countyscore
47.2
County Score
Soil Quality 67.5Lawn Care 62.7Property Tax 60.5

County Report Card

About Perry County, Missouri

Perry County Near National Median

With a composite score of 47.2, Perry County sits just shy of the national median of 50.0. It offers a fairly standard quality of life profile for the United States.

Slightly Behind the Missouri Average

Perry County's score of 47.2 is slightly below the Missouri state average of 50.3. While it performs well in several areas, it doesn't quite reach the state's top tier.

Moderate Taxes and Strong Safety

Tax burdens are relatively low with a tax score of 60.5 and an effective rate of 0.722%. The county also provides a sense of security with a safety score of 54.8.

Educational and Cost Headwinds

The school score of 21.5 is a significant drawback for families with children. Additionally, the cost score of 43.0 suggests housing is less affordable than in many surrounding counties.

A Solid Choice for Working Adults

Perry County is a balanced option for adults who value safety and moderate taxes. It is best suited for those without school-aged children who can navigate the local housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax60.5Cost43Safety54.8Health51.5Schools21.5Income49.1Risk53.8Water46.2Weather53.9
🏛60.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼49.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓21.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡53.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.7
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

Jackson County
Illinois
36
Randolph County
Illinois
58.7
Cape Girardeau County
Missouri
42.6
Union County
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Ste. Genevieve County
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Madison County
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Bollinger County
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Perry County
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59.8

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's tax rate slightly exceeds national median

Perry County's effective tax rate of 0.722% runs marginally below the national median of 0.91%, positioning it in the moderate range nationally. Homeowners pay $1,368 annually on median property valued at $189,400, noticeably less than the national median tax of $2,690.

Perry ranks near Missouri's state average

Perry County's 0.722% effective rate closely mirrors Missouri's statewide average of 0.733%, making it a typical tax jurisdiction within the state. The $1,368 median property tax runs about 14% above Missouri's median of $1,199, reflecting slightly higher home values in the county.

Perry sits mid-range among eastern counties

Perry County's 0.722% rate places it between neighboring Ste. Genevieve and Washington counties in eastern Missouri. The rate aligns with regional norms, offering neither particularly high nor low tax burdens for the river region.

Perry County's annual property tax

On Perry's $189,400 median home value, owners pay approximately $1,368 in yearly property tax. That translates to roughly $114 monthly—typical for central-eastern Missouri property owners with mid-range home values.

Review Perry assessments for overvaluation

Perry County homeowners should periodically review their assessments against comparable sales in their neighborhood, especially during reassessment years. Requesting a reassessment is free and could reveal if 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: Above-Average Housing Burden

Perry County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national baseline, as renters dedicate more than one-sixth of their $63,356 median income to housing each month. The county's $923 median rent—the region's highest—creates affordability pressure despite earning power near the national average.

Higher Costs in a Mid-Tier Income County

Perry County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Missouri's 15.6% state average, and its median rent of $923 significantly outpaces the state average of $768. The county represents a higher-cost housing market within Missouri, requiring stronger incomes to maintain affordability.

Highest Rent Without Highest Income

Perry County's $923 rent is the region's highest, yet its $63,356 median income ranks fourth among eight counties and trails Osage County by $12,000. This rent-to-income mismatch explains why Perry residents face greater affordability strain than peers in lower-cost markets.

Perry's Housing Costs Hit the Hardest

Renters pay $923 monthly—17.5% of the $63,356 median income—while homeowners spend $847, consuming 16% of household earnings. Perry County renters spend significantly more in absolute dollars than peers in other counties, narrowing financial flexibility.

Perry County Suits Higher-Income Relocators

Perry County works best for households relocating with incomes substantially exceeding the $63,356 county median, ideally $75,000+, which would reduce housing burden to manageable levels. If your prospective income matches or falls below the county average, consider lower-cost neighboring counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Perry County

via IncomeByCounty

Perry income nears national average

Perry County's median household income of $63,356 trails the national median of $74,755 by 15.2%. The county ranks in the middle tier of U.S. counties for household earnings.

Above average for Missouri counties

Perry County households earn $63,356 annually, exceeding Missouri's state average of $59,503 by 6.5%. This places Perry County in the upper-middle range of Missouri's 114 counties.

Strong performer in eastern region

Perry County's $63,356 median outperforms Pettis County ($60,232) and trails only Newton County ($64,583) in the analysis. The county's per capita income of $32,616 ranks among the higher figures in eastern Missouri.

Housing costs remain manageable

Perry County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% stays comfortably below the affordability threshold, signaling reasonable housing costs for renters. The median home value of $189,400 is achievable for households earning near the county median.

