countyscore
47
County Score
Soil Quality 67.5Lawn Care 62.7Property Tax 55.9

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.

2040608010055.947.154.851.521.542.853.846.253.9Tax55.9Cost47.1Safety54.8Health51.5Schools21.5Income42.8Risk53.8Water46.2Weather53.947/100
This county
National avg
2 below average

Perry County DNA

Foverall

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

Perry County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Schools (21.5/100), though Disaster Risk (53.8/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
55.9
Cost
47.1
Safety
54.8
Health
51.5
Schools
21.5-32.5
Income
42.8-8.200000000000003
Risk
53.8
Water
46.2-11.799999999999997
Weather
53.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$188,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$923/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$188,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,981/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.6

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
Compare Perry County with St. Martin Parish →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Jackson County
Illinois
35.6
Randolph County
Illinois
57.4
Cape Girardeau County
Missouri
42.9
Union County
Illinois
57.7
Ste. Genevieve County
Missouri
54
Madison County
Missouri
46.6
Bollinger County
Missouri
54.3
Perry County
Illinois
60.1

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'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

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

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 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 $1,395, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Perry County a tax score of 55.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Perry County?
The median household income in Perry County, Missouri is $62,981 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Perry County earns an income score of 42.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Perry County, Missouri a good place to live?
Perry County scores 47/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.