countyscore
58.4
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.

2040608010039.759.678.543.76755.97423.959.5Tax39.7Cost59.6Safety78.5Health43.7Schools67Income55.9Risk74Water23.9Weather59.558.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Perry County DNA

Foverall

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

Perry County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (74/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (23.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
39.7-12.299999999999997
Cost
59.6+11.600000000000001
Safety
78.5+23.5
Health
43.7
Schools
67+13
Income
55.9
Risk
74+27
Water
23.9-34.1
Weather
59.5
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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.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$191,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$777/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$191,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,460/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.9

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
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Counties with similar scores

Putnam County
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Median income: $75,590
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Median income: $70,010
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Wyoming County
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Brown County
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Median income: $71,270
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Major County
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Median income: $71,266
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Huntingdon County
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Median income: $65,557
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Houston County
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Median income: $59,576
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Mitchell County
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Median income: $60,550
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Nearby counties

Muskingum County
Ohio
42.3
Hocking County
Ohio
38.9
Fairfield County
Ohio
39.9
Morgan County
Ohio
52.6
Licking County
Ohio
37.6
Athens County
Ohio
41.4
Vinton County
Ohio
48.4
Noble County
Ohio
70.5

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 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

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

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 58.4 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 #10 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 $1,813, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Perry County a tax score of 39.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Perry County?
The median household income in Perry County, Ohio is $67,460 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Perry County earns an income score of 55.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Perry County, Ohio a good place to live?
Perry County scores 58.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 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.
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.