Perry County Public RecordsMissouri

As of the 2020 Census, Perry County, MO had a population of 18,248. The median age was about 41 years. The population was 50.4% male and 49.6% female. Racially, the county was 96.3% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.3% Native American, and 1.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The county has a small but growing minority population.

Perry County, MO features several schools, including Perryville High School and St. Vincent High School. The county’s high school graduation rate exceeds 94%, while about 14% of adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher. There are 9 public schools serving approximately 2,400 students, with average test scores slightly above the state average. School safety is prioritized, with incident rates well below state norms. Educational programs include Advanced Placement, technical training, and adult education services.

As of 2022, Perry County, MO, had an employment rate of about 61.4%. The leading industries include manufacturing (31.1% of jobs), health care and social assistance (11.1%), and retail trade (10.7%). Major occupation types are production (16.5%), office/administrative support (10.8%), and management (10.7%). Around 80% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 21.6 minutes. Most residents work locally, but about 29% commute outside the county, primarily to Cape Girardeau and Ste. Genevieve counties.

Perry County, MO, has a homeownership rate of approximately 77%, with median home values around $165,000 in 2023. The median gross rent is about $700 monthly. The housing market remains stable, with property values appreciating roughly 4% annually. Most homes are single-family detached dwellings, especially in neighborhoods like Perryville and Altenburg. Property tax rates average 0.77% of assessed value, below the national average. Rental options are limited, reflecting the high owner occupancy. Neighborhoods are characterized by quiet, rural settings with well-maintained homes and a strong sense of community.

Perry County, MO, has approximately 12,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 77% voted Republican, 22% Democrat. Polling locations include Perryville, Altenburg, and Frohna. Key issues are agriculture, education, and taxes. The County Clerk administers elections, ensuring compliance and accessibility. Both Republican and Democratic parties are active; however, the GOP dominates local offices. Voter turnout typically hovers around 65%. For the most recent elections, four polling sites were operational, with no significant reported irregularities.

Perry County, MO generally reports lower crime rates compared to state averages. In 2022, the county recorded a total crime rate of approximately 690 incidents per 100,000 residents, with violent crime accounting for about 119 incidents and property crime for 571 incidents per 100,000. The Perry County Sheriff’s Office handles reporting and enforcement, and local efforts have kept serious crime relatively low. Community policing and public awareness contribute significantly to the county's overall safety.