Elections

Perry County, Arkansas, has approximately 5,100 registered voters as of 2024. The county participates in federal, state, and local elections, including primaries, general, and special elections. In the 2020 Presidential election, Perry County results favored Republicans, with about 74% voting for the GOP candidate. There are four main polling locations, including Perryville and Bigelow. Election issues often center on infrastructure and rural development. Elections are administered by the county clerk and election commission. The two main parties are Republican and Democrat, though Republicans have recent dominance in county-level offices.

County Crime & Safety

Perry County, AR, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent FBI data, the violent crime rate is approximately 98 per 100,000 residents, while the property crime rate stands at around 562 per 100,000, both significantly below Arkansas state averages. The Sheriff's Office regularly reports crime statistics and works with the community to maintain safety through patrols and outreach programs. Overall, Perry County is considered a safe rural area, with few annual incidents and ongoing efforts to ensure public safety.

Education, Employment and Housing

Perry County, AR, hosts 4 public schools, including Perryville High School and East End Middle School, serving about 1,000 students. Approximately 85% of adults hold a high school diploma, but only around 13% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is prioritized, with reported crime rates below the state average. Average graduation rates for high school are about 90%. Educational programs include vocational training, agriculture, and basic adult education. State assessment scores in math and reading are slightly below Arkansas averages, but efforts to enhance curriculum and student support are ongoing.

As of 2022, Perry County, AR, has an employment rate of approximately 54.6%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (17.8%), Educational Services (13.1%), and Construction (11.6%). Most residents work in Management, Office, and Administrative Support (21.4%), followed by Sales & Related occupations (11.8%). About 83.2% of workers commute outside the county, mainly to Pulaski and Faulkner counties, with an average commute time of 34.4 minutes. Local employment opportunities are limited, making commuting essential for most residents.

Perry County, AR, has a homeownership rate of approximately 80%, with median home values around $140,000 in 2024. Rental options are limited, with median rents near $850 per month. The housing market is stable, with slight appreciation over recent years. Most homes are single-family houses, often on large lots in rural communities like Perryville. Property taxes are low, averaging 0.6% of assessed value. Neighborhoods are generally quiet and family-oriented, reflecting the county’s rural character and affordability.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Perry County, Arkansas, had a population of 10,019. The median age was 44.2 years. About 51% of residents are male and 49% female. The racial makeup is predominantly White (91.9%), with Black or African American (4.1%), Native American (1.3%), and other races comprising the remainder. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race make up approximately 2.6% of the population.