countyscore
56.3
County Score
Cost of Living 86.8Water Quality 86Property Tax 83.9

County Report Card

About Perry County, Arkansas

Clear advantage over national median

Perry County's composite score of 56.4 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 13%, placing it above the midpoint of U.S. county livability. This advantage is driven by distinct strengths in specific livability dimensions.

Well above Arkansas's typical performance

At 56.4, Perry County scores 18% higher than Arkansas's state average of 47.9, ranking it among the state's stronger-performing counties. This positions it as a genuinely above-average option within Arkansas.

Highest income and best water quality

Perry County stands out with an income score of 39.2 and median household income of $60,078—the highest in this dataset—plus an exceptional water score of 86.0 indicating excellent water quality. Cost score of 86.8 and tax score of 83.9 also provide good affordability and reasonable tax burdens.

Safety concerns temper overall appeal

The county's safety score of just 21.2 represents a significant livability detractor, indicating elevated crime rates that offset other strengths. Health score of 40.1 is adequate but leaves room for improvement in healthcare access and population wellness.

Ideal for remote workers with higher incomes

Perry County best suits remote workers, self-employed individuals, and families with higher incomes seeking affordability and clean water in a rural setting. The combination of above-average income and excellent water quality makes it attractive, though safety-conscious families should investigate neighborhood-specific conditions.

2040608010083.986.821.240.14839.2728650.9Tax83.9Cost86.8Safety21.2Health40.1Schools48Income39.2Risk72Water86Weather50.956.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Perry County DNA

Foverall

How Perry County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Perry County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (86.8/100) but notably weak in Safety (21.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
83.9+31.900000000000006
Cost
86.8+38.8
Safety
21.2-33.8
Health
40.1-9.899999999999999
Schools
48
Income
39.2-11.799999999999997
Risk
72+25
Water
86+28
Weather
50.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$129,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$734/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$129,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,078/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.9

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
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Nearby counties

Saline County
Arkansas
44
Conway County
Arkansas
49.5
Garland County
Arkansas
38.6
Yell County
Arkansas
50.9
Faulkner County
Arkansas
40
Pulaski County
Arkansas
29.1
Pope County
Arkansas
44.9
Hot Spring County
Arkansas
51

Deep Dives

Perry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Perry County

via TaxByCounty

Perry County taxes rank in nation's lowest tier

Perry County's effective tax rate of 0.520% and median property tax of $672 remain well below the national median of $2,690. Even with mid-range home values for the region ($129,300 median), Perry County homeowners pay roughly one-quarter the national average in property tax.

Slightly below Arkansas's statewide average

Perry County's 0.520% effective rate trails Arkansas's 0.532% state average by a narrow 0.012 percentage points. The median property tax of $672 falls $33 short of the state's $705 median, positioning Perry County as a moderate-tax county statewide.

Middle tier among Ouachita Mountain counties

Perry County's 0.520% rate sits between Newton County (0.408%) and Pike County (0.559%), making it a middle option in the rural south-central region. It outpaces Phillips County's higher 0.656% rate but trails the lowest-tax counties like Montgomery (0.384%) and Nevada (0.539%).

Median homeowner pays $672 annually

Perry County's median home valued at $129,300 generates approximately $672 in yearly property tax at the 0.520% effective rate. The bill rises to $872 with a mortgage and drops to $536 without one—a predictable and manageable expense.

Review assessments for overvaluation

Perry County homeowners should compare their assessed values to recent local sales to identify potential overassessments. Filing a timely appeal could lower your annual property tax bill and free up resources for other household expenses.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Perry County

via CostByCounty

Perry leads Arkansas on affordability

Perry County residents spend just 14.7% of their income on rent—the lowest ratio among all counties examined and well below the national average. With a median household income of $60,078 and rent at $734 monthly, Perry delivers the strongest affordability profile for renters.

Perry outpaces Arkansas's average

Perry's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% significantly beats Arkansas's 18.1% state average, making it one of the state's most affordable counties. The combination of above-average county income and reasonable rents creates Perry's affordability advantage.

Perry's income advantage shows clearly

Perry's $60,078 median income exceeds all regional neighbors—topping Montgomery ($49,015) by $11,000 and Nevada ($41,761) by $18,000. At $734 rent, Perry residents dedicate a smaller share of their larger paychecks to housing than surrounding counties.

Perry's households breathe easier

Renters pay $734 monthly while homeowners spend $497, with both dedicating roughly 15% of their $60,078 income to housing. This leaves Perry households roughly 3% more of their income for other necessities than the regional average.

Perry: the region's affordability leader

Perry County combines the region's highest median income with solid, below-average rents and the lowest rent-to-income ratio. For relocators seeking genuine affordability alongside earning power, Perry stands out as the region's best value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Perry County

via IncomeByCounty

Perry leads region but lags nation

Perry County's median household income of $60,078 outpaces all its regional peers but still trails the national median of $74,755 by $14,677, or 20%. Perry performs better than most rural Arkansas counties while remaining below national standards.

