Perry County's composite score of 67.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by a meaningful margin. This reflects a county offering better-than-average livability conditions across measured economic dimensions.
2 / 5
Slightly above Pennsylvania's average
Perry County scores 67.3, edging past Pennsylvania's state average of 66.0. The county ranks favorably among its peers statewide in overall livability metrics.
3 / 5
Higher incomes and reasonable costs
Perry County's income score of 34.8 reflects a median household income of $78,824, positioning it well above the state baseline. Housing remains relatively affordable with a cost score of 75.4, median home values at $222,800, and monthly rent at $838.
4 / 5
Tax burden slightly elevated
The tax score of 67.2 corresponds to an effective rate of 1.246%, placing it mid-range for the state. Data gaps in safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions prevent a comprehensive livability assessment.
5 / 5
Great for middle-income families
Perry County appeals to professionals and established families seeking a balance of reasonable wages, moderate housing costs, and low taxes. It delivers solid livability without the premium pricing of metro areas.
Perry County's composite score of 67.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by a meaningful margin. This reflects a county offering better-than-average livability conditions across measured economic dimensions.
Slightly above Pennsylvania's average
Perry County scores 67.3, edging past Pennsylvania's state average of 66.0. The county ranks favorably among its peers statewide in overall livability metrics.
Higher incomes and reasonable costs
Perry County's income score of 34.8 reflects a median household income of $78,824, positioning it well above the state baseline. Housing remains relatively affordable with a cost score of 75.4, median home values at $222,800, and monthly rent at $838.
Tax burden slightly elevated
The tax score of 67.2 corresponds to an effective rate of 1.246%, placing it mid-range for the state. Data gaps in safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions prevent a comprehensive livability assessment.
Great for middle-income families
Perry County appeals to professionals and established families seeking a balance of reasonable wages, moderate housing costs, and low taxes. It delivers solid livability without the premium pricing of metro areas.
Score breakdown
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🏛67.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Perry's effective tax rate of 1.246% edges above the national median of 1.31%, placing it closer to mid-range American tax levels. Homeowners pay $2,775 annually on a median home valued at $222,800, nearly matching the national median tax of $2,690.
Below Pennsylvania's State Average
Perry County's 1.246% effective rate sits slightly below Pennsylvania's state average of 1.317%, offering modest tax relief compared to the state median property tax of $2,657. The county ranks in the lower-to-middle tier among the state's 67 counties.
Middle Ground in South-Central PA
Perry's 1.246% rate falls between neighboring Northumberland (1.173%) to the north and Pike County (1.396%) to the east. The county offers more favorable rates than Pike but slightly higher than Northumberland, making it a moderate option regionally.
Annual Tax on $222,800 Home
Perry County homeowners with a median-valued property of $222,800 pay approximately $2,775 per year in property taxes. Mortgage holders typically see $2,867, while owners without mortgages pay around $2,618.
Review Your Assessment Now
Many Perry County homeowners are overassessed and could reduce their annual tax bills through a formal property assessment appeal. Contact your township assessor or county tax office to learn about appeal windows and required documentation.
Perry County residents enjoy a 12.8% rent-to-income ratio—well below the national benchmark and significantly better than Pennsylvania's 16.5% average. With a median household income of $78,824, Perry residents earn above the national median of $74,755 while keeping housing costs lean.
One of Pennsylvania's Most Affordable
Perry County ranks among the top performers statewide for housing affordability, combining higher incomes with moderate rents. The county's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio places it well ahead of most Pennsylvania counties, reflecting strong economic health.
Better Incomes, Similar Rents
Perry County's $838 rent is slightly below Snyder County ($890) and near Northumberland County ($777), but Perry residents earn significantly more—$78,824 versus $68,435 in Snyder. This income advantage is the key driver of Perry's superior affordability ranking.
Balanced Housing and Homeownership
Perry County shows a split: renters pay $838 monthly (12.8% of income), while homeowners shoulder $1,181 in costs, reflecting higher median home values of $222,800. The gap suggests many Perry residents have moved into ownership, taking on larger mortgages while earning solid incomes.
