countyscore
60.1
County Score
Safety 94Cost of Living 78.2Schools 72.1

County Report Card

About Perry County, Illinois

Beating the National Median

Perry County earns a composite score of 59.8, comfortably outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the top tier of American communities for overall livability.

A Southern Illinois Leader

The county's 59.8 score sits well above the Illinois state average of 52.8. It offers a more balanced lifestyle profile than many of its immediate regional neighbors.

Elite Safety and Low Costs

The county shines with a safety score of 94.0 and a cost score of 77.1. Median home values stay affordable at $105,200, while gross rent averages just $714 monthly.

Managing High Tax Burdens

A tax score of 8.1 reflects a high effective tax rate of 1.658%. Environmental concerns also emerge with a risk score of 27.9 and a water quality score of 29.7.

The Verdict: Families and Budget-Watchers

Perry County is an excellent fit for families prioritizing safety and low-cost housing. Residents benefit from strong schools and an affordable lifestyle despite the higher local tax rates.

204060801008.178.29452.872.139.927.929.758.4Tax8.1Cost78.2Safety94Health52.8Schools72.1Income39.9Risk27.9Water29.7Weather58.460.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Perry County DNA

Doverall

How Perry County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Perry County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (94/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (8.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8.1-43.9
Cost
78.2+30.200000000000003
Safety
94+39
Health
52.8
Schools
72.1+18.099999999999994
Income
39.9-11.100000000000001
Risk
27.9-19.1
Water
29.7-28.3
Weather
58.4
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Perry County?

Many homeowners in Perry County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$112,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$728/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$112,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,118/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

48.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Perry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Perry County

via TaxByCounty

Perry County taxes: Below national average

At 1.66%, Perry County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 2.10%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax here is $1,744 annually—35% less than the national median of $2,690—reflecting both lower home values and a relatively modest tax rate.

Perry ranks mid-range among Illinois counties

Perry County's 1.66% effective rate falls slightly below Illinois' state average of 1.83%, positioning it in the moderate tier statewide. Its median property tax of $1,744 is 37% lower than the state average of $2,782, reflecting the county's lower median home values.

Neighbors show varied tax burdens

Perry County's 1.66% rate sits between Pike County (1.56%, the lowest in the region) and Piatt County (1.76%, among the highest). Among immediate peers, Perry's tax burden is moderate—lower than Putnam County (1.59%) but higher than Pope County's notably low 1.02%.

What a Perry County homeowner pays

On the median home value of $105,200, the effective tax rate of 1.66% translates to approximately $1,744 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, you might pay $1,897; without one, about $1,611—modest compared to national norms.

Check if your assessment is fair

Many Illinois homeowners are overassessed relative to market values, meaning they pay taxes on homes worth more than their actual sale price. If your home's assessed value seems too high, filing a property tax appeal could reduce your annual bill substantially.

Income & Jobs in Perry County

via IncomeByCounty

Perry County earns below the national median

Perry County's median household income of $59,286 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 21%, putting the county in the lower-income tier nationally. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural southern Illinois compared to wealthier metro areas.

Below average for Illinois

Perry County ranks below the Illinois state median of $68,580, earning about $9,294 less per household. The county's per capita income of $29,720 also lags the state average of $36,009 by roughly 18%.

Perry competes with rural peers

Perry County's $59,286 median places it squarely in the middle of the region—ahead of Pike ($58,029) and Pulaski ($43,227) but behind Putnam ($77,526) and Piatt ($87,516). Among eight surveyed counties, Perry ranks fifth overall in household income.

Housing affordability remains stable

With a 14.4% rent-to-income ratio, Perry County stays just under the recommended 15% threshold, suggesting renters spend a reasonable share of earnings on housing. The median home value of $105,200 remains accessible relative to local incomes.

Building financial security starts now

Perry County households earning $59,286 can strengthen their financial future through consistent saving and investment in tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Even modest monthly contributions compound over time—a key step toward closing wealth gaps and ensuring long-term stability.

Safety in Perry County

via CrimeByCounty

Perry County is an Illinois safety leader

Perry County is one of the safest regions in the nation, with a total crime rate of just 38.1 per 100,000. This earns the county an elite safety score of 99.9 out of 100.

Setting the standard for Illinois safety

The county's crime rate of 38.1 is significantly lower than the Illinois average of 835.0. Residents here enjoy a level of security that far exceeds the state average safety score of 98.7.