Above-average income for Arkansas

At $60,078, Perry County ranks in the upper tier of Arkansas counties, $8,922 above the state median of $51,156. Its per capita income of $29,441 also exceeds the state average of $28,096, indicating broader-based household prosperity.

Regional income leader

Perry County's $60,078 significantly outearns all neighboring counties: Pike ($51,000), Montgomery ($49,015), Ouachita ($49,838), and Newton ($47,395). This income advantage positions Perry as the economic stronghold of its region.

Strong housing affordability

Perry's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio is the best in the region, providing substantial breathing room for housing budgets. The median home value of $129,300 remains highly accessible to households earning $60,078, supporting both rental and ownership markets.

Perry residents can accelerate wealth building

With the region's highest household income at $60,078, Perry residents have capacity to invest aggressively in retirement accounts, home improvements, and diversified investments. Maximizing 401(k) contributions and exploring real estate investment could substantially accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Perry County

via CrimeByCounty

Perry County Remains Safer Than National Average

Perry County maintains a total crime rate of 2,038.7 per 100K, which sits comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score is 96.8, indicating a relatively secure environment.

Exceeding the Arkansas Safety Norm

The county's safety score of 96.8 is slightly higher than the state average of 96.3. This means Perry County residents enjoy a slightly more protected environment than the typical Arkansan.

Comparing Perry to Central Arkansas Neighbors

Perry County’s crime rate of 2,038.7 is significantly higher than Newton County's 842.2, but remains lower than the state's more urbanized areas. It maintains a distinct rural safety profile.

Analyzing Property vs. Violent Incidents

Violent crime in Perry County is 447.5 per 100K, while property crime is 1,591.2. While the property crime rate is lower than the national average, the violent crime rate is slightly elevated.

Steps for a Safer Home Environment

Focusing on community awareness can help manage the violent crime rate and further reduce property incidents. Residents should ensure their property is clearly marked and well-lit at night.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Perry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling for Perry County Students

Perry County operates four public schools split across two districts, serving a total of 1,571 students. The county utilizes a simple, effective structure of two elementary schools and two high schools. This layout allows for clear educational pathways and strong continuity for students as they progress through their school years.

Exceptional Outcomes in a Rural Setting

The graduation rate in Perry County is a strong 92.9%, which is significantly higher than both the national average and the Arkansas state average. The county invests $6,305 per pupil, a figure that exceeds the state average of $6,160. These factors contribute to a healthy school score of 53.6, outperforming the state median.

Perryville and East End Lead the Way

Perryville School District is the larger of the two districts, educating 904 students across its two campuses. East End School District serves 667 students and provides a high-quality alternative for families in the region. There are currently no charter schools in Perry County, keeping the focus on its two established traditional districts.

A Purely Rural Educational Experience

All four schools in the county are located in rural areas, offering a consistent and peaceful learning environment. The average school size is 393 students, providing a medium-scale feel that balances social opportunities with individual attention. Perryville Elementary is the largest school with 475 students, while Bigelow High is the smallest with 303.

Discover Rural Excellence in Perry County

For families who value high graduation rates and a purely rural setting, Perry County is a premier destination. The local schools' performance indicators make the area a highly desirable location for real estate investment. Explore available homes near Perryville or Bigelow to find your perfect fit in this successful school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Perry County

via RiskByCounty

Perry County maintains low national risk

Perry County scores 28.05, placing it firmly in the Very Low risk category and well below national averages. This favorable position reflects relatively modest exposure to major natural hazards across multiple threat types.

Among Arkansas's safest counties

At 28.05, Perry County ranks among the state's lowest-risk counties, scoring 49% below Arkansas's average of 55.51. This strong safety position reflects the county's relative protection from the state's most significant natural disaster threats.

Slightly higher risk than Newton County

Perry County's 28.05 score ranks it alongside Pike County (26.56) as among the region's safest, though both exceed Newton County's exceptional 18.45 rating. Compared to Ouachita County to the south (51.21), Perry remains significantly less exposed to natural hazards.

Tornado and wildfire warrant attention

Perry County faces tornado risk at 64.25 and wildfire risk at 55.06, representing its two highest hazard exposures. Earthquake (56.52), flood (38.55), and hurricane (34.96) risks remain moderate, with hurricane showing the lowest concern in the county's profile.

Prioritize tornado and wildfire coverage

Perry County residents should ensure comprehensive tornado coverage is included in their homeowners insurance, given the 64.25 tornado risk score. Wildfire insurance should also be reviewed, especially for properties in rural or forested areas of the county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Perry County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Grade for Perry County

Perry County earns an 'A' grade for drinking water quality with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. This performance stands in sharp contrast to the state average of 172.5 violations per 100,000 residents. Local water systems are consistently meeting all federal safety standards.

Healthy Watersheds Face Minor Impairments

Approximately 13.0% of the 400 assessed water bodies in Perry County are impaired, which is better than the state average of 17.8%. The 2022 assessment identifies dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and pH as the primary issues. Overall, the county's natural water systems are in relatively good health compared to their neighbors.

