancy. Its 21.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds all neighboring counties, indicating systemic health equity challenges.

Limited providers in a rural healthcare desert

Taylor County has only 46 primary care doctors per 100,000 residents and 51 mental health providers per 100,000—among Florida's lowest densities. Though 13.4% are uninsured, the shortage of available providers severely limits care access even for the insured.

Coverage alone isn't enough—seek available care

While Taylor County's 13.4% uninsured rate is relatively low, residents still need health insurance to access care and prevent catastrophic costs. Those without coverage should enroll via Florida Medicaid or the ACA marketplace, then work with local community health centers to address deferred care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Taylor County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small, Focused Network of Nine Schools

Taylor County operates a compact system of 9 public schools, primarily serving a rural population. The landscape includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools. A single district manages the education of 2,783 students across these campuses.

Impressive Graduation Rates in a Rural Setting

The county's 92.0% graduation rate exceeds the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 89.8%. Taylor achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,917, slightly under the state norm. The school score of 52.2 indicates performance that beats both the national median and the state average.

Unified District Without Charters

The Taylor school district manages 100% of the county's 2,783 students. There are no charter schools currently operating in the county, maintaining a fully unified public system. This ensures that resources and administration are concentrated on the existing nine traditional campuses.

Intimate Rural Schools and Community Feel

With 8 of the 9 schools located in rural settings, Taylor offers a classic small-town educational experience. The average school size is just 398 students, making it one of the more intimate systems in Florida. Even the largest schools, like Taylor County Primary and Taylor County High, enroll fewer than 650 students each.

Find Your Home in a Quiet, Successful District

Taylor County is an ideal choice for families seeking small-school environments without sacrificing academic performance. The high graduation rate is a testament to the personalized attention students receive in these smaller settings. Look for homes in the Perry area to stay connected to the heart of this successful school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Taylor County

via RiskByCounty

Taylor's risk is among Florida's lowest

Taylor County's composite risk score of 65.43 reflects a "Relatively Low" rating well below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county experiences meaningful hurricane exposure but avoids the acute tornado and wildfire risks that burden other Florida regions.

Well below Florida's state average

At 65.43, Taylor's risk score sits well below Florida's 75.74 state average, placing it among the state's safest counties. Its low tornado risk of 37.15 and modest wildfire risk of 81.42 are substantial points of advantage.

Most favorable risk in regional group

Taylor's 65.43 score is markedly lower than Seminole (91.44), St. Johns (87.53), and Suwannee (71.34) counties, making it the safest county in its geographic cluster. Only Union County (10.88) presents meaningfully lower risk in northern Florida.

Hurricanes are primary Taylor concern

Hurricane risk reaches 92.70 in Taylor County, reflecting Gulf Coast exposure to Atlantic tropical cyclones and storm surge. Flooding is secondary but notable at 76.60, particularly in coastal and low-lying inland areas, while tornado risk is comparatively low at 37.15.

Hurricane coverage and flood insurance matter

Taylor residents should maintain homeowners insurance with explicit hurricane/wind coverage and obtain flood insurance if in a mapped coastal or flood-risk zone. The county's lower overall risk profile means standard precautions—roof maintenance, emergency supplies, evacuation planning—are typically sufficient.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Taylor County

via WeatherByCounty

Coastal warmth without the snow

Taylor County averages 69.1°F, positioning it well above the national median for temperature. This coastal region enjoys a humid climate with no annual snowfall.

Temperate for the Sunshine State

The county is slightly cooler than the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It sits among the more temperate counties in the northern part of the state.

Cooler than eastern neighbors

With an average of 69.1°F, Taylor is cooler than Suwannee to the east (71.2°F). It receives 53.2 inches of rain, closely following the statewide average of 54.8 inches.

Ninety days of extreme heat

Residents face 90 days of extreme heat above 90°F, concentrated during the 81.3°F summers. Winters are cool for Florida, averaging 56.1°F during the coldest months.

Outdoor timing and rain gear

Outdoor activities are best planned for the 54.3°F mornings in January to avoid the midday sun. Sturdy rain gear is necessary to manage the 53.2 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Taylor County

via SoilByCounty

The most acidic soil in the region

Taylor County features a very low average pH of 4.09, making it one of the most acidic areas in Florida. This is significantly lower than the state average of 4.88 and the national median of 6.5. Only specific acid-loving vegetation can thrive naturally in these conditions.

A sandy and porous landscape

The soil is comprised of 85.5% sand, 2.3% silt, and 2.4% clay. This high sand content ensures that water moves through the profile with very little resistance. The lack of clay means the soil has very low natural ability to hold onto chemical fertilizers.

Moderate organic matter and water capacity

Despite the extreme acidity, organic matter is respectable at 7.80%, near the state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity is 0.113 in/in, which actually exceeds the state average of 0.108. This results in a soil score of 29.1, slightly below the state average of 31.1.

Strong water capacity despite acidity

While drainage class data is missing, the high water capacity of 0.113 helps mitigate the challenges of sandy soil. The soil score of 29.1 suggests that while acidic, the land holds onto enough moisture to support hardy growth. This profile is common in the swampy and coastal forest transition zones.

Acid-loving plants for zone 9a

In zone 9a, Taylor County is a paradise for plants that crave acid, such as azaleas and camellias. You will need to use lime if you want to grow standard vegetables, as the 4.09 pH is quite intense. Embrace the local conditions by planting native blueberries and pines.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Taylor County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Turf in Taylor County

Taylor County matches the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 19.2, making it a typical but tough Florida environment. In Zone 9a, the local climate requires active management to deal with specific soil and temperature hurdles. Compared to the national median of 50.0, maintaining a green lawn here requires significantly more effort.

Heavy Rains and Typical Heat

Taylor County receives 53.2 inches of rain per year, which is just above the ideal threshold for healthy lawns. The county sees 90 extreme heat days, which is almost exactly the state average of 92 days. These conditions promote rapid growth, so expect a heavy mowing schedule during the 7,143 growing degree days each year.

Solving the Acidity Crisis

The soil in Taylor County is extremely acidic with a pH of 4.09, well below the preferred 6.0-7.0 range. Combined with 85.5% sand content, this soil environment makes it very difficult for grass to absorb essential nutrients. Extensive liming is almost always required to make this soil hospitable for a traditional lawn.

Extended Drought in the Big Bend

Taylor County has faced 27 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100.0% of the county is currently in severe drought. These conditions are especially hard on lawns because the sandy soil cannot retain the 53.2 inches of rain that falls annually. To survive, lawns need careful irrigation and a reduction in foot traffic during dry spells.

Spring Planting in Zone 9a

Bermuda and Centipede grass are durable choices that can handle the local soil if the pH is corrected. The last spring frost typically occurs around March 5, marking the best time to start your seeding or sodding projects. Starting in early March allows your lawn to establish before the 90+ degree days begin in earnest.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taylor County's county score?
Taylor County, Florida has a composite county score of 52.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Taylor County rank among counties in Florida?
Taylor County ranks #16 among all counties in Florida on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Taylor County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Taylor County is $724, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Taylor County a tax score of 60.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Taylor County?
The median household income in Taylor County, Florida is $44,985 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Taylor County earns an income score of 7.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Taylor County, Florida a good place to live?
Taylor County scores 52.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Taylor County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Taylor County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.