Safer than regional counterparts

Perry County is even safer than Monroe County, which itself is a high performer with a rate of 80.2. It maintains a massive safety advantage over neighboring Montgomery County.

Zero reported violent crime

Reporting agencies documented zero violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022. The property crime rate is also incredibly low at 38.1, making it one of the most secure places for families.

Preserve your safe environment

While crime is rare, simple habits like locking doors and being a good neighbor help maintain this high standard. Continued support for local law enforcement ensures Perry County remains a safe haven.

Weather & Climate in Perry County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Wet Southern Profile

Perry County is warmer and wetter than most of the country, with a 56.0°F annual average and 47.2 inches of rain. This climate supports dense vegetation and long, humid summers.

Hotter and Wetter Than Illinois Norms

At 56.0°F, Perry is 3.2 degrees warmer than the Illinois state average. It also receives 5.5 inches more precipitation than the average Illinois county.

Much Rainier Than Central Neighbors

Perry receives 47.2 inches of rain, dwarfing the 38.1 inches seen in Peoria County. It also sees 15 more extreme heat days than its neighbors to the north.

Long Summers and Short Winters

July averages 77.4°F with 38 days of extreme heat annually. Winters are mild, averaging 35.0°F with just 10.3 inches of snow, allowing for more outdoor activity year-round.

Prioritize Humidity and Flood Control

With 47.2 inches of rain, sump pumps and dehumidifiers are essential for every home. High-capacity cooling is a must for the 38 days of heat exceeding 90°F.

Soil Quality in Perry County

via SoilByCounty

A Silty Foundation in Southern Illinois

Perry County features Alfisols with an average pH of 6.30, sitting slightly more acidic than the state average of 6.39. While the national median is 6.5, this silt loam soil provides a solid base for regional agriculture.

High Silt Content Defines the Terrain

The soil is comprised of 69.8% silt, 21.2% clay, and a small 9.0% sand fraction. This composition creates a dense texture that retains nutrients effectively but can be prone to compaction if worked when wet.

Exceptional Water Storage Capacity

Organic matter levels reach 1.77%, trailing the state average of 2.94% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.210 in/in exceeds the state average, ensuring plants have access to moisture during dry spells.

Managing Poorly Drained Soils

The land is classified as poorly drained and belongs to hydrologic group C/D. These conditions mean the soil sheds water slowly, requiring careful management for successful farming and building projects.

A Long Season in Zone 7a

Located in hardiness zone 7a, Perry County offers a long growing season for heat-loving crops like melons and peppers. This climate, paired with high water storage, makes it an ideal spot to start a productive summer garden.

Lawn Care in Perry County

via LawnByCounty

Moderately Easy Lawn Care in Perry County

With a lawn difficulty score of 63.6, Perry County is easier to maintain than the national average of 50.0, though it trails the Illinois state average of 69.8. Homeowners here manage turf in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, which allows for a mix of cool-season and some heat-tolerant grass varieties.

High Heat and Ample Rainfall

Perry County receives a generous 47.2 inches of annual precipitation, well above the state average of 41.8 inches. However, 38 extreme heat days per year and 4,113 growing degree days mean your grass faces significant summer stress compared to northern counties.

Managing Poorly Drained Silt Loam

The local soil is a silt loam with a healthy pH of 6.30, but it is officially classified as poorly drained. With 21.2% clay and only 9.0% sand, you likely need to core aerate regularly to prevent compaction and standing water.

Battling Severe Local Drought Conditions

Currently, 53.7% of the county is experiencing severe drought conditions, and the area has spent 21 weeks in drought over the last year. To protect your investment, water deeply early in the morning to minimize evaporation while meeting the needs of 100% of the county currently listed as abnormally dry.

Start Your Perry County Lawn

Tall fescue and Zoysia thrive here, benefiting from the long season between the April 6 last frost and October 22 first frost. Plan to seed in early September to take advantage of the fall growing window before the first freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perry County's county score?
Perry County, Illinois has a composite county score of 60.1 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 Illinois?
Perry County ranks #22 among all counties in Illinois 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, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Perry County is $1,807, with an effective tax rate of 1.60%. This earns Perry County a tax score of 8.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Perry County?
The median household income in Perry County, Illinois is $62,118 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Perry County earns an income score of 39.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Perry County, Illinois a good place to live?
Perry County scores 60.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Illinois. 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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