According to the 2000 US Census, the population of Surry County is 71,219.  Located in the northwest quarter of North Carolina along the Virginia state line, Surry County is approximately 537 square miles.  Surry was formed in 1771 from neighboring Rowan County and was named for Surrey, England, the birthplace of NC Governor William Tyron.     Surry has a moderate climate.  Temperatures range from an average High of 47 degrees with an average Low of 27 degrees in January to an average High of 87 with a Low of 67 degrees in July.  The yearly rainfall is approximately 40 inches, and yearly snowfall is 7 to 10 inches.  As a resident in Surry County, NC, you will be able to enjoy ALL 4 seasons! If you are considering relocating to Surry County, North Carolina, then a concern may be educational opportunities.  Within the county system there are 9 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 3 high schools.  In addition to the Surry County School System, two towns located in the county have independent school systems, Elkin City Schools and Mount Airy City Schools.  If you are interested in higher education, Surry Community College is located in the county seat of Dobson, and Surry County is close to at least 14 colleges and universities located in the Triad of North Carolina.  The Triad Area consists of 3 cities, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point, all within an hour and thirty minutes from Surry.   Surry County has two area hospitals.  Northern Surry Hospital is in Mount Airy and Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital is in Elkin.  Hugh Chatham has had recent renovations to make it a regional cancer center.  A variety of doctors and medical specialists also have offices within the county.  For more information visit the very surry website.