countyscore
68.2
County Score
Safety 91.6Water Quality 86Cost of Living 84.9

County Report Card

About Perry County, Tennessee

A National Standout

Perry County boasts an impressive composite score of 68.3, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score places it among the top tier of rural counties in the country for overall livability.

Top Performer in Tennessee

Ranking well above the state average of 51.3, Perry County is a premier performer in Tennessee. It successfully combines high safety and affordability in a way few other counties in the region manage.

Elite Safety and Affordability

Safety is the defining feature here, earning an elite score of 91.6. The county is also highly affordable, featuring a median home value of only $113,800 and a cost score of 84.9.

Healthcare and Income Gaps

The county faces hurdles in healthcare and economic opportunity, with scores of 22.3 and 15.7 respectively. A median household income of $50,489 highlights the current limits of the local industrial base.

Perfect for Secure Living

Perry County is a premier destination for families prioritizing safety and homeownership on a tight budget. It offers a secure, quiet lifestyle for those who can navigate limited local healthcare access.

2040608010076.784.991.622.367.515.766.68664.7Tax76.7Cost84.9Safety91.6Health22.3Schools67.5Income15.7Risk66.6Water86Weather64.768.2/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

Perry County DNA

C-overall

How Perry County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Perry County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Cost of Living (84.9/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
76.7+24.700000000000003
Cost
84.9+36.900000000000006
Safety
91.6+36.599999999999994
Health
22.3-27.7
Schools
67.5+13.5
Income
15.7-35.3
Risk
66.6+19.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
64.7+8.700000000000003
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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

$113,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$747/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$113,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,489/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Decatur County
Tennessee
57.1
Lewis County
Tennessee
52.7
Hickman County
Tennessee
45.5
Wayne County
Tennessee
61.4
Humphreys County
Tennessee
52.2
Henderson County
Tennessee
53.1
Hardin County
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46.3
Benton County
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54.1

Deep Dives

Perry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Perry County

via TaxByCounty

Perry County taxes far below national norms

Perry County's effective tax rate of 0.580% is just one-fifth the national median property tax burden of $2,690, placing it in the lowest quartile of U.S. counties. This exceptional affordability makes Perry one of the nation's most tax-friendly places to own property.

Slightly above state average, moderately taxing

Perry County's 0.580% effective rate runs above Tennessee's 0.511% state average, positioning it in the upper-middle tier among the state's 95 counties. The median tax of $660 on a $113,800 home reflects the county's lower property values despite its slightly elevated tax rate.

Perry taxes among the highest in its region

Perry's 0.580% rate is surpassed only by Morgan County (0.581%) and exceeds Overton (0.394%), Pickett (0.374%), and Rhea (0.462%) significantly. This makes Perry one of the more heavily taxed counties in the surrounding area, though still far below national averages.

A $113,800 home costs $660 annually

Perry County's median homeowner pays $660 per year on a home valued at $113,800—roughly $55 per month. With mortgage escrow, the annual tax grows to $673.

Review your assessment if you've had improvements

Perry County homeowners who've made significant renovations or improvements may see inflated assessments that don't match market value. Request a reassessment if your most recent appraisal shows your home is worth less than the county claims.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Perry County

via CostByCounty

Perry County sits near Tennessee's affordability average

Perry County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, reflecting moderate housing affordability challenges relative to national norms. With median household income at $50,489 and median rent at $747 monthly, Perry County renters experience affordability stress comparable to the state baseline.

Mid-range affordability within the state

Perry County ranks in Tennessee's middle tier for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio marginally above the state average. The county's lower-than-state median income places additional pressure on household budgets despite modestly priced rentals.

Among region's more affordable rental options

Perry County's $747 median rent is competitive with Morgan County ($742) and undercuts Overton County ($833) and Putnam County ($881) in the surrounding region. The county offers mid-range affordability for renters prioritizing housing cost control.

Rent claims 17.8% of median income

Perry County renters spend $747 monthly—17.8% of the median household income of $50,489—positioning housing costs near state averages. Homeowners enjoy reasonable costs at $505 monthly on the state's lowest median home values at $113,800, creating accessible homeownership pathways.

Perry County appeals to budget-conscious homebuyers

Relocating families should note Perry County's low median home values ($113,800) paired with manageable ownership costs, making the county attractive for first-time buyers. Renters should compare this county's rental costs against nearby alternatives before committing to the move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Perry County

via IncomeByCounty

Perry County Well Below National Income Level

Perry County's median household income of $50,489 falls $24,266 short of the national median of $74,755, a 32% gap. Typical households here earn roughly two-thirds of what average American households bring in.

Below Tennessee's Statewide Income Average

Perry County trails Tennessee's median household income of $58,994 by $8,505, placing it among the lower-income counties statewide. The per capita income of $25,563 is notably the lowest among the peer group, suggesting significant income inequality within the county.

