Perry, Florida Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

Perry, Florida is a small city located in Taylor County. The population of Perry was estimated to be 7,019 in 2019. It is located near the Gulf Coast and the Apalachicola National Forest, giving it a unique geography with a mix of both coastal and rural features.

The climate in Perry is generally humid subtropical, with mild winters and hot summers. The area gets an average of 52 inches of rain per year and has an average temperature of 67°F (19°C).

Perry has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s when it was first settled by European settlers. The town was initially known as “Taylor County Courthouse,” but was later renamed after Governor Madison Starke Perry in 1882. Since then, the town has grown into a bustling community filled with businesses, restaurants, and schools.

Politically, Perry is part of Florida’s 2nd congressional district and is represented by Republican Congressman Neal Dunn. Taylor County also has its own local government that oversees the city’s affairs.

In terms of economy, Perry relies heavily on agriculture and its proximity to several military bases for employment opportunities. It also boasts several local businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores, banks, medical facilities, auto repair shops and more that provide jobs for locals as well as visitors to the area.

Schools in Perry are provided by Taylor County School District which includes two elementary schools (Taylor Elementary School & Steinhatchee Elementary School), one middle school (Taylor Middle School) and one high school (Taylor High School). All four schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS).

As far as landmarks go, some popular attractions include Forest Capital State Park (which features an historic village), Keaton Beach (a popular spot for fishing), Taylor Technical Institute (where residents can learn new skills or enhance existing ones) and many others.

Population: 6,847. Estimated population in July 2024: 6,734 (-1.7% change)
Males: 3,201 (46.8%), Females: 3,646 (53.2%)

Taylor County

Zip codes: 32347.

Demographics

Median resident age: 35.5 years
Median household income: $25,986
Median house value: $62,300

Population by Race

Races in Perry:

• White Non-Hispanic (55.3%)
• Black (41.2%)
• Hispanic (1.7%)
• American Indian (1.2%)
• Two or more races (1.1%)
• Other race (0.6%)

Ancestries: United States (10.5%), Irish (7.8%), German (5.7%), English (5.5%), Italian (1.8%), Subsaharan African (1.6%).

Elevation: 42 feet

Land area: 9.3 square miles

Population by Education

Perry, Florida is located in the heart of Taylor County and has a population of 2,231 according to the 2010 census. The median age of the population is 36.6 years old and 56.2% of the population is female while 43.8% is male. The racial makeup of Perry is 60.5% White, 34% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 3.0% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. The ethnic makeup of Perry is 89.1% Hispanic or Latino and 10.9 % Non-Hispanic or Latino populations with Cuban being the largest ethnic group at 23%.

The majority of Perry’s residents are employed in retail trade (14%), educational services (13%), accommodation and food services (12%) and health care (10%). There are also many small businesses in Perry that employ locals such as construction companies, auto repair shops and restaurants that serve traditional southern cuisine like fried green tomatoes and collard greens with cornbread dressing for dinner every night! The median household income for Perry’s citizens is $30,724 which is lower than the state average but still provides a living wage for most families living here who work hard to make ends meet each month.

For population 25 years and over in Perry

• High school or higher: 67.2%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.9%
• Graduate or professional degree: 4.4%
• Unemployed: 7.2%
• Mean travel time to work: 17.5 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Perry city

• Never married: 28.1%
• Now married: 46.2%
• Separated: 2.9%
• Widowed: 9.2%
• Divorced: 13.7%

1.3% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -487 (-6.6%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Perry:

• DOCTORS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (407 E ASH ST)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Perry:

• MADISON COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 28 miles; MADISON, FL)
• SHANDS AT LIVE OAK (about 40 miles; LIVE OAK, FL)
• BROOKS COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 47 miles; QUITMAN, GA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Perry:

• VALDOSTA RGNL (about 50 miles; VALDOSTA, GA; Abbreviation: VLD)
• TALLAHASSEE REGIONAL (about 57 miles; TALLAHASSEE, FL; Abbreviation: TLH)
• MOODY AFB (about 65 miles; VALDOSTA, GA; Abbreviation: VAD)

Other public-use airports nearest to Perry:

• PERRY-FOLEY (about 4 miles; PERRY, FL; Abbreviation: 40J)
• SUWANNEE COUNTY (about 42 miles; LIVE OAK, FL; Abbreviation: 24J)
• CROSS CITY (about 47 miles; CROSS CITY, FL; Abbreviation: CTY)

Colleges and Universities

College/University in Perry:

• TAYLOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE (Full-time enrollment: 288; Location: 3233 HWY 19 S; Public; Website: taylor.k12.fl.us)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Perry:

• FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY (about 54 miles; TALLAHASSEE, FL; Full-time enrollment: 10,991)
• FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 55 miles; TALLAHASSEE, FL; Full-time enrollment: 29,949)
• VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 55 miles; VALDOSTA, GA; Full-time enrollment: 7,157)
• TALLAHASSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 57 miles; TALLAHASSEE, FL; Full-time enrollment: 7,016)
• SANTA FE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 87 miles; GAINESVILLE, FL; Full-time enrollment: 7,942)
• UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (about 91 miles; GAINESVILLE, FL; Full-time enrollment: 41,543)
• ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY (about 106 miles; ALBANY, GA; Full-time enrollment: 2,996)

Schools

Public high schools in Perry:

• TAYLOR COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 840; Location: 900 JOHNSON-STRIPPLING RD; Grades: 09 – 12)
• TAYLOR CO AREA VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL/ADULT (Students: 63; Location: 3233 S U.S HIGHWAY 19; Grades: 09 – 12)

Private high school in Perry:

• TRUTH ACADEMY (Students: 13; Location: PO BOX 214; Grades: 2 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Perry:

• PERRY PRIMARY SCHOOL (Students: 766; Location: 400 N CLARK STREET; Grades: KG – 02)
• TAYLOR COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 716; Location: 1600 EAST GREEN STREET; Grades: 02 – 06)
• TAYLOR COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 700; Location: 601 E LAFAYETTE STREET; Grades: 06 – 08)
• CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER (Students: 275; Location: 520 EAST LAFAYETTE STREET; Grades: PK – PK)
• TECHNICAL LEARNING CENTER (Students: 60; Location: 318 N CLARK STREET; Grades: 06 – 12)
• COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE (Students: 3; Location: 318 N CLARK STREET; Grades: PK – 12)

Libraries

Library in Perry:

• TAYLOR COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $316,542; Location: 403 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET; 49,018 books; 756 audio materials; 706 video materials; 63 serial subscriptions)