CountyScore

Perry County

Indiana · IN

#21 in Indiana
74.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Perry County, Indiana

Perry County well above national baseline

Perry County's composite score of 74.4 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 49%, establishing it as among America's more livable counties. Strong cost and health fundamentals drive this solid ranking.

Perry County leads Indiana average

With a score of 74.4, Perry County ranks notably above Indiana's state average of 71.2, securing a top-tier position among Hoosier counties. It's among Indiana's most attractive counties for livability.

Affordability and health lead Perry County

Perry County shines with an exceptional cost score of 84.3 featuring the lowest rent in the group at $676/month and a median home value of $146,000. Its health score of 73.8 rounds out strong quality-of-life fundamentals.

Income levels remain below state norms

The county's income score of 23.3 reflects a median household income of $61,099, limiting high-earning potential and wealth accumulation. School, safety, and water data gaps prevent comprehensive evaluation.

Ideal for health-minded, budget-conscious residents

Perry County attracts families prioritizing low housing costs, health infrastructure, and affordability over high incomes. Its strong rent and home value fundamentals make it particularly appealing to retirees and service-sector workers.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax82.2Cost84.3SafetyComing SoonHealth73.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.3Risk65WaterComing Soon
🏛82.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡65
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Perry County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Searcy County
Arkansas
74.4
Median income: $41,978
Carroll County
Indiana
74.4
Median income: $64,003
Fountain County
Indiana
74.4
Median income: $62,526
Jasper County
Indiana
74.4
Median income: $79,634
Lyon County
Kentucky
74.4
Median income: $64,464

Deep Dives

Perry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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