IncomeBy County

Perry County, Kentucky

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-26% vs. Kentucky average
$42,181
Median Household Income
$28,931
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$42,181
-26% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,931
-27% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
45.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#101 / 120
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Perry County Compares

Perry County$42,181
Kentucky Average$56,863
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$42,181
Median Household Income
$28,931
Per Capita Income
$91,800
Median Home Value
45.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Perry County

Income Verdict

Perry County has a median household income of $45,261 and per capita income of $30,062 — a gap of $15,199, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $795/month and a median household income of $45,261, rent consumes approximately 21.1% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $45,261, residents of Perry County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $30,062 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Perry County earns approximately 19% below the Kentucky state median household income of $55,909.

Data Story

About Household Income in Perry County, Kentucky

Perry trails U.S. median by $29K

Perry County's median household income of $45,261 falls nearly 40% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This income gap reflects broader economic challenges in the region, placing Perry among lower-earning counties nationally.

Below Kentucky average income

Perry County ranks below Kentucky's state median of $55,909, earning $10,648 less per household. This positions Perry in the lower half of Kentucky's 120 counties for household income.

Lowest earner in Appalachian cluster

Perry's $45,261 income trails nearby Pike County ($42,179) and Powell County ($39,811), making it one of the region's stronger earners—though all three struggle against state benchmarks. The entire Appalachian corridor faces similar economic headwinds.

Rent consumes one-fifth of income

At 21.1%, Perry's rent-to-income ratio sits near the affordable threshold, meaning renters spend just over one-fifth of income on housing. With median home values of $90,700, homeownership remains within reach for many households.

Start small, build steadily here

Perry households can build wealth through employer retirement plans and low-cost index funds, even on modest incomes. Local nonprofits and community banks often offer financial literacy programs designed for exactly this income range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Perry County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Perry County, Kentucky is $42,181, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Perry County?
The per capita income in Perry County is $28,931, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $42,181.
How does Perry County compare to the Kentucky average?
Perry County's median household income of $42,181 is lower than the Kentucky state average of $56,863. The per capita income is $28,931, compared to the state average of $30,364.
What is the per capita income in Perry County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Perry County, Kentucky is $28,931, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Perry County a low-income area in Kentucky?
Perry County's median household income of $42,181 is below the Kentucky average of $56,863. The per capita income of $28,931 is also lower than the state average of $30,364. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Perry County rank for income in Kentucky?
Perry County ranks #101 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $42,181 and per capita income of $28,931, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Perry County

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Your income is above the Perry County median

County median: $42,181 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-26%

vs. National Median

-44%

vs. Perry County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average▼ 26% below
vs. National Median▼ 44% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.4x

Your monthly income ($3,515) vs. median rent ($798/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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$42,083
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By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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