45 Facts About Perry Florida (City)

Perry, Florida: A City with Rich History and Unique Charm

Perry, Florida, is a city with a fascinating past and a vibrant present. Known as the "Tree Capital of the South," Perry offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Let's explore some intriguing facts about this remarkable city.

1. Perry was originally named Rosehead but was renamed Perrytown in 1875 after Madison Stark Perry, Florida's fourth governor. Eventually, the "town" was dropped, and it became simply Perry.

2. Founded in 1858, Perry quickly became a significant transportation hub due to its location on the Pensacola and Georgia Railroad. Early settlers arrived in the early 1800s, joining the Native Americans already inhabiting the area.

3. Perry's history includes the tragic Perry Massacre of 1922. Following the murder of a white schoolteacher, white mobs lynched three black men and attacked the black community, burning down several buildings and homes.

Geography and Population of Perry

Perry's location and demographics play a significant role in its identity. Situated along Florida's Nature Coast, the city offers a mix of suburban and rural living.

4. Perry is located at 30°06′52″N 83°34′57″W, covering a total area of 9.3 square miles (24 km²), all land.

5. As of the 2020 United States Census, Perry had a population of 6,898 residents. The population has been growing, with an estimated 7,417 residents as of 2024, representing an annual growth rate of 1.87%.

6. The racial makeup of Perry as of the 2000 census was 56.01% White, 41.17% African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.48% Asian, and 0.01% Pacific Islander. Hispanic or Latino of any race made up 1.65% of the population.

Economy and Employment in Perry

Perry's economy is diverse, with opportunities in both manufacturing and agriculture. The city's natural resources and strategic location contribute to its economic stability.

7. Perry's economy includes both manufacturing and agricultural employment opportunities. The area is known for its fishing and hunting, with many freshwater springs nearby, including the world's largest spring.

8. Perry is served by the Perry–Foley Airport, a public-use airport located 3 miles south of the central business district. The city also has a bus route operated by Big Bend Transit known as the Perry Shuttle.

9. The Perry Police Department (PPD) is a 24-person agency with four Patrol K-9 teams. Each handler and K-9 partner receives at least 500 hours of training, with some instances requiring up to 800 hours.

Education and Real Estate in Perry

Education and housing are crucial aspects of any community. Perry offers a range of educational institutions and housing options for its residents.

10. Perry is served by several public schools, including Steinhatchee School, Taylor County High School, Taylor County Middle School, and Taylor County Elementary School. These schools have received varying grades on Niche, with some schools rated higher than others.

11. The median home value in Perry is $128,300, with a median rent of $941. The area has a suburban rural mix feel, and 64% of residents own their homes, while 36% rent.

Crime, Health, and Outdoor Activities

Safety, health, and recreation are important factors in the quality of life in Perry. The city offers various amenities and activities for its residents.

12. Perry has a crime rate that is slightly higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 830.3 per 100,000 residents, and the property crime rate is 2,170.4 per 100,000 residents. However, the diversity grade is A, indicating a diverse community.

13. Perry has a state-of-the-art hospital with a multi-million dollar medical arts facility. The health and fitness grade is C, indicating room for improvement in this area.

14. The area around Perry offers numerous outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, and exploring freshwater springs. The Florida Forest Festival is a notable event that includes the "World's Largest Free Fish Fry".

Historical Landmarks and Community Events

Perry's rich history is reflected in its landmarks and community events. These elements contribute to the city's unique character and sense of community.

15. Perry is home to several historical landmarks, including the Perry railroad Depot, built in 1883, and the Taylor County Courthouse, constructed in 1901. The Perry Historic District features various homes and buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

16. Perry hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Florida Forest Festival. The city also has a strong sense of community, with residents committed to preserving its heritage.

17. Perry was a popular winter tourist destination in the early 1900s, attracting visitors with its warm weather, beautiful scenery, and recreational activities. Today, tourism remains an important part of the local economy.

Agriculture and Manufacturing

Agriculture and manufacturing have long been pillars of Perry's economy. These industries continue to provide employment and support the city's growth.

18. Perry has a rich agricultural history, with cotton plantations and tobacco farms being significant contributors to the local economy. The area is also known for its timber industry.

19. In addition to agriculture, Perry has manufacturing industries that provide employment opportunities for its residents. The city's diverse economy supports various businesses and industries.

Natural Disasters and Climate

Perry's location makes it susceptible to natural disasters, but the city remains resilient. The climate also plays a role in the daily lives of its residents.

20. In August 1998, an explosion at a natural gas plant injured four firefighters and destroyed several houses and vehicles. The incident highlighted the importance of safety measures in industrial operations.

21. In August 2023, Hurricane Idalia impacted Perry, causing damage across the city. The storm emphasized the need for disaster preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

22. Perry experiences a humid subtropical climate, with record high temperatures reaching up to 104°F (40°C) and average temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) in January to 90°F (32°C) in July.