Extensive Data Collection Informs Local Policy

With 11 monitoring sites and 9,197 measurements over five years, Perry County has a strong data foundation. Monitoring efforts focus on inorganics, metals, and nutrients. This record helps local officials maintain the county's high standards for water safety.

Fourche La Fave River Flowing Steadily

The Fourche La Fave River near Houston currently records a discharge of 439 cfs. While long-term mean data is not available for comparison, this gauge monitors a large 1,058-square-mile drainage area. Consistent flow in this river is vital for maintaining the county's overall watershed health.

Maintain High Standards and Monitor Runoff

While drinking water is currently safe, residents should help protect the watershed by managing runoff to prevent increases in turbidity. Given the presence of dissolved oxygen issues in some water bodies, preserving riparian buffers is key. Continue to support the local practices that have kept the county's violation rate at zero.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Perry County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Warmth in Central Arkansas

Perry County’s annual average temperature of 62.6°F is nearly nine degrees warmer than the national median. This climate supports lush vegetation but brings intense summer humidity and heat.

A Central Arkansas Heat Leader

At 62.6°F, Perry County is warmer than the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. It ranks as one of the warmer inland counties, driven by high summer peaks.

Matching the Heat of Neighbors

Perry County sees 73 extreme heat days annually, a figure nearly identical to neighboring Pope County. Its annual precipitation of 53.8 inches is slightly higher than the state average of 52.4 inches.

Intense Summers and Gentle Winters

The July average hits 83.0°F, marking Perry as one of the hotter spots in the region. Winter snowfall is minimal at 2.1 inches, with a December through February average of 43.6°F.

Manage High Summer Utility Costs

With a summer average of 81.4°F, cooling costs are a major consideration for residents. Homeowners should ensure attic ventilation is optimized to handle the 73 days of temperatures exceeding 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Perry County

via SoilByCounty

Weathered Ultisols of the River Valley

Perry County's landscape is dominated by Ultisols, which are highly weathered forest soils with an average pH of 5.53. This level is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but typical for the region's soil score of 32.8. These soils often require lime and phosphorus amendments to maximize their agricultural potential.

Productive loam provides balance

The dominant texture is loam, a desirable mix of 41.6% sand, 40.9% silt, and 17.5% clay. This specific ratio is often considered the 'gold standard' for workability, as it holds moisture well without becoming waterlogged. It provides a stable structure that supports both small garden beds and large-scale farming.

Strong water capacity despite low organic matter

While organic matter is low at 1.67% compared to the state average of 4.15%, the soil excels in moisture retention. The available water capacity of 0.151 in/in actually exceeds the state average of 0.148. This means the soil is naturally resilient during the short droughts common in an Arkansas summer.

Well-drained soils in Group B

Perry County features well-drained soils and belongs to Hydrologic Group B, which offers moderate infiltration rates. This is an ideal middle ground that allows for efficient drainage while still keeping moisture available for crops. These conditions are excellent for building stable structures and maintaining healthy, aerated root zones.

Vibrant growing in Zone 8a

The Zone 8a climate combined with loamy soil makes Perry County a great place for diverse crops like corn, squash, and tomatoes. The well-drained nature of the land also supports healthy orchards and vineyards. If you have been waiting to start a garden, this loam is one of the most forgiving starting points in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Perry County

via LawnByCounty

Managing a Difficult Central Arkansas Landscape

Perry County carries a lawn difficulty score of 35.6, placing it slightly below the state average. While Zone 8a is generally favorable for warm-season grass, local climate and soil conditions create a challenging environment for the average homeowner.

A Long and Hot Growing Season

With 73 extreme heat days and 5,517 growing degree days, your lawn faces significant heat stress for nearly a quarter of the year. The 53.8 inches of annual rain is slightly above the ideal range, often leading to rapid growth surges.

Well-Drained Loam with Acidic Leanings

The soil is a well-drained loam, which is excellent for root health, though the pH of 5.53 is lower than the preferred 6.0 range. Periodic soil testing and liming are necessary to ensure your grass can actually access the nutrients in the soil.

Widespread Severe Drought Conditions

Perry County is currently 100% covered by Severe Drought (D2+) conditions after 19 weeks of drought this past year. During these times, it is vital to reduce fertilizer use as it can burn grass that is already stressed by a lack of water.

Target Late March for Best Results

Wait until the final spring frost around March 22 to begin seeding your lawn. Zoysia or Bermudagrass will thrive in the loam soil and can handle the intense heat that begins in early June.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perry County's county score?
Perry County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 56.3 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 Arkansas?
Perry County ranks #12 among all counties in Arkansas 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, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Perry County is $672, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Perry County a tax score of 83.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Perry County?
The median household income in Perry County, Arkansas is $60,078 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Perry County earns an income score of 39.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Perry County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Perry County scores 56.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Arkansas. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.