Median Income
$44,815
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$122,900
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,012/100K
166% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.6%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$949
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.2%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.1%
30% higher than US avg
How Perry Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,965
Median Age34.8 yrs
Density745/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$44,815
Per Capita$22,975
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty16.1%
County GDP$748M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$122,900
Rent$949
Ownership58.7%
Zillow$171,284
Housing Units3,002
Rent Burden35.1%
Crime
F
Violent1,012/100K
Property4,163/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault940/100K
Burglary1,417/100K
Health
Obesity43.2%
Uninsured15.5%
Smoking19.3%
Depression19.7%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (21°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain55.0 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation46 ft (14 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.6%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score4.35
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute17 min
Broadband82.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Perry a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Perry receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Perry has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Perry is $44,815, 40% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 16.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Perry is $122,900, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $949 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,012 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,163 per 100,000, 112% above the national average.
Education
18.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Perry enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 55.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Perry has a population of 6,965 with a density of 745 people per square mile, spread across 9.4 square miles. The median age is 34.8 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.7% female and 45.3% male. The city is predominantly White (56.5%), with 39.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.9% of residents, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.8yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.9%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.1%
62% below US avg
The median household income in Perry is $44,815, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,975 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $851, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 448 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,815 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,975 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $851 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,551 |
| Gini Index | 0.474 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.1% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 448 |
| County GDP | $748M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 63 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,267 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.9% |
The median home value in Perry is $122,900, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,284, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $949 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,002 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $6,267 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 35.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $122,900 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $171,284 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $949 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.3% |
| Housing Units | 3,002 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,267 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.10% |
In Perry, 43.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 40.7% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.9% report binge drinking. 32.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.7% report depression. 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 15.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,144. The dentist ratio is 1:4,549. 46.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Perry vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.2% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.7% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.1% |
| Depression | 19.7% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 44.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 15.5% |
| 80% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,144 |
| Dentists | 1:4,549 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,323 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.4% |
| Dental Visits | 49.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,824/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 46.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
Perry has a violent crime rate of 1,012 per 100,000 residents, 166% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 939.6 per 100,000, robbery at 43.4, rape at 28.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,163 per 100,000, 112% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,515, burglary at 1,417, vehicle theft at 231 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Perry receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Perry vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,011.9/100K |
| 166% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 28.9/100K |
| Robbery | 43.4/100K |
| Assault | 939.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,163.1/100K |
| 112% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,416.6/100K |
| Theft | 2,515.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 231.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 351 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Perry enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 306 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 55.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 46 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
55°F Jan (13°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 69.3°F |
| 28% above US avg |
| January Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 46 ft (14 m) |
| Area | 9.4 sq mi (24.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 745/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.1091°N, 83.5823°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Madison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Valdosta Regional (VLD)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
55.0"
45% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
8.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 22.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
16 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
17 km |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 2 |
295 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
29 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
15 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
160 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 1 |
251 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
277 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
45 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 2 |
280 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
256 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
236 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
204 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
181 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
147 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 3 |
110 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
299 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
272 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 22 fatalities, 136 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
99 km |
11 |
| Feb 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
41 km |
4 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1960 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
95 km |
2 |
| Feb 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
EF2 |
90 km |
1 |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1998 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
96 km |
3 |
| Nov 5, 1988 |
EF2 |
37 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1988 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (59,179 ac, 2001).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
59,179 |
55 km |
| 2004 |
EAST FORK |
26,251 |
95 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
25,845 |
29 km |
| 2021 |
BU 360 361 362 363 |
24,747 |
94 km |
| 1998 |
HOLIDAY |
24,666 |
95 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
24,574 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
18,704 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
11,747 |
85 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
10,261 |
87 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
10,098 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
9,352 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,252 |
84 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
9,117 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
8,334 |
100 km |
| 1999 |
COW HOUSE |
8,301 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
8,190 |
87 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
8,108 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
BU 305/306 |
7,904 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
7,893 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
BU 315/316/318 |
7,892 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
55°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| March |
62°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
6.2 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
8.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
8.2 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| October |
70°F (21°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| November |
62°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
55°F (13°C) |
3.8 in |
|
Perry has a seasonal temperature swing of 27°F / from 55°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (8.3") and October the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Perry. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $606 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $520 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $541 |
| Toddler | $498 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Perry
What is the population of Perry?
Perry has a population of 6,965 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 745 people per square mile, spread across 9.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.7% female and 45.3% male.
Is Perry expensive to live in?
Perry has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $44,815, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $122,900 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $949 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Perry safe?
Public safety is a concern in Perry, with a violent crime rate of 1,012 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,163 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Perry receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Perry?
Perry enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 55°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 55.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Perry?
Perry has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $851. There are 448 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 8.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Perry?
The median home value in Perry is $122,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,284. For renters, the median monthly rent is $949. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.7%. The average annual property tax is $6,267.
How are the schools in Perry?
Schools in Perry have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.6% of adults in Perry hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Perry?
The obesity rate in Perry is 43.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 32.1% are physically inactive. 19.7% of residents report depression. 15.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 46.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,144.
What is transportation like in Perry?
The average commute in Perry is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Perry?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Perry is 56.5% White, 39.8% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 94.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
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