countyscore
59.4
County Score
Cost of Living 72.4Health 69.6Lawn Care 66.9

County Report Card

About Perry County, Indiana

Ahead of the National Median

Perry County scores a 59.4 on the composite index, outperforming the national median of 50.0. It provides a quality of life that is competitive with many regions across the United States.

Stronger Than the State Average

Exceeding the Indiana state average of 55.9, Perry County holds a solid position in the state ranking. It offers a unique combination of affordable housing and high wellness scores.

Affordable Housing and Healthy Living

The county shines with a health score of 69.6 and a housing cost score of 72.4. Renters benefit especially from a median gross rent of just $676 per month.

Expanding Economic and School Opportunities

An income score of 42.3 and a school score of 43.5 suggest that economic growth and educational resources are maturing. Boosting local wages remains a key objective for the community.

A Win for Young Starters

Perry County is a fantastic choice for young professionals or families who prioritize wellness and very low living costs. It provides a healthy environment where your income stretches much further.

Score breakdown

Tax61.7Cost72.4Safety51.9Health69.6Schools43.5Income42.3Risk65Water53.9Weather66.5
🏛61.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡65
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧53.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.9
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 →
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

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
Compare Perry County with Decatur County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Decatur County
Iowa
Median income: $57,146
59.4
Grant County
Kentucky
Median income: $67,940
59.4
Powell County
Montana
Median income: $63,432
59.4
Perry County
Ohio
Median income: $64,737
59.4
McCormick County
South Carolina
Median income: $55,344
59.4
Lyman County
South Dakota
Median income: $61,169
59.4
Lunenburg County
Virginia
Median income: $54,460
59.4
Price County
Wisconsin
Median income: $58,720
59.4

Nearby counties

Hancock County
Kentucky
68.7
Breckinridge County
Kentucky
65
Crawford County
Indiana
62.4
Meade County
Kentucky
58.1
Spencer County
Indiana
68.6
Dubois County
Indiana
62.2
Daviess County
Kentucky
41.9
Harrison County
Indiana
60.1

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 exceed national average

Perry County's effective tax rate of 0.713% sits above the national median of 0.87%, placing it in the upper tier nationally for property taxes. However, the median annual tax of $1,041 still represents just 39% of the national median, thanks to lower home values.

Perry County ranks above Indiana average

At 0.713%, Perry County's effective rate exceeds Indiana's state average of 0.671%, making it one of the higher-tax counties in the state relative to the 92-county comparison. The median property tax of $1,041 runs 13% below the state median of $1,199.

Perry County is region's second-highest tax rate

Perry County's 0.713% rate is the second-highest in the region, trailing only Pike County's 0.813% and Porter County's 0.829%. This makes Perry County moderately expensive by regional standards, though still affordable compared to national figures.

Your estimated annual Perry County tax

On a median home valued at $146,000, Perry County homeowners pay approximately $1,041 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the estimate rises to $1,148; without, it drops to $800.

Assessment challenges matter in higher-tax counties

In counties with above-average tax rates like Perry, even modest assessment reductions can yield meaningful savings over time. Filing an appeal is free and worth pursuing if you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Perry County

via CostByCounty

Perry County rents remain accessible.

At 13.3%, Perry County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the national average, offering renters meaningful relief on housing costs. The $676 monthly rent ranks among the absolute lowest in this county group, making Perry County a genuine bargain for budget-conscious households.

Among Indiana's most affordable.

Perry County's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio beats Indiana's 15.6% state average by 2.3 percentage points, placing it in the state's affordability elite. Renters here enjoy some of the lowest housing-cost burdens in Indiana.

Lowest rents in the region.

Perry County's $676 monthly rent is the absolute cheapest in this six-county comparison, beating Pike County ($676 tie) and significantly undercutting all others. Its modest $146,000 median home value also makes Perry County highly competitive for first-time homebuyers.

Minimal housing burden overall.

The typical Perry County household earning $61,099 dedicates just 13.3% to rent ($676/month) or 15.7% to mortgage costs ($795/month). This leaves substantial monthly income—often $500+ per household—available for other critical expenses compared to higher-cost counties.

Stretch your savings here.

Perry County's combination of low rent and reasonable home values makes it exceptional for savers and first-time buyers alike. Run your current housing costs against these numbers—the monthly savings could add up to thousands of dollars yearly.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Perry County

via IncomeByCounty

Perry falls well short of national income

Perry County's median household income of $61,099 lags the national median of $74,755 by $13,656, placing it in the bottom quartile nationally. The county's per capita income of $30,366 is also notably below Indiana's state average of $34,773.

