Perry
Tennessee

What stands out

Three things set Perry County apart from the other 3,142 counties: violent crime is in the top 5% of American counties (5.0 per 1,000), population growth is in the top 6% of American counties (+2.1% a year), and unemployment is in the top 7% of American counties (5.4%). Within Tennessee it ranks 11th of 95 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Perry County, Tennessee. 8,432 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 2.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +221).

Tennessee has no income tax on wages, and its tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed in 2021. It has one of the highest combined sales-tax rates in the country and taxes groceries at a reduced rate. Nashville and the surrounding counties have had a decade of rapid growth and price increases; the rest of the state remains inexpensive. There is no estate or inheritance tax.

Money

The typical household here brings in $55,978 a year, lower than 64% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,146. Unemployment runs 5.4%, higher than 93% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

Tennessee has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $171K, cheaper than 76% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $663 a month. Property tax is 0.56% of home value, roughly $693 a year on that median home, lower than 81% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 95% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 24 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.4 years, shorter than 76% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 2.4 per 10,000 people. 13.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.26 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 80% of American counties. 80% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 66 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 56% of eligible voters turned out. Under Tennessee law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 61°F, highs near 72 and lows near 50, warmer than 70% of American counties. About 53 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 23 out of 100, safer than 77% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 156 Mbps down, slower than 68% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation.