countyscore
67.4
County Score
Cost of Living 97.4Property Tax 95.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Perry County, Alabama

Perry outpaces national livability benchmarks significantly

Perry County's composite score of 67.4 well exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quartile nationally. This 17-point advantage positions Perry among the most livable counties across the country.

Alabama's most livable county in this group

Perry ranks highest among these eight Alabama counties with a 67.4 score, substantially above the state average of 52.9. The county demonstrates exceptional livability despite serving a rural population.

Affordability reaches exceptional levels

Perry achieves a cost score of 97.4 with a median home value of just $87,700 and median rent of $610/month—among the nation's most affordable housing markets. The county also combines strong safety (85.3) with low taxes (95.5 score, 0.371% effective rate).

Income and health gaps require acknowledgment

Perry's income score of 0.8 with median household income of $34,368 represents the county's most significant constraint. Health outcomes also lag (16.7 score), reflecting limited access to quality healthcare services in this rural area.

Ideal for retirees and remote-work professionals

Perry suits retirees with fixed incomes, remote workers, or anyone prioritizing extreme affordability and safety over local income opportunities. Families needing healthcare access or young professionals seeking wage-based advancement should consider urban or suburban alternatives.

Score breakdown

Tax95.5Cost97.4Safety85.3Health16.7Schools45.3Income0.8Risk81.2Water86Weather45.2
🏛95.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠97.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡81.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33
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

Hale County
Alabama
66.4
Dallas County
Alabama
49.1
Bibb County
Alabama
49.2
Marengo County
Alabama
48.3
Greene County
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56.6
Autauga County
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41.9
Wilcox County
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58.3
Chilton County
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45.9

Deep Dives

Perry County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Perry County

via TaxByCounty

Perry County taxes exceptionally low

Perry County's effective tax rate of 0.371% places it in the lowest 10% nationally, roughly one-quarter the national median rate of 0.9%. The median property tax of just $325 is less than 12% of the national median bill of $2,690.

Lowest tax burden in state

Perry County's 0.371% effective rate ties with Pickens County for among the lowest in Alabama, sitting 9% below the state average of 0.339%. Despite low valuations, the county still collects $325 in median annual taxes.

Most affordable in its region

Perry County's $325 median tax is the lowest across its region, significantly undercutting Pike County ($403) and Pickens County ($356). The county's low valuations—median home value of $87,700—ensure minimal property tax exposure.

Your annual Perry County bill

On a median home valued at $87,700, Perry County homeowners pay approximately $325 per year in property taxes. With mortgage escrow, the total rises modestly to around $449 annually.

Even low taxes warrant review

Despite Perry County's minimal overall tax burden, individual assessments can still be incorrect or inflated. A free appeal to the county assessor costs nothing and may reveal overcorrections in your home's valuation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Perry County

via CostByCounty

Perry County's deep poverty challenges affordability

Perry County's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio mirrors strained national markets, but the underlying crisis is income: a $34,368 median household income is less than half the national median of $74,755. Even at $610 monthly rent, housing consumes disproportionate shares of severely limited household resources.

Perry ranks second-worst for affordability strain

Perry's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks second only to Montgomery among Alabama counties, with median rent of $610 being the lowest in this survey—yet the burden persists due to profound income poverty. This paradox highlights how low costs alone cannot solve affordability crises without adequate incomes.

Cheapest housing, lowest income combination

Perry's $610 median rent is lowest in this survey, but median household income of $34,368 is also lowest, creating a compounding poverty problem. While renters save money compared to Mobile or Montgomery, they earn far less, making relative affordability moot.

Poverty defines Perry County housing reality

Perry renters spend approximately $7,320 yearly on rent—21.3% of a median $34,368 annual income—leaving roughly $27,048 for all other expenses including utilities, food, and transportation. Homeowners pay just $417 monthly, but on properties valued at $87,700, suggesting limited generational wealth.

Perry offers housing access, not prosperity

Perry's ultra-low rents suit only those with guaranteed outside income—remote workers, retirees, or investors—since local employment opportunities remain scarce and wages are Alabama's lowest. Relocate to Perry only if bringing economic resources or secure employment from elsewhere.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Perry County

via IncomeByCounty

Perry faces severe income gap

Perry County's median household income of $34,368 is 54% below the U.S. median of $74,755—a chasm of $40,387 per year. This is among the lowest household incomes in the nation, reflecting long-standing economic challenges in rural Alabama.

Lowest in Alabama's bottom tier

Perry County earns 37% less than Alabama's state median of $54,196, placing it among the state's most economically challenged counties. With per capita income of just $16,960—far below the state average of $29,701—earning opportunities are severely limited.

Perry is the cohort's poorest

Perry's $34,368 median income falls below every comparable county, trailing Monroe ($40,225) by nearly $6,000 and Pickens ($47,014) by $12,600. Only Perry and Monroe occupy the region's lowest-income tier, with Perry representing the most acute economic stress.