Invest in building long-term wealth

Perry County households enjoy solid income with affordable housing, creating opportunities for wealth accumulation. Establishing retirement accounts, diversified investments, and regular savings plans can help residents convert income into lasting financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Perry County

via CrimeByCounty

Perry County Offers Exceptional Resident Safety

Perry County's total crime rate of 1027.9 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents results in a high safety score of 98.4. Two local agencies work together to maintain this secure environment for the community.

Outranking the State Safety Average

With a safety score of 98.4, Perry County is notably safer than the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate is also significantly better than the state average of 1926.2 per 100K. This makes it a standout performer for safety in the Southeast Missouri region.

One of the Region's Safest Counties

Perry County is nearly twice as safe as Pettis County based on total crime rates. It maintains a secure profile that is comparable to other top rural counties like Osage. This consistent performance provides a high quality of life for its residents.

Low Property and Violent Crime Levels

Violent crime is low at 258.3 per 100K, comfortably below the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 769.6, which is also a fraction of the national benchmark. These figures suggest that most residents will experience a peaceful and secure daily environment.

Simple Steps for Continued Security

Maintaining low crime rates depends on continued community vigilance and home security. Secure your vehicles and outbuildings, as these are common targets for opportunistic property crime. A visible security system can serve as an effective deterrent even in very safe areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Perry County

via HealthByCounty

Perry County performs above national health standards

Perry County residents live 76.4 years on average—0.3 years longer than the U.S. average and 2.1 years above Missouri's baseline. With 18.6% reporting poor or fair health (below the national rate of 18.5%), Perry demonstrates solid health outcomes for a rural Missouri county.

Perry ranks above average statewide

At 76.4 years life expectancy, Perry County exceeds Missouri's 74.3-year average and sits in the state's upper tier for health performance. The 18.6% poor/fair health rate and 10.9% uninsured rate both beat state averages, reflecting stronger-than-typical rural Missouri health conditions.

Perry excels in provider availability

Perry County offers 37 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 90 mental health providers per 100,000—both well above regional averages. This robust workforce, exceeding neighbors like Osage and Newton, directly supports Perry's above-average health outcomes.

Perry's low uninsured rate supports health access

Just 10.9% of Perry County residents lack health insurance, beating Missouri's 12.5% average and ensuring broad coverage for preventive care. This strong insurance rate, combined with good provider access, positions Perry County among Missouri's healthcare success stories.

Perry County: help remaining uninsured get covered

While Perry leads the region, roughly 2,000 residents still lack health insurance and face gaps in healthcare continuity. Encourage uninsured neighbors to visit the Missouri Health Insurance Marketplace or call 1-855-Missouri1 to complete Perry County's journey toward universal coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Perry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Condensed Schooling Options in Perry

Perry County provides public education through 6 schools across only 2 districts. This streamlined system serves 2,254 students with a mix of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools. Most students are concentrated in a single large district center.

Graduation Rates Match National Benchmarks

The graduation rate in Perry County is 87.0%, exactly matching the national average. Local schools operate with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,760, which is below the state average of $6,334. The composite school score of 49.3 is just below the national median of 50.0.

Perry Co. 32 Serves Nearly All Students

Perry Co. 32 is the dominant district, educating 2,144 of the county's students across 5 schools. Altenburg 48 is a much smaller alternative, serving only 110 students in a single school. There are no charter schools in the county, making Perry Co. 32 the primary choice for local families.

Centered in Town with Larger Campuses

Five of the county's 6 schools are located in town settings, making for a less rural feel than neighboring counties. Perryville Senior High is the largest school with 755 students, contributing to a high average school size of 451. This environment offers a more traditional, centralized campus experience for students.

Find Your Home in Perryville

If you prefer a centralized school system where students can grow up together, Perry County is an ideal fit. Most education services are concentrated in town, making it easy to find a home within walking distance of local schools. Explore available properties in Perryville to be at the heart of the action.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Perry County

via RiskByCounty

Perry faces moderate earthquake risk

Perry County's composite risk score of 46.18 sits slightly below the national and Missouri averages, yet masks a distinctive hazard profile with earthquake risk at 87.69. This elevated seismic exposure reflects the county's location in the transition zone near the New Madrid Seismic System and the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone.

Perry ranks below state average overall

Perry County's composite risk score of 46.18 falls below Missouri's state average of 50.56, positioning it among the safer counties statewide. However, its earthquake risk of 87.69 ranks among the highest in Missouri, creating a localized vulnerability distinct from the county's broader risk profile.

Perry's earthquake risk is exceptional

Perry County's earthquake risk of 87.69 substantially exceeds neighboring Ste. Genevieve and Franklin counties, reflecting its unique positioning relative to regional seismic zones. This seismic outlier status makes earthquake preparedness particularly important despite the county's otherwise favorable overall risk ranking.

