Education, Employment and Housing

Perry County, AL, has two public schools—one high school and one elementary school—serving around 1,000 students. High school graduation rates are approximately 85%, while only about 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures have been implemented, with no major recent incidents reported. The district offers vocational and career technical programs, but academic scores lag behind state averages, with proficiency rates near 30% in reading and math. Adult education opportunities include GED and job skills training through local partnerships.

As of 2022, Perry County, AL has a labor force participation rate of around 41%, lower than the state average. The unemployment rate stands at approximately 4.5%. Top employment industries include education and health services (27%), public administration (16%), and retail trade (11%). The largest occupation types are office/administrative support (17%) and education/training/library (13%). About 76% of residents commute outside the county for work, with an average one-way commute time of 30 minutes, primarily traveling to Dallas and Marengo counties.

Perry County, AL, has a homeownership rate of around 67%, with median home values near $78,000 and average monthly rents about $700. The county’s housing stock mainly comprises single-family homes, with some multi-family units in Marion and Uniontown. Recent market trends show stable but slow property value growth. Neighborhoods are primarily rural or small-town, offering affordable options for buyers. Property taxes are among the lowest in Alabama, averaging $350–$400 annually for a typical home, supporting the area’s affordability for both homeowners and renters.

Elections

Perry County, AL, had approximately 6,200 registered voters as of 2022. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, with recent turnout often under 50%. Democratic and Republican parties dominate. Key polling locations include the Perry County Courthouse and Marion High School. The county struggles with low turnout and aging equipment. In the 2020 presidential election, 68% voted Democratic. The Board of Registrars manages voter registration and elections, addressing issues such as voter ID and access.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Perry County, Alabama, had a population of approximately 8,511. The median age is around 41 years. The gender distribution is roughly 53% female and 47% male. Racially, the county is predominantly Black or African American at about 68%, with White residents making up 30%; Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and other races collectively account for roughly 2% of the population.

County Crime & Safety

Perry County, AL, experiences higher crime rates compared to national averages. According to recent FBI data, the violent crime rate is approximately 640 incidents per 100,000 residents, above the U.S. average of 380. Property crimes are also elevated, with about 2,400 incidents per 100,000, surpassing the national rate of 1,900. Law enforcement agencies regularly report and monitor these figures, encouraging community engagement and safety programs to address concerns. Despite efforts, crime remains a significant issue impacting overall community wellbeing and perceptions of safety in Perry County.