Housing costs dominate tight budgets

Perry's rent-to-income ratio of 21.3% means limited household income goes almost entirely to essentials like rent and utilities. With median home values at $87,700, homeownership is theoretically affordable, but mortgage debt becomes a financial trap when household income is this constrained.

Start with the smallest steps

Perry residents should begin wealth-building through employer retirement plans if available, even at minimal contributions of $25-50 monthly. Community resources like credit counseling and financial literacy programs can help families navigate debt, build credit, and create pathways to economic stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Perry County

via CrimeByCounty

Perry County Boasts Strong Safety Scores

Perry County reports a total crime rate of 342.0 per 100K, which is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to an exceptional safety score of 99.5.

Well Above the Alabama Average

The county's safety score of 99.5 beats the Alabama state average of 97.3. With a total crime rate of 342.0, Perry is significantly quieter than the state average of 1731.0.

Safe Status Compared to Neighbors

Perry County remains safer than Pickens County, which reports a crime rate of 660.5. These low numbers across 4 reporting agencies indicate a tight-knit and secure community.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

The property crime rate is 212.3 per 100K, while violent crime is 129.7. While violent crime is higher than some rural peers, it still remains well below national averages.

Smart Security for Perry Residents

Maintaining these low crime rates starts with keeping your home and vehicles secure. Using basic alarm systems and motion sensors is an effective way to keep your property safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Perry County

via HealthByCounty

Perry County faces Alabama's worst health crisis

Perry County residents live to just 68.8 years, more than 2.5 years below the U.S. average of 71.5 years—a mortality gap approaching the disparity seen in developing nations. Nearly one in three residents (32.9%) report poor or fair health, the highest burden among all surveyed counties and well above the national 24% rate. With only 36 primary care providers per 100,000, Perry faces severe provider shortages compounded by a desperate need for preventive care access.

Perry ranks as Alabama's sickest county

Perry County's 68.8-year life expectancy is more than 3 years below Alabama's 72.1 state average, placing it at the bottom of state rankings—a public health emergency. The 32.9% poor/fair health rate represents the highest in Alabama, reflecting concentrated poverty, limited healthcare access, and preventable chronic disease. Perry's 10.1% uninsured rate is deceptively low; poverty, not coverage, is the primary barrier to health in this county of 10,000 residents.

Perry's health crisis stands alone

Perry's 68.8-year life expectancy is catastrophically lower than any surveyed peer—nearly 4 years below Morgan County (72.8) and 2 years behind Pike County (71.6). The 32.9% poor/fair health rate is unmatched; no other county exceeds 27%, making Perry's disease burden an outlier even among rural Alabama. With just 36 primary care providers per 100,000 and 65 mental health providers per 100K, Perry has the sparsest provider network of all surveyed counties.

Rural poverty and isolation fuel crisis

Perry County's 32.9% poor/fair health rate reflects concentrated poverty and chronic disease; with 36 primary care providers per 100,000 (the lowest surveyed), even insured residents must travel for care. The 10.1% uninsured rate masks the deeper problem: limited income means many delay care regardless of coverage, and the county's population of 10,000 cannot support adequate healthcare infrastructure. Mental health providers (65 per 100K) and primary care shortages combine to create a community health crisis requiring emergency intervention.

Perry residents: free care and coverage matter

Perry's low uninsured rate belies a deeper access crisis; if uninsured, confirm eligibility for Medicaid at healthcare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596. Federally qualified health centers across Alabama offer free or sliding-scale care regardless of insurance—ask your county health department for Perry's nearest location. With only 36 primary care doctors per 100K, every coverage and care option matters; seek preventive services aggressively and advocate for expanded rural health infrastructure in your county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Perry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in Perry County

Perry County operates a small but specialized school landscape with just 3 public schools serving 1,217 students. All three schools are classified as 'other,' typically meaning they serve a wide range of grade levels in a single facility. Education is split between the county district and a local charter school.

Exceeding Graduation Benchmarks

Perry County achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state average of 90.7% and the national average of 87%. The county spends $6,400 per pupil, slightly exceeding the Alabama state average of $6,270. Its school score of 53.3 also beats the state average, showing strong results for its size.

Charter School Presence and County Oversight

The Perry County district manages 2 schools with 935 total students, while Breakthrough Charter School serves 282 students. This means charter education accounts for 33.3% of the county's public schools, one of the highest shares in the state. Major schools like Francis Marion serve nearly 500 students in a PK-12 format.

Completely Rural Learning Environments

All three schools in Perry County are located in rural settings, fostering a localized and intimate learning environment. With an average school size of 406 students, campuses are large enough to offer diverse programs while maintaining a small-town feel. Most students attend PK-12 campuses, meaning they stay with the same peer group for their entire education.

Discover Rural Educational Value

For families seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic performance, Perry County offers impressive graduation rates and specialized charter options. The centralized nature of the PK-12 schools makes them vital community hubs for residents. Look for homes near Marion to stay connected to these high-performing rural institutions.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Perry County

via RiskByCounty

Perry County ranks among safest nationally

Perry County's composite risk score of just 18.83 earns a 'Very Low' rating and stands dramatically below Alabama's state average of 61.54. This places Perry among the lowest-risk counties in the United States across multiple hazard types.

