countyscore
59.4
County Score
Safety 78.5Lawn Care 74.4Disaster Risk 74

County Report Card

About Perry County, Ohio

Strong National Standing

Perry County’s composite score of 59.4 puts it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. It is a high-performing rural county that offers security and value.

Leading the Ohio Average

Perry County easily clears the Ohio average of 48.6 with its 59.4 score. It represents a strong choice for Ohioans seeking a safe environment without a high cost of entry.

Exceptional Safety and Schools

The county performs well in safety (78.5) and environmental risk (74.0). Education is another pillar of the community, with a school score of 67.0 and a tax rate under 1%.

Health and Water Infrastructure

Water quality is the primary concern with a score of 23.9, followed by a health score of 43.7. These metrics suggest that while the community is safe, physical infrastructure and wellness resources lag.

Ideal for Secure Rural Living

Perry County is an excellent fit for those seeking a safe, small-town atmosphere with a $727 median rent. It appeals most to residents who prioritize low crime and good schools over urban amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax43.3Cost62.4Safety78.5Health43.7Schools67Income53.2Risk74Water23.9Weather59.5
🏛43.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡78.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧23.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.4
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

Muskingum County
Ohio
42.1
Hocking County
Ohio
39.3
Fairfield County
Ohio
39.9
Morgan County
Ohio
52.5
Licking County
Ohio
37.9
Athens County
Ohio
41.4
Vinton County
Ohio
48.2
Noble County
Ohio
70.4

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 taxes run below U.S. median

Perry County's effective tax rate of 0.929% sits below the national median of 1.08%, placing it in the bottom 40% of U.S. counties. Homeowners pay a median of $1,656 annually—38% less than the national median of $2,690.

Well below Ohio's average

Perry County's rate of 0.929% runs below Ohio's state average of 1.148%, ranking it among the lower-tax counties statewide. Its median tax of $1,656 is 23% cheaper than Ohio's median of $2,145, providing solid savings for property owners.

Among the region's cheapest

Perry County's 0.929% rate falls between Morgan County's 0.906% and Muskingum County's 0.946%, making it one of the region's lowest-tax areas. Compared to Montgomery County's 1.777% outlier rate, Perry homeowners save roughly $1,300 annually.

Perry's annual tax reality

On a median home valued at $178,300, Perry County residents pay $1,656 annually—roughly $138 per month. Those with mortgages see escrow of $1,851, while cash buyers typically remit $1,429 to the county.

Low taxes deserve careful assessment review

Perry County's competitive rates are attractive, but some homeowners still face overvalued assessments or unclaimed tax exemptions. A free appeal to the county auditor is worth filing if your home's recent market value has dropped or the assessment seems outdated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Perry County

via CostByCounty

Perry: Affordable Rents on Moderate Income

Perry County renters spend just 13.5% of their income on rent, below the national 15% affordability threshold, while earning $64,737 annually—about 13% below the national average of $74,755. This solid performance reflects Perry's rural economy where affordable housing combines with reasonable local wages.

Perry Beats Ohio's Affordability Average

At 13.5%, Perry's rent-to-income ratio substantially undercuts Ohio's 15.6% average, ranking it among the state's most affordable counties for renters. The median rent of $727 runs $146 below the state average, and Perry's decent median income of $64,737 amplifies the affordability advantage.

Second-Most Affordable Among Rural Peers

Perry's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio trails only Paulding (13.2%) in this group, while its $727 median rent runs higher than Paulding ($750) but lower than most urban-adjacent counties. Home values at $178,300 fall between the deep-rural tier and Morrow/Ottawa, making Perry attractive for buyers seeking balance.

Efficient Income Allocation to Housing

The $727 monthly rent represents just 13.5% of Perry's $64,737 median income, while homeowners allocate 16.2% to their $873 monthly cost—both comfortably below strain thresholds. Perry households retain strong discretionary income capacity, supporting both quality-of-life spending and financial resilience.

Perry Offers Excellent Affordability Value

Perry County delivers compelling affordability: 13.5% rent-to-income ratio, $727 median rent, and solid $64,737 median income make it an underrated Ohio option. If you're choosing between Perry and Paulding, both offer exceptional housing value—Perry's slightly higher rent-to-income ratio is offset by comparable quality of life and similar opportunity constraints.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Perry County

via IncomeByCounty

Perry County income approaches national levels

Perry County's median household income of $64,737 sits $10,018 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the moderate range nationally. However, the county's per capita income of $30,185 falls below Ohio's average of $35,642, suggesting reliance on multiple earners per household.

Slightly below Ohio's average standing

At $64,737, Perry County's median household income falls slightly below the Ohio state average of $68,101, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The county reflects rural economic patterns with modest but stable employment.

Comparable to Montgomery, above rural peers

Perry County's $64,737 median income closely matches Montgomery County ($64,403) and outpaces Muskingum County ($59,203), Morgan County ($55,971), and Noble County ($55,360), but trails Morrow County ($71,047), Paulding County ($68,167), and Ottawa County ($75,728). The county reflects mid-range regional economics.