Perry Offers Strong Economic Fundamentals
If you're seeking a county with rising incomes and manageable housing costs, Perry County stands out as a balanced choice within Pennsylvania. The combination of above-average earnings and below-average rent burden makes it attractive for families considering relocation.
Perry County's median household income of $78,824 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 5.4%, placing it firmly in the upper-middle tier nationwide. This above-average earning reflects Perry's strong local economy and workforce participation.
Top earners in Pennsylvania
At $78,824, Perry ranks well above Pennsylvania's state median of $69,614 and enters the state's top income quartile. The county's per capita income of $38,594 also exceeds the state average of $37,407.
Competitive with high-earning neighbors
Perry's $78,824 median rivals Pike County ($79,318) and substantially exceeds Northumberland ($57,948) and Somerset ($59,378). Perry residents enjoy some of south-central Pennsylvania's strongest earning power.
Housing highly affordable for renters
Perry's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio represents some of the best rental affordability in the state—far below the 30% stress threshold. A median home value of $222,800 is manageable for households earning $78,824 annually.
Leverage higher incomes for long-term gains
Perry County households earning above-average incomes are well-positioned to maximize retirement savings and investment portfolios. Consider accelerating 529 college savings plans and diversifying into real estate or stock market index funds.
Perry County residents live to 76.5 years on average, nearly matching the U.S. average of 77 years and indicating relatively good health outcomes overall. Just 17.7% report poor or fair health, lower than many U.S. counties, suggesting a healthier-than-average population.
Performing above Pennsylvania median
Perry County's 76.5-year life expectancy slightly outpaces Pennsylvania's 76.4-year state average, placing it in the upper half of Pennsylvania counties. The low poor/fair health rate of 17.7% ranks well within the state.
Health advantage over surrounding counties
Perry outperforms neighboring Juniata and Mifflin counties in life expectancy and reports fewer residents in poor/fair health. The county's profile resembles healthier rural areas across central Pennsylvania.
High uninsured rate despite good health
Perry County's 9.8% uninsured rate is nearly 40% higher than Pennsylvania's 7% average—a significant coverage gap relative to the county's strong health metrics. With only 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, access to care remains limited despite relatively good population health.
Close the uninsured gap in Perry County
Nearly one in ten Perry County residents lack health insurance, the highest uninsured rate among these eight counties. Visit healthcare.gov today to explore subsidized ACA plans or call 1-800-318-2596 to find coverage options that fit your budget.
Perry County's composite risk score of 53.12 is significantly below Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45 and well below most national benchmarks, placing it in the relatively low-risk category. While the county faces moderate flood risk (69.53) and hurricane exposure (76.14), most other hazards remain well-controlled.
Among Pennsylvania's safer counties
Perry County ranks near the bottom of Pennsylvania's risk scale, with only a handful of counties scoring lower overall. Its 53.12 composite score reflects below-average exposure to tornadoes (31.62), earthquakes (38.71), and wildfires (24.97), making it one of the state's more resilient areas.
Safer than most central Pennsylvania peers
Perry County is significantly less risky than adjacent Northumberland (79.17) and Schuylkill (85.31) counties, and roughly comparable to Snyder County (54.29). Its moderate flood risk (69.53) is lower than Northumberland's and reflects its slightly more inland position away from major river valleys.
Floods and hurricanes are primary concerns
Perry County's top two hazards are flood risk (69.53) and hurricane risk (76.14), both related to Atlantic weather systems and regional precipitation patterns. All other hazards—wildfire (24.97), tornado (31.62), and earthquake (38.71)—score notably low, indicating minimal concern in those areas.
Flood insurance is your key protection
Perry County residents should obtain standalone flood insurance, as it's not included in standard homeowners policies and the county's 69.53 flood risk score justifies the investment. Review your policy annually to ensure coverage limits match current home values and include protection against wind damage from Atlantic storms.