Perry County, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,697
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,972/yr
10.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,866
0.8% year-over-year change

Perry County population

How many people live in Perry County

Perry County is home to 8,697 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.6% of Perry County locals are male, and 48.4% are female.

Total population
8,697
1.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.6%
4,490
Female
48.4%
4,207
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,490 51.6% 5.2%
Female 4,207 48.4% -2.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Perry County is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.4% are children under 15, then 10.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24% of the population, while another 25.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.4%
15 to 24
10.1%
25 to 44
24%
45 to 64
25.6%
Over 65
21.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,597 18.4% 1.4%
15 to 24 875 10.1% -20.1%
25 to 44 2,088 24% 11.8%
45 to 64 2,230 25.6% 4.7%
Over 65 1,907 21.9% 0.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Perry County, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.3% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,503 97.8% 2.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 109 1.2% -31.0%
Non-citizens 85 1% -22.0%
Racial breakdown
White
90.2%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
7.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 7,841 90.2%
Black or African American 24 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 107 1.2%
Asian 20 0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 16 0.2%
Two or more races 689 7.9%

Households in Perry County

A peek inside Perry County households

Perry County has 3,610 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 73.6% are families, while the remaining 26.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,610
18.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
955
Family households
2,655
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 955 26.4% 10.4%
Family households 2,655 73.6% 22.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Perry County

The housing landscape of Perry County

Perry County's housing consists of 4,866 units, with 64.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 31.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,866
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,120 64.1%
1 unit, attached 26 0.5%
2 units 47 1%
3 or 4 units 42 0.9%
5 to 9 units 71 1.5%
10 to 19 units 24 0.5%
Mobile home 1,515 31.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 21 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
89
270.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Perry County

In Perry County, the median construction year is 1988. About 6.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 299 6.1% -11.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 166 3.4% -2.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 332 6.8% 5.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 581 11.9% 30.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 665 13.7% -18.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 492 10.1% -2.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 774 15.9% -18.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 860 17.7% -3.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 608 12.5% 61.7%
Built in 2020 or later 89 1.8% 270.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Perry County occupancy rates

Out of the 3,610 occupied housing units in Perry County, 73.8% are owner-occupied, while 26.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 25.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,610
18.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
945
Owner occupied
2,665
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 945 26.2% 24.5%
Owner occupied 2,665 73.8% 16.8%
Unoccupied housing units
25.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Perry County housing costs

Housing costs in Perry County come to a median of $701 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $758.

Median housing costs per month
$701/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Perry County
$758/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Perry County

Perry County education at a glance

About 52.2% of the population in Perry County went to high school, while 21.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 9.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 352 5.2% -41.4%
High school diploma 3,524 52.2% -6.3%
College diploma 1,452 21.5% 48.6%
Associate degree 527 7.8% -3.0%
Bachelor's degree 637 9.4% 10.6%
Graduate degree 262 3.9% 46.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Perry County

How much people earn in Perry County

The average annual household income in Perry County was $69,797 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $55,972, reflecting a +10.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Perry County
$69,797/year
7.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Perry County
$55,972/year
10.9% year-over-year change

Perry County income by age

In Perry County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $67,303. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $80,924 overall. Overall, 81.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $67,303 19.6%
45 - 64 $80,924 16.5%
Over 65 $39,120 -2.8%
Above poverty level
6,858
Below poverty level
1,533
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,858 81.7% 0.6%
Below poverty level 1,533 18.3% 3.7%

Employment in Perry County

Workforce and job types in Perry County

The job market in Perry County is powered by 3,626 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 58.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 41.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.6% run their own businesses, 56.9% are employed by private companies, and 19.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,626
11.5% year-over-year change
White collar
2,115
Blue collar
1,511
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,115 58.3% 8.9%
Blue collar 1,511 41.7% 15.3%
Employer type
Self employees
15.6%
Private companies
56.9%
Governmental workers
19.9%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 567 15.6% 10.5%
Private companies 2,064 56.9% 0.8%
Governmental workers 720 19.9% 27.9%
Not for profit companies 275 7.6% 111.5%
Unemployment rate
5.8%
-29.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Perry County stands at 5.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Perry County

How people get around in Perry County

Commuting methods vary: 86.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,082 86.6% 11.7%
Bus or trolleybus 87 2.4% 10.1%
Walk 24 0.7% -20.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Perry County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
37096 6,004 2,463 $63,782 $75,254
37097 2,473 1,052 $50,658 $58,301
38425 3,518 785 $51,516 $63,597

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FAQs about Perry County demographics 

What is the total population of Perry County?

Perry County has a total population of 8,697 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Perry County?

The gender ratio in Perry County is as follows:
  • 51.6% males (4,490 residents)
  • 48.4% females (4,207 residents)

What is the median age in Perry County?

The median age in Perry County is 43.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Perry County?

The age distribution in Perry County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.4% (1,597 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.1% (875 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24% (2,088 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.6% (2,230 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.9% (1,907 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Perry County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Perry County is as follows:
  • White: 90.2% (7,841 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (24 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (107 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (20 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (16 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.9% (689 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Perry County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in Perry County.

How many housing units are there in Perry County?

There are 4,866 housing units in Perry County, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Perry County and what is the average household size?

Perry County has a total of 3,610 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Perry County?

Perry County has a median household income of $55,972, representing a +10.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Perry County?

The employment rate is 94.2% in Perry County, with a workforce of 3,626 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 58.3% (2,115 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 41.7% (1,511 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.6% (567 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.9% (2,064 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.9% (720 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (275 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025