Demographics

As of 2023, Perry County, PA, has an estimated population of approximately 45,800. The median age is about 44 years. The gender split is nearly even, with 49.7% male and 50.3% female residents. Racially, the county is predominantly White (94.2%), with smaller populations of Black or African American (1.6%), two or more races (2.6%), Asian (0.4%), and Hispanic or Latino of any race (1.7%).

Elections

Perry County, PA, had 30,840 registered voters as of November 2023, predominantly Republican (about 62%), with Democrats (29%) and others making up the rest. Elections include presidential, state, local, and school board races. In the 2020 presidential election, 74% voted for the Republican candidate. The county operates 32 polling locations. Key issues include property taxes, education, and rural infrastructure. The Perry County Board of Elections oversees administration, ensuring all eligible voters can participate. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with occasional third-party candidates.

Education, Employment and Housing

Perry County, PA, serves about 4,500 public school students across 4 districts, with 3 high schools. The high school graduation rate exceeds 90%, but only around 19% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools typically score 65–75 on state-mandated exams. The area emphasizes career and technical education, with programs at Cumberland Perry AVTS. School safety scores align with the state average, and adult education is available via local community colleges and online programs.

As of 2022, Perry County, PA had an employment rate around 61.4%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (13.5%), Manufacturing (12.2%), and Retail Trade (11.2%). The most common occupations include Office & Administrative Support (13.1%), Production (10.8%), and Management (10.7%). About 83% of employed residents commute outside the county for work, with many working in Harrisburg and Cumberland County. The average one-way commute time is approximately 33 minutes.

Perry County, PA, has a homeownership rate of about 80%, with median home values near $210,000 and median rents around $950/month. Property values have shown modest growth, increasing roughly 5% year-over-year. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes, with some townhouses and limited apartment options. Popular neighborhoods include Marysville, Newport, and Duncannon, known for their quiet, rural charm. The county’s property tax rate averages 1.3%, notably below the state average, making Perry County attractive for homebuyers. Rental vacancy rates are low, reflecting high demand for affordable housing in the region.

County Crime & Safety

Perry County, PA, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. According to recent reports, the total crime rate is about 844 incidents per 100,000 residents, with violent crime comprising 74 and property crime 770 per 100,000 residents. These figures are significantly below Pennsylvania averages. Local law enforcement actively encourages community crime reporting, which has contributed to effective prevention measures and increased safety awareness. Overall, Perry County remains one of Pennsylvania’s safer regions, with crime statistics indicating a steady or slightly declining trend in recent years.