Lower Income Than Most Peer Counties

Perry County's $50,489 median income ranks below most neighboring counties, exceeding only Pickett ($44,591) and Overton ($46,159). Polk County ($60,227) and Rhea County ($58,133) both earn substantially more per household.

Moderate Rent Burden With Affordable Homes

Perry County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% remains manageable, though higher pressure than wealthier counties. The median home value of $113,800 is the lowest among peers, representing 2.3 years of gross household income—relatively favorable for first-time homebuyers.

Leverage Affordable Housing to Build Equity

Perry County's low home prices offer an opportunity for wealth-building through homeownership that may be out of reach elsewhere. Even with lower household incomes, purchasing a modest home here could provide equity growth; simultaneously, explore income diversification through side work or household members entering the workforce.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Perry County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety metrics in Perry County

Perry County boasts a safety score of 99.8, making it one of the safest counties nationally. Its total crime rate is a remarkable 142.3 per 100,000, which is over 16 times lower than the national average. Note that this data comes from a single reporting agency, so it should be interpreted with some caution.

Perry County leads Tennessee in safety

The county's safety score of 99.8 far exceeds the Tennessee average of 97.2. Its total crime rate is a mere fraction of the state average of 1,785.6. Based on 2022 data, Perry County ranks as an elite performer for public safety within the state.

A regional leader in low crime

Perry County’s crime rate of 142.3 per 100,000 is significantly lower than neighboring Rhea County's 1,350.3. Even compared to other quiet areas like Pickett County, Perry stands out for its minimal reported incidents. It serves as a benchmark for low-crime living in the region.

Minimal crime across all categories

Violent crime is nearly non-existent here at 47.4 per 100,000, while property crime is also very low at 94.9. These figures are drastically lower than the national property crime average of 2,015.7. In practical terms, crime is an extremely rare occurrence for the average resident.

Maintenance of safety through community

While crime is exceptionally low, maintaining this standard requires continued community vigilance. Basic home security measures like outdoor lighting can deter the few opportunistic crimes that do occur. Residents should feel confident but remain observant to keep their neighborhoods safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Perry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Perry County

Perry County operates a focused network of five public schools serving just 1,069 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one virtual learning option. This small student body is managed by a single, unified district.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

Perry County boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, outperforming both the state and national averages by wide margins. The county invests $6,997 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Tennessee average of $6,215. These investments are paying off, as evidenced by a high school score of 57.2.

A Small District with Big Results

The Perry County school district oversees all 1,069 students with a focus on traditional and virtual pathways. There are zero charter schools in the county, meaning resources are concentrated within the five local public institutions. This allows for a high degree of oversight and a personal touch in every classroom.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Every school in Perry County is classified as rural, reflecting the quiet, natural character of the region. With an average school size of only 214 students, Perry County offers some of the most intimate classroom settings in Tennessee. Schools range from Linden Elementary with 303 students down to the virtual school with just 33.

Personalized Education in a Rural Setting

For buyers seeking a community where every teacher knows every student, Perry County is an ideal choice. Homes near Linden or Lobelville provide easy access to these high-performing, small-scale campuses. High graduation rates and per-pupil investment make this a hidden gem for families prioritizing education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Perry County

via RiskByCounty

Perry County has very low disaster risk

Perry County's composite risk score of 33.40 sits meaningfully below the national average, placing it in the very low risk category. The county's geographic position provides substantial protection against most major natural disasters.

Safe compared to Tennessee average

Perry County's score of 33.40 is substantially lower than Tennessee's state average of 52.45, positioning the county among safer communities statewide. The county ranks well below the state median for disaster exposure.

Safer than Putnam and Rhea counties

Perry County (33.40) presents lower risk than nearby Putnam County (65.84) and Rhea County (49.17), though it faces slightly higher exposure than Pickett County (4.61). The county occupies a relatively safe position in the region's risk hierarchy.

Tornado and earthquake merit attention

Tornado risk (60.15) and earthquake risk (72.49) are Perry County's primary hazards, with flood risk (47.14) presenting a secondary concern. Together, these three hazards account for most of the county's disaster exposure.

Consider earthquake and flood coverage

Perry County homeowners should maintain robust homeowners insurance with wind and tornado protections, plus consider supplemental earthquake coverage given the county's 72.49 seismic risk. Residents in flood-prone areas should verify federal flood insurance eligibility through FEMA.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Perry County

via WaterByCounty

Perry County Drinking Water Earns Top Marks

Perry County holds a Grade A for drinking water compliance, reporting zero health violations over five years. This record is superior to the Tennessee average of 34.6 violations per 100,000 residents. Customers of local water systems receive water that fully meets all federal health-based standards.