Housing easily affordable for residents

Perry County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.5% is among the region's best, and median home values of $178,300 remain accessible on current incomes. The combination of stable earnings and moderate housing costs provides solid financial footing.

Build wealth through consistent investing

With a median household income of $64,737 and a favorable rent-to-income ratio of 13.5%, Perry County households can allocate meaningful savings toward investments. Consider automating monthly contributions to index funds, starting a small business, or exploring education opportunities to boost long-term earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Perry County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Living in Perry County

Perry County boasts a high safety score of 99.2, driven by a total crime rate of just 513.4 per 100,000. This rate is far lower than the national average of 2385.5.

A Top Safety Rank in Ohio

The county's safety score of 99.2 is notably higher than the Ohio state average of 97.8. Its crime rate of 513.4 is also less than half the state average of 1412.3.

Regional Safety Context for Perry

Perry County is much safer than neighboring Muskingum County, which reports a crime rate of 1990.9. Data from 9 reporting agencies ensures a high level of accuracy for these local figures.

Breaking Down the Crime Statistics

Violent crime in Perry County is low at 121.3 per 100,000, while property crime sits at 392.1. These numbers are significantly lower than the national violent (369.8) and property (2015.7) crime rates.

Protecting Your Perry County Property

Though crime is rare in Perry County, maintaining a secure home environment is always beneficial. Simple habits like locking garage doors and using timer-based lighting can keep your home safe while you are away.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Perry County

via HealthByCounty

Perry Falls Below National Life Expectancy

Perry County's 73.3-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by three years, placing residents among America's shorter-lived populations. At 21.0%, its poor/fair health rate reflects significant chronic disease and health challenges.

Below State Average in Longevity and Coverage

Perry's 73.3-year life expectancy falls below Ohio's state average of 74.8 years, and its 7.7% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 7.5%. The combination suggests both health challenges and healthcare access barriers.

Among the Lowest Health Performers in Region

Perry's 73.3-year life expectancy matches Montgomery and Morgan counties but trails Muskingum (74.4 years), Paulding (76.9 years), and Ottawa (76.6 years) by significant margins. Its 28 primary care providers per 100,000 residents exceed Morgan's 7 but fall far short of Montgomery's 95.

Modest Provider Network Serves Large Needs

Perry's 28 primary care and 186 mental health providers per 100,000 residents offer limited capacity relative to the population's health needs and chronic disease burden. The 7.7% uninsured rate, combined with sparse primary care access, likely contributes to delayed diagnosis and care.

Health Insurance Is Your Protection

With 7.7% of Perry residents uninsured and moderate healthcare access challenges, securing coverage is essential for managing health and protecting against catastrophic costs. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov to find coverage options that work for your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Perry County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Solid Foundation for Perry Students

Perry County operates 16 public schools across 4 districts, serving a total of 5,677 students. The landscape is built on 7 elementary schools and 5 high schools to serve the growing population.

Outperforming State Averages in Success

The county maintains a 91.2% graduation rate, comfortably beating the Ohio average of 88.3%. Schools are well-funded locally at $8,663 per pupil, resulting in a strong composite score of 57.8.

Northern Local Dominates the District Mix

Northern Local is the largest district, educating 2,226 students across five schools. The county maintains a traditional educational structure with no charter schools currently available.

Rural Roots and Mid-Sized Schools

The vast majority of schools—14 out of 16—are located in rural settings. Sheridan High School is the largest in the county with 648 students, yet the average school size remains a modest 355.

Settle Near High-Performing Rural Schools

Perry County offers the perfect mix of high academic standards and beautiful rural surroundings. Explore homes in the Northern Local or New Lexington districts to secure a spot in these successful schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Perry County

via RiskByCounty

Perry County enjoys excellent low-risk status

Perry County's composite risk score of 25.99 earns a "Very Low" rating and falls well below the U.S. average, placing it among safer American counties. Residents benefit from substantially lower natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. communities.

Among Ohio's safest counties

Perry County's 25.99 score significantly undercuts Ohio's 55.03 state average, ranking it among the state's most secure areas. The county's balanced, low profile across all hazard types reinforces this safety advantage.

Safest in its peer group

Perry County (25.99) is one of the safest counties in its region, comparable to Morgan County (18.23) and Morrow County (24.40), and substantially safer than Muskingum County (70.93). This makes it a genuinely low-risk location within southeastern Ohio.

Flood risk tops a well-balanced profile

Perry County's flood risk of 47.04 is its highest hazard score, reflecting the county's small waterways and hilly terrain, though it remains below state average. All other hazards—tornado, earthquake, wildfire, and hurricane—score below 37, creating an exceptionally manageable disaster risk picture.

