countyscore
52.7
County Score
Safety 84.8Property Tax 65.8Cost of Living 65.2

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.

2040608010065.865.284.825.839.710.134.611.824.8Tax65.8Cost65.2Safety84.8Health25.8Schools39.7Income10.1Risk34.6Water11.8Weather24.852.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Taylor County DNA

Foverall

How Taylor County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Taylor County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (84.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (11.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
65.8+13.799999999999997
Cost
65.2+17.200000000000003
Safety
84.8+29.799999999999997
Health
25.8-24.2
Schools
39.7-14.299999999999997
Income
10.1-40.9
Risk
34.6-12.399999999999999
Water
11.8-46.2
Weather
24.8-31.2
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Taylor County

Whether buying or refinancing in Taylor County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$114,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$988/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$114,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,073/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Taylor County with Gilmer County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Gilmer County
Georgia
Median income: $74,499
52.7
Montgomery County
Iowa
Median income: $63,666
52.7
Washita County
Oklahoma
Median income: $63,501
52.7
Sherman County
Oregon
Median income: $60,161
52.7
Newport County
Rhode Island
Median income: $103,514
52.7
Lawrence County
Tennessee
Median income: $54,706
52.7
Concho County
Texas
Median income: $65,795
52.7
Marquette County
Wisconsin
Median income: $65,681
52.7

Nearby counties

Lafayette County
Florida
63.2
Madison County
Florida
49.6
Jefferson County
Florida
54.9
Suwannee County
Florida
55.8
Dixie County
Florida
55
Gilchrist County
Florida
60.1
Wakulla County
Florida
55.9
Hamilton County
Florida
45.5

Deep Dives

Taylor County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 52.7 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 #17 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 $750, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Taylor County a tax score of 65.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Taylor County?
The median household income in Taylor County, Florida is $49,073 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Taylor County earns an income score of 10.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Taylor County, Florida a good place to live?
Taylor County scores 52.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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