Perry ranks among Indiana's lowest earners

Perry County's median household income of $61,099 trails Indiana's state average of $68,681 by $7,582, positioning it in the lower quartile of the state's 92 counties. This gap reflects significant economic constraints compared to typical Hoosier households.

Perry struggles economically among peers

Perry County's $61,099 median household income ranks among the lowest in its region, exceeding only Owen ($59,586) while trailing Noble ($70,908), Orange ($64,758), and Parke ($66,776). The county faces distinct economic challenges relative to neighbors.

Perry's housing costs are manageable

Perry County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% is favorable, with households spending well below the 30% sustainability threshold for rent. With a median home value of $146,000, housing affordability is one bright spot for county residents facing broader income challenges.

Perry families can build from here

With median household income of $61,099 and reasonable housing costs, Perry County residents should prioritize building emergency savings and accessing employer benefits. Explore free financial counseling through nonprofits and community development organizations to maximize wealth-building potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Perry County

via CrimeByCounty

Perry County Safety Above National Average

Perry County holds a safety score of 98.3, which is quite high despite being slightly below the Indiana state average. Its total crime rate of 1,078.9 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national rate of 2,385.5.

How Perry County Compares to Indiana

Perry County’s safety score of 98.3 is just under the state average of 98.9. Its total crime rate of 1,078.9 per 100,000 is higher than the state average of 693.8.

A Closer Look at Regional Safety

While Perry County’s crime rate exceeds the Indiana average of 693.8, it remains safer than many urban areas across the country. Four reporting agencies contribute to these comprehensive safety figures.

Violent vs. Property Crime Breakdown

The county reports 156.4 violent crimes and 922.5 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Property crimes are the primary concern, occurring at a rate nearly six times higher than violent incidents.

Strengthening Your Home Security

With property crime making up the bulk of local incidents, securing valuables is essential. Consider installing a security camera system to deter potential theft and protect your home.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Perry County

via HealthByCounty

Perry County Outperforms National Standards

At 77.3 years, Perry County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 1.2 years, reflecting strong overall health. The 18.4% poor/fair health rate is near the national median, suggesting residents balance good longevity with moderate daily health challenges.

Well Above Indiana's Health Average

Perry County's 77.3-year life expectancy surpasses Indiana's 75.1-year average by 2.2 years, ranking it among the state's healthiest counties. At 6.3%, Perry County has the lowest uninsured rate among all profiled Indiana counties, well below the state average of 8.4%.

Top Performer in Health and Coverage

Perry County's 77.3-year life expectancy and 6.3% uninsured rate lead the region, trailing only Ohio County (78.0 years) in longevity. With 47 primary care providers per 100K, Perry County offers the strongest primary care access among regional peers, supporting its superior health outcomes.

Strong Coverage Supports Strong Health

With just 6.3% uninsured, Perry County residents have excellent insurance access—the lowest rate in this profile—enabling consistent preventive care. The county's 47 primary care providers and 73 mental health providers per 100K create a robust healthcare infrastructure that supports the county's longevity advantage.

Maintain Perry County's Health Leadership

Perry County's strong health outcomes reflect its high insurance coverage—if you're uninsured, enrollment protects your family and preserves the county's momentum. Explore coverage options through healthcare.gov to ensure you benefit from the county's excellent healthcare resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Perry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Perry County's Three-District Education Network

Five public schools serve 2,904 students across Perry County through three independent school districts. The system includes two elementary schools, two high schools, and one unique PK-12 facility in Cannelton.

Strong Graduation Rates and Steady Scores

Perry County's graduation rate of 93.8% beats both the state average of 92.6% and the national average of 87.0%. Education investment stays consistent at $5,622 per pupil, which is slightly above the Indiana state average.

Tell City and Perry Central Lead

Tell City-Troy Township School Corp serves 1,400 students, while Perry Central Community Schools Corp follows with 1,285 students. No charter schools operate in the county, leaving all 2,904 students in traditional public districts.

A Blend of Town and Country

Schools are divided between three rural and two town locales, with an average campus size of 581 students. William Tell Elementary is the largest at 757 students, while Cannelton Elementary & High School offers a much smaller all-in-one experience for 219 students.

Invest in a High-Performing Community

Perry County is a top choice for families looking for graduation results that exceed both state and national norms. Discover a home in this riverfront county to take advantage of its strong local school corporations.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Perry County

via RiskByCounty

Perry County: Below-Average Risk Profile

Perry County's composite risk score of 35.02 places it in the Very Low category, sitting notably below Indiana's 45.52 average. This relatively protected status reflects broadly manageable natural disaster exposure for residents and property owners.

Lower-Risk Status Among Indiana Counties

Perry County ranks in the safer half of Indiana's 92 counties for overall disaster risk. The county's below-average score indicates consistent protection from hazards, though certain threats warrant attention from property owners.

