Perry County, KY

County

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    2024 Population
    27,499
    US Senator
    Mitch McConnell
    Republican Party
    US Senator
    Rand Paul
    Republican Party
    2024 Median Age
    41.5
    0.242% 1-year increase
    2024 Poverty Rate
    26.8%
    5.11% 1-year increase
    2024 Median Household Income
    $42,181
    6.8% 1-year decline
    2024 Median Property Value
    $91,800
    1.21% 1-year growth
    2024 Employed Population
    9,762
    1.94% 1-year decline

    About

    None of the households in Perry County, KY reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

    99.5% of the residents in Perry County, KY are U.S. citizens.

    The largest universities in Perry County, KY are Hazard Community and Technical College (2,112 degrees awarded in 2024) and Galen College of Nursing-ARH (161 degrees).

    In 2024, the median property value in Perry County, KY was $91,800, and the homeownership rate was 70.4%.

    Most people in Perry County, KY drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 24.8 minutes. The average car ownership in Perry County, KY was 2 cars per household.

    Population & Diversity

    Perry County, KY is home to a population of 27.5k people, from which 99.5% are citizens. As of 2024, 0.927% of Perry County, KY residents were born outside of the country (255 people).

    In 2024, there were 48.9 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (25.8k people) in Perry County, KY than any other race or ethnicity. There were 527 Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) and 470 Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    Citizenship

    99.5%
    2024 Citizenship
    99.7%
    2023 Citizenship

    As of 2024, 99.5% of Perry County, KY residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Perry County, KY was 99.7%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

    The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Perry County, KY compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Race and Ethnicity

    The 3 largest ethnic groups in