Demographics and Community

Perry's demographics provide insight into the city's diverse and dynamic community. Understanding these statistics helps paint a clearer picture of life in Perry.

23. Perry's population has been growing steadily, with an increase of 7.93% since the 2020 census. The city is expected to reach a population of 8,098 by 2029.

24. The average household income in Perry is $62,724, which is lower than the national average but higher than some other cities in Florida. The poverty rate is 15.24%, indicating some economic challenges.

25. The median age in Perry is 38.3 years, with males averaging 34.3 years and females averaging 43 years. This demographic information provides insight into the city's age structure.

26. According to the most recent ACS data, 7% of Perry residents hold a master's degree or higher, 12% hold a bachelor's degree, and 27% have some college or an associate's degree. The high school graduation rate is 41%, and the bachelor's degree rate is 40.98% among those of two or more races.

27. 94.89% of Perry residents speak only English, while 5.11% speak other languages. The non-English language spoken by the largest group is Other languages, which is spoken by 2.68% of the population.

28. The overall poverty rate in Perry is 15.24%, with males having a poverty rate of 12.01% and females having a poverty rate of 19.03%. The race most likely to be in poverty is Other, with 22.41% below the poverty level.

29. The overall marriage rate in Perry is 41.3%, with males having a marriage rate of 34.1% and females having a marriage rate of 48.3%. The age group where males are most likely to be married is 55-64, while the female age group most likely to be married is 35-44.

30. The veteran poverty rate in Perry is 42.46%, and the veteran disability rate is not specified. The labor force participation rate is 56.2%, and the employment rate is 8.1%, indicating some challenges in employment for veterans.

31. 93.87% of Perry residents were born in the United States, with 64.57% having been born in Florida. 5.22% of residents are not US citizens, with the largest percentage being from Latin America.

32. Only 0.92% of Perry residents are non-citizens, indicating a predominantly native-born population. The majority of non-citizens are naturalized, with 93.87% of residents being native-born.

Historic Downtown and Landmarks

Perry's historic downtown and landmarks are a testament to its rich heritage. These sites offer a glimpse into the city's past and contribute to its unique charm.

33. Perry's historic downtown area is lined with friendly hometown shops and features a recently restored steam locomotive era train station. This historic district adds to the city's charm and heritage.

34. The Perry railroad Depot, built in 1883, now serves as the Perry Museum. This historic building is a significant landmark in the city and a testament to its rich history.

35. The Taylor County Courthouse, constructed in 1901, is still in use today. This historic courthouse is another notable landmark in Perry and reflects the city's architectural heritage.

36. The Perry Historic District features a variety of homes and buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This residential neighborhood is a significant part of Perry's historical landscape.

37. Perry's residents are committed to preserving the city's heritage. Efforts to maintain historical landmarks and cultural traditions contribute to the city's vibrant community spirit.

Tourism and Economic Diversification

Tourism and economic diversification are key components of Perry's growth and development. The city's attractions and industries support its thriving economy.

38. Perry offers various tourism attractions, including its historic downtown area, the Perry railroad Depot, and the Taylor County Courthouse. These attractions draw visitors interested in history and culture.

39. Perry's economy is diversified, with both manufacturing and agricultural industries contributing to its growth. This diversification helps the city remain resilient in the face of economic fluctuations.

40. Perry's agricultural heritage is significant, with cotton plantations, tobacco farms, and timber industries being major contributors to the local economy. The area's natural resources support these agricultural activities.

41. The manufacturing sector in Perry provides employment opportunities for residents. Various businesses operate in the city, contributing to its economic stability.

42. The 1998 natural gas plant incident highlighted the importance of safety measures in industrial operations. The incident resulted in injuries to firefighters and damage to nearby homes and vehicles.

43. In August 2023, Hurricane Idalia impacted Perry, causing damage across the city. The storm emphasized the need for disaster preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

44. Perry experiences a humid subtropical climate, with record high temperatures reaching up to 104°F (40°C). The average temperatures range from 50°F (10°C) in January to 90°F (32°C) in July.

45. Perry is expected to continue growing, with an estimated population of 8,098 by 2029. The city's diverse economy and commitment to preserving its heritage position it for continued development and prosperity.

Perry, Florida: A City with Rich History and Promising Future

Perry, Florida, offers a blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and community spirit. From its origins as Rosehead to its current status as the "Tree Capital of the South," Perry has evolved while preserving its heritage. The city boasts a diverse economy, with strong agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Despite facing challenges like the 1922 massacre and Hurricane Idalia, Perry's resilience shines through. The historic downtown, community events, and outdoor activities make it a vibrant place to live and visit. With a growing population and ongoing development, Perry is poised for a bright future. Whether you're interested in its rich history or looking for a welcoming community, Perry has something for everyone. This city truly embodies the spirit of Florida's Nature Coast.