Earthquakes the dominant hazard

Perry County's earthquake risk of 87.69 stands as its primary natural disaster concern, significantly above state and national averages. While tornado risk at 58.27 remains moderate, the earthquake exposure dominates the county's hazard profile and demands specialized attention.

Prioritize earthquake insurance

Perry County residents must obtain earthquake insurance or endorsements, as standard homeowner policies exclude seismic damage in this high-risk zone. Structural reinforcement for foundations and connections between structures and foundations should be considered essential investments in seismic resilience.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Perry County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Weather on the Mississippi

Perry County averages 55.0°F annually, sitting just above the national median temperature. It features a humid climate with 46.2 inches of annual precipitation.

Matching the State Climate Profile

Perry County's average of 55.0°F is nearly identical to the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. It represents the typical transition zone between northern and southern Missouri.

Drier and Warmer than Central Missouri

Perry County is slightly warmer than Osage County and experiences significantly less snow. While Osage gets over 10 inches, Perry County averages only 4.7 inches of snowfall.

Hot Summers and Brief Winters

The county experiences 39 days of extreme heat above 90°F during the summer. Winter is relatively mild with a 33.9°F average and very little accumulation of snow.

Managing Heat and River Humidity

With 39 days of extreme heat, efficient cooling is a top priority for local residents. The low 4.7-inch snow average means heavy winter equipment is rarely necessary.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Perry County

via SoilByCounty

The Young Entisols of Perry County

Perry County’s soil is classified as Entisols, which are geologically young soils with little profile development. The average pH is 6.11, nearly matching the state average of 6.09 but trailing the national median of 6.5. These soils achieve a solid soil score of 67.5, making them quite productive for a variety of uses.

Silty Clay Loam Texture

The county's dominant texture is silty clay loam, featuring 55.8% silt and 17.9% clay. With 18.4% sand, the soil provides a balanced environment that resists excessive compaction while remaining easy to till. This mix is excellent for maintaining a stable root zone for both crops and native timber.

High Organic Matter and Thirsty Soil

Perry County boasts a very high organic matter content of 8.20%, nearly double the Missouri average of 4.74%. However, its available water capacity of 0.168 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.183 in/in. This combination suggests a nutrient-rich soil that may require careful monitoring of soil moisture during the height of summer.

Efficient Well-Drained Water Movement

The soil is well-drained, ensuring that excess water moves away from plant roots to prevent drowning or rot. It falls under hydrologic group C, which typically means the soil has a slow rate of water transmission when thoroughly wet. This profile is generally supportive of residential development and consistent agricultural yields.

A Gardener’s Dream in Zone 7a

With its high organic matter and 7a hardiness zone, Perry County is a fantastic place to grow demanding vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. The silty clay loam texture provides a sturdy base for fruit trees and perennial flower beds. Dive into your gardening project with confidence in this rich, young soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Perry County

via LawnByCounty

Consistent Growth Along the River

Perry County has a lawn difficulty score of 62.7, which is nearly identical to the Missouri state average and better than the national median. This 7a hardiness zone offers a reliable environment for homeowners, provided they manage the summer heat. The balance of climate and soil makes it a relatively accessible area for lawn enthusiasts.

Warm Summers and Plentiful Rain

With 46.2 inches of rain and 39 heat days, Perry County stays slightly wetter and warmer than the state average. The 3938 growing degree days ensure that grass grows quickly, necessitating frequent mowing in the spring and fall. Keeping mower blades sharp is vital to prevent tearing grass blades during these high-growth periods.

Solid Silty Clay Loam Foundation

The soil pH of 6.11 is well within the healthy range for Missouri lawns, requiring little in the way of corrective chemistry. Silty clay loam with 17.9% clay and 18.4% sand provides a well-drained but moisture-retentive base for roots. This soil type generally responds very well to standard aeration and fertilization programs.

Widespread Severe Drought Conditions

Despite good soil, 84.7% of Perry County is currently experiencing severe drought or worse. The county has faced 23 weeks of drought over the past year, making water management a top priority for lawn health. Irrigation should be focused in the early morning to minimize water loss from evaporation.

Optimal Planting for Perry County

Tall fescue is a reliable choice for this 7a zone, though Bermuda grass also performs well in the summer heat. The growing season typically lasts from April 19 through October 20. Seeding in early September allows new grass to establish before the winter while avoiding the worst of the summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perry County's county score?
Perry County, Missouri has a composite county score of 47.2 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 Missouri?
Perry County ranks #70 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Perry County is $1,368, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Perry County a tax score of 60.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Perry County?
The median household income in Perry County, Missouri is $63,356 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Perry County earns an income score of 49.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Perry County, Missouri a good place to live?
Perry County scores 47.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in Missouri. 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.

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