Perry County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 57th-largest in Missouri
The population of Perry County, Missouri is 18,947 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 57th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $63,356, the median home value is $189,400, and the median age is 41.6.
The population of Perry County has grown 0.9% since 2010 (18,931 → 19,100), a +0.06% annualized rate.
18,947
Population
+0.06%
Annual growth
40
People / sq mi
$63,356
Median Income
$189,400
Median Home Value
Perry County covers 474 sq mi of land at 39.9 people per square mile.
About Perry County, MO
The poverty rate is what most separates Perry County from the typical county: 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 18,947 residents, Perry County is a county in Missouri.
Median household income is $63,356, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.5%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $189,400, with typical rent around $923.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 22.1% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Perry County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Perry County had a population of 18,931 in 2010 and 19,100 in 2024, a 0.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,284 in 2018. Average annual growth rate: 0.06%.
19,100
Population (2024)
18,931
Population (2010)
19,284
Peak (2018)
0.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,931 |
| 2011 | 19,000 |
| 2012 | 18,991 |
| 2013 | 19,047 |
| 2014 | 19,116 |
| 2015 | 19,066 |
| 2016 | 19,224 |
| 2017 | 19,267 |
| 2018 | 19,284 |
| 2019 | 19,164 |
| 2020 | 18,971 |
| 2021 | 18,975 |
| 2022 | 18,882 |
| 2023 | 18,950 |
| 2024 | 19,100 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.6
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
19.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.2% · Seniors (65+): 19.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,356$-5,564 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,644 |
| Per-capita income | $32,616 |
| Poverty rate | 5.5%-2.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Perry County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
84.9%
Public transit
4.6%
Work from home
21.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$189,400$-26,200 vs state
Median home value
$923
Median rent
77.6%
Homeownership rate
8,507
Total housing units
86.1%
Occupied
13.9%
Vacant
22.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.6%
With health insurance
89.5%
With broadband internet
20.5%
Foreign-born
8.5%
Veterans (18+)
15.1%
With a disability
96.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.9%
High School+
22.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Perry County, Missouri has a population of 18,947 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 57th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 40 people per square mile.
The population of Perry County has grown 0.9% since 2010 (18,931 → 19,100), a +0.06% annualized rate.
The median household income in Perry County, Missouri is $63,356, with mean (average) household income of $82,644 and per-capita income of $32,616. 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Perry County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.5%), Black or African American (0.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Perry County, Missouri is 41.6 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Perry County is $189,400 and median monthly rent is $923. 77.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,507 total housing units, 13.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Perry County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Perry County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
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Statewide data for Missouri
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Missouri
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.