Perry County, Missouri Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Perry County is located in Missouri with a total population of 18,947. It is the 57th most populous county out of 115 in Missouri.

Age Demographics

The median age in Perry County is 41.6 years. This is 7% higher than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Perry County is $63,356. This is 8% lower than the state median of $68,920. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 19% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%. This is 13% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. The unemployment rate is 4.8%. This is 16% higher than the state rate of 4.1%. The median home value is $189,400. Housing costs are 12% lower than the state median of $215,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 77.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Perry County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.3%. The Black or African American population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 11.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.3%) is well below the state average of 5.1%. The Asian population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 2.1%.

Education

22.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 31% lower than the state rate of 31.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.9%.