Perry County Boasts Exceptional Watershed Health

Only 7.1% of the county's 42 assessed water bodies are considered impaired, one of the lowest rates in the state. While the Tennessee average impairment rate is 30.2%, only 3 local sites fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. The 2022 cycle lists dissolved oxygen, mercury, and sedimentation as the limited areas of concern.

Focused Biological Monitoring in Perry County

Over the past five years, 18 monitoring sites have contributed 615 measurements to the federal Water Quality Portal. Scientists prioritize biological data, nutrient levels, and physical characteristics to maintain the county's high water standards. Though the sample count is lower than neighbors, it effectively tracks the health of the 42 assessed water bodies.

Buffalo River Flow Reduced by Half

The Buffalo River below Lobelville currently flows at 614 cfs, which is 50% of its long-term mean of 1,234 cfs. This 702-square-mile drainage area is seeing a significant seasonal dip compared to historical averages. While not as critical as neighboring counties, this trend indicates a drier-than-normal season for local waterways.

Guard Healthy Waters Against Mercury and Sediment

Perry County residents enjoy some of the healthiest watersheds in the state, but should remain vigilant about mercury and sedimentation in the three impaired areas. Protecting the Buffalo River's riparian zones will help maintain these high standards even as flow levels drop. Since drinking water is 100% compliant, the primary focus remains on preserving the quality of local streams.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Perry County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Subtropical Environment

Perry County averages 58.6°F annually, which is nearly five degrees warmer than the national median. This climate type ensures long, warm growing seasons and mild winters.

Slightly Above the State Average

The county is slightly warmer than the Tennessee average of 58.1°F. It experiences consistent warmth that places it among the state's more temperate regions.

Wetter Than Its Eastern Neighbors

Perry receives 57.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average of 55.9 inches. This makes it significantly more humid than many counties to the east.

Hot Summers and Very Mild Winters

Residents endure 44 extreme heat days where temperatures top 90°F. Conversely, winter snowfall is minimal at just 2.1 inches per year.

Prepare for Heat and Heavy Rain

Homeowners should prioritize high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the six weeks of extreme summer heat. Keep rain gear ready for the heavy 57-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Perry County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Valley Soils

Perry County features a pH of 5.28, which is slightly more acidic than the state average. This environment is nearly 1.2 points more acidic than the national median.

Silt-Heavy Working Conditions

The soil contains 55.4% silt and 21.6% clay, providing a heavy but workable texture. This composition helps retain minerals but requires careful timing to avoid working the soil when wet.

Lower Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter measures 1.67%, trailing the state average of 2.44%. However, the water capacity of 0.169 in/in is nearly identical to the state benchmark, ensuring consistent moisture for plants.

Soil Score and Drainage

Perry holds a soil score of 32.0, indicating more challenging conditions than the state average of 38.5. The high silt and clay content often results in slower drainage across the landscape.

Lush Growth in Zone 7b

Hardiness zone 7b allows for a long growing season that favors peppers and beans. Adding compost will help improve the low organic matter levels and boost garden yields.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Perry County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Turf Challenges in Perry County

Perry County presents a challenging environment with a lawn difficulty score of 38.7, falling below both the state and national averages. Located in Zone 7b, this area requires more intensive care to maintain a healthy lawn. High heat and acidic soil are the primary hurdles for local homeowners.

Navigating High Heat and Heavy Rain

The county endures 44 extreme heat days per year, significantly more than the Tennessee average of 36. This heat is paired with 57.2 inches of annual precipitation, which can lead to high humidity and fungal pressure. Lawns must be managed carefully to survive the 4467 growing degree days.

High Acidity and Clay Texture

A soil pH of 5.28 means Perry County yards are quite acidic, necessitating regular applications of lime to support grass growth. The soil is composed of 21.6% clay and 21.0% sand, creating a heavy texture that may compact easily. Aeration is a vital practice here to ensure water and air reach the root zone.

Extended Drought Periods Test Lawns

Lawns have faced 23 weeks in drought over the past year, and the entire county is currently considered abnormally dry. Despite heavy annual rains, these dry spells can quickly brown out sensitive turf. Focus on drought-tolerant species and deep watering to help your lawn survive the summer stretch.

Choose Heat-Tolerant Varieties for Perry

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda are best suited for the 44 extreme heat days in Zone 7b. Aim to seed after the last frost on April 12 to maximize the long growing season. Establish your turf before the first frost arrives around October 25 to ensure winter survival.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perry County's county score?
Perry County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 68.2 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 Tennessee?
Perry County ranks #2 among all counties in Tennessee 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, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Perry County is $660, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Perry County a tax score of 76.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Perry County?
The median household income in Perry County, Tennessee is $50,489 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Perry County earns an income score of 15.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Perry County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Perry County scores 68.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Tennessee. 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.