Basic homeowners coverage sufficient

Perry County residents can confidently rely on standard homeowners insurance without specialized add-ons given the county's very low overall risk profile. Annual policy reviews to confirm coverage limits remain good practice, but the county's low flood and tornado scores mean specialized riders are typically unnecessary.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Perry County

via WeatherByCounty

Wetter and Cooler Than the National Median

Perry County’s 43.3 inches of annual precipitation exceeds the national average, making it a relatively damp region. The 50.7°F average annual temperature stays well below the 55°F national median. It experiences a classic humid continental climate with ample rainfall distributed throughout the year.

A Damp Exception to Ohio’s Average Rainfall

Perry County is wetter than the average Ohio county, surpassing the 41.2-inch state mark by over two inches. Temperature-wise, it remains slightly cooler than the 51.5°F state average. This combination creates a lush environment with frequent rain events and cooler nights.

Higher Moisture Levels Than Western Neighbors

Perry County receives 43.3 inches of rain, making it significantly wetter than nearby Paulding County. While it shares similar heat levels with Portage, it experiences much milder winters with only 14.8 inches of snow compared to Portage's 54 inches. This makes Perry a more temperate choice in the regional landscape.

Moderate Snowfall and Humid Summer Peaks

Summer temperatures peak in July with a 72.1°F average and about 10 days of extreme 90°F heat. Winters are manageable, featuring 14.8 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 27.4°F. The high annual precipitation means seasons often feel damp and overcast.

Invest in Drainage and Dehumidification

With precipitation levels exceeding 43 inches, residents should focus on basement waterproofing and gutter maintenance. A standard snow shovel typically suffices for the light 14.8-inch annual snowfall. Heating and cooling systems should be sized to handle the humidity associated with frequent rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Perry County

via SoilByCounty

The unique Histosols of Perry County

Perry County features Histosols, which are organic-rich soils that often form in wetland environments. These soils are significantly more acidic than the state average, with an average pH of 5.49. This unique taxonomic order is rare compared to the mineral-based soils found in most other Ohio counties.

Muck soils with high silt levels

The dominant texture is muck, characterized by 56.1% silt and only 19.5% sand. This composition creates a dark, spongy soil that is extremely rich but can be difficult to manage due to its high water retention. With 18.9% clay, the soil has enough body to hold its form but behaves very differently than standard garden loam.

Rich organic matter and high water capacity

At 5.97%, the organic matter content in Perry County is well above the state average of 4.85%. The soil’s available water capacity of 0.185 in/in is almost identical to the state average, ensuring that these organic-rich lands stay hydrated. These factors make it a unique, though challenging, environment for specific types of agriculture.

Navigating very poorly drained muck

Classified as 'very poorly drained' with a hydrologic group of B/D, this soil naturally collects and holds water. This makes it excellent for wetland habitats but requires intensive drainage systems for traditional farming or building. Construction in these areas often requires specialized foundations due to the soil's high organic content and moisture.

Specialized growing in zone 6a

Hardiness zone 6a and muck soils are a perfect match for specialized crops like onions, celery, and certain root vegetables. Gardeners should embrace the high organic matter while being mindful of the acidic pH, which may need adjustment for some plants. This is a fascinating landscape for anyone interested in high-intensity organic gardening.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Perry County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Care Routine for Perry County

Perry County's lawn difficulty score of 74.4 is very close to the Ohio average of 76.0. As a Zone 6a region, it offers a typical Midwestern experience where most standard lawn varieties can thrive with basic care. It remains significantly more hospitable for lawns than the national average score of 50.0.

Wet Climate and Moderate Summer Heat

The county receives a generous 43.3 inches of rain annually, which is above the state average and great for grass. Only 10 extreme heat days occur per year, helping the turf stay active through most of the summer. With 2,967 growing degree days, the growing season is slightly shorter but very productive.

Managing Highly Acidic Muck Soils

Perry County's soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.49, well below the ideal range for a standard lawn. The soil is classified as 'very poorly drained muck,' which means it stays saturated much longer than typical loam or sand. You will likely need significant lime applications and drainage improvements to prevent your lawn from thinning out.

Moderate Dryness Affects Half the County

Currently, 49.1% of Perry County is abnormally dry, though it only saw 4 weeks of drought over the past year. Because the soil is very poorly drained, the lawn may actually hold onto moisture longer than other counties during a dry spell. Focus on avoiding soil compaction during these periods to keep the grass roots healthy.

Start Your Perry County Lawn Right

Opt for grass species that tolerate wet feet and acidic soil, or amend your soil heavily before planting Kentucky Bluegrass. The window for spring success opens after the April 30 frost and closes with the first fall frost on October 17. Early autumn is the best time to apply lime and seed for a thicker lawn next year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perry County's county score?
Perry County, Ohio 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 Ohio?
Perry County ranks #8 among all counties in Ohio 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, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Perry County is $1,656, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Perry County a tax score of 43.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Perry County?
The median household income in Perry County, Ohio is $64,737 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Perry County earns an income score of 53.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Perry County, Ohio a good place to live?
Perry County scores 59.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Ohio. 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.