Comparable to Owen, Safer Than Noble

Perry County's 35.02 score matches Owen (35.11) closely and sits well below Noble (44.24) and Orange (40.49), placing it in a safer regional zone. This consistency with nearby Owen County reflects their shared protection profiles.

Earthquakes and Tornadoes Are Primary Concerns

Earthquake risk scores highest at 64.76, making seismic activity a notable consideration for structural resilience. Tornado risk follows at 64.54, indicating serious spring and summer storm exposure that demands respect and preparation.

Prioritize Earthquake and Storm Coverage

Earthquake insurance deserves serious consideration given the 64.76 risk score, especially for homes built before modern seismic standards. Confirm your homeowners policy includes robust tornado and hail protection due to the 64.54 tornado risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Perry County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national median

Perry County’s 56.5°F average annual temperature sits significantly higher than the national median. This humid subtropical climate experiences a high volume of annual precipitation, totaling 50.2 inches.

A southern Indiana heat leader

The county ranks as one of the warmest in the state, far exceeding the Indiana average of 52.2°F. Its location on the Ohio River helps maintain a milder climate than central and northern counties.

Outpacing its neighbors in warmth

Perry is roughly two degrees warmer on average than nearby Pike County. It also receives over six inches more annual rainfall than the state average of 43.9 inches.

Hot summers and manageable winters

Summers bring 27 days of extreme heat over 90°F, contributing to a July average of 77.1°F. Winters stay relatively mild with a 36.3°F average and only 10.7 inches of annual snow.

Prepare for humidity and rain

Residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling systems to combat the month-long extreme heat season. The 50.2 inches of annual rain requires robust gutter systems and proper site drainage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Perry County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic River-Valley Entisols

Perry County’s soil is primarily silt loam belonging to the Entisols order, showing a pH of 5.99. This is nearly identical to the state average but more acidic than the national 6.5 median, reflecting the county’s rugged topography.

Fine-Grained Silty Profile

The mineral makeup is 64.9% silt and 19.0% clay, with very little sand at 16.1%. This produces a soil that feels very smooth but lacks the drainage-enhancing properties of larger sand particles.

Above-Average Water Retention

The available water capacity is 0.204 in/in, slightly higher than the state average of 0.202. Organic matter levels sit at 2.22%, which is healthy by national standards but lower than the typical Indiana prairie soil.

Slow Moving Water Systems

The county is characterized by very poorly drained soils and a hydrologic group of C/D. This means the soil is frequently saturated, which requires careful management for both farming and home construction projects.

A Longer Season in Zone 7a

As one of Indiana's southernmost counties in zone 7a, Perry County enjoys a longer growing season. It is a fantastic place for warm-weather crops like peppers and melons that thrive in the late summer sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Perry County

via LawnByCounty

A Warm Southern Climate for Lawns

Perry County is one of the few Indiana regions in hardiness zone 7a, earning a lawn difficulty score of 66.9. This score indicates a slightly more challenging environment than the Indiana average but stays well above the national median. The warmer climate allows for a longer growing season than most of the state.

Abundant Rain and Significant Heat

With 50.2 inches of annual precipitation, Perry is one of the wettest counties in the state, far exceeding the 44.2-inch average. Lawns also face 27 extreme heat days and a massive 4,138 growing degree days, the highest in this group. This high-energy climate drives rapid growth but also increases the demand for water and fertilizer.

Managing High Moisture in Mucky Soil

The soil pH of 5.99 is nearly ideal, but the very poorly drained silt loam texture creates a constant risk of waterlogging. Because the soil holds so much water, it is easy for roots to become oxygen-deprived during the 50-inch rain years. Proper grading and the use of French drains can help move excess water away from the turf.

Brief Dry Spells in a Humid Zone

Perry County only saw 4 weeks of drought last year, though 88.8% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. The primary risk here isn't just lack of water, but the heat stress that comes with its 27 days above 90°F. Mulching clippings back into the lawn can provide a natural barrier that keeps soil temperatures lower.

Take Advantage of a Long Season

Because of the 7a hardiness zone, you have a wider window for growth with a late first frost on November 7. Heat-tolerant grasses like Tall Fescue are essential to withstand the warm July average of 77.1°F. Begin spring preparations as early as April 5, the typical date of the last spring frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perry County's county score?
Perry County, Indiana has a composite county score of 59.4 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 Indiana?
Perry County ranks #42 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Perry County is $1,041, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Perry County a tax score of 61.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Perry County?
The median household income in Perry County, Indiana is $61,099 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Perry County earns an income score of 42.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Perry County, Indiana a good place to live?
Perry County scores 59.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Indiana. 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.