Lowest-risk county in Alabama

Perry County ranks as Alabama's safest county by composite disaster risk, with an 18.83 score that sits 43 points below the state average. Only Randolph County (30.60) approaches Perry's exceptionally low risk profile.

Safest in its region by far

Perry County's 18.83 score is roughly one-third the risk of neighboring Pickens (44.69) and Pike (43.99) counties, and less than one-half of Montgomery's 91.83. Perry stands out as an oasis of low hazard exposure in its part of the state.

Risks remain minimal across the board

Even Perry's highest risk category—hurricane (69.30)—falls below state average, while flood (22.46), wildfire (23.16), and tornado (53.66) risks all rank as low. Earthquake risk at 61.10 is the only score approaching state-level benchmarks.

Standard homeowner coverage should suffice

Perry County's very low composite risk means a standard homeowner insurance policy typically provides adequate protection for most residents. Annual policy reviews and maintaining good home maintenance practices will keep you well-protected against the county's minimal natural disaster exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Perry County

via WeatherByCounty

High rainfall in the Black Belt

Perry County receives 56.2 inches of rain annually, nearly 20 inches more than the national median. This abundant moisture defines its humid subtropical environment despite limited temperature records.

Typical Alabama precipitation levels

The county's 56.2 inches of rain closely matches the state average of 57.4 inches. It shares the same warm, humid profile that characterizes most of the Alabama Black Belt region.

Trace snow sets it apart

Unlike its southern neighbors, Perry County records a small amount of annual snowfall at 0.7 inches. This distinguishes it from counties further south that see no snow at all.

Rare snow and wet summers

The county sees an average of 0.7 inches of snow, indicating that winters occasionally dip into freezing territory. The 56.2 inches of annual rain is distributed across long, humid summers.

Invest in moisture control

High annual rainfall of 56.2 inches makes water management and rain gear essential for residents. While 0.7 inches of snow is minimal, occasional winterization of pipes is still a wise precaution.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Perry County

via SoilByCounty

Perry County's Balanced Soil pH

Perry County reports a pH of 5.46, which is one of the highest in this group and well above the state average of 5.21. While still acidic relative to the national 6.5 median, it provides a more flexible environment for many crops.

Dense Soil for Nutrient Holding

The soil mix consists of 44.2% sand, 31.3% silt, and 22.0% clay. This relatively high clay content allows the soil to hold onto nutrients effectively, though it may be harder to work when wet.

High Organic Matter and Fertility

Organic matter in Perry County is a strong 2.09%, exceeding both the state average and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.137 in/in is almost exactly in line with the state average, supporting healthy growth.

Reliable Moisture for Crops

The 22.0% clay content suggests that these soils retain moisture well throughout the growing season. With a respectable soil score of 31.2, this county offers better-than-average natural conditions for local agriculture.

A Natural Spot for Heavy Feeders

The high organic matter in zone 8b is perfect for heavy-feeding crops like corn and squash. If you are starting a garden, you have some of the best natural soil fertility in the region to work with.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Perry County

via LawnByCounty

Manageable Growing Conditions

Perry County's lawn difficulty score of 33.0 is higher than the state average of 29.5, suggesting a slightly easier experience for local homeowners. This Zone 8b region offers better growing prospects than the difficult coastal counties, though it remains below the national 50.0 baseline.

High Rainfall Totals

Annual precipitation averages 56.2 inches, which sits just above the ideal 50-inch limit for standard turf maintenance. While specific heat data is unavailable, the regional trend suggests high humidity that requires careful monitoring for lawn diseases and fungus.

Moisture-Retaining Soil

The soil profile shows a pH of 5.46, meaning residents should test their soil and likely add lime to help grass absorb nutrients properly. A clay content of 22.0% provides decent moisture retention, helping the lawn stay hydrated during shorter dry spells.

Mulching for Moisture

The county faced 29 weeks of drought over the past year, though it is currently free from the most severe drought levels. Use mulching mowers to return clippings to the lawn, which helps retain moisture and provides natural nitrogen to the turf.

Warm-Season Choices

Zone 8b favors warm-season grasses like Centipede or Zoysia that can handle the regional humidity and warmth. Without specific local frost data, homeowners should wait until the ground warms in mid-spring to start their new lawn projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perry County's county score?
Perry County, Alabama has a composite county score of 67.4 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 Perry County rank among counties in Alabama?
Perry County ranks #1 among all counties in Alabama 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 Perry County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Perry County is $325, with an effective tax rate of 0.37%. This earns Perry County a tax score of 95.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Perry County?
The median household income in Perry County, Alabama is $34,368 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Perry County earns an income score of 0.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Perry County, Alabama a good place to live?
Perry County scores 67.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Perry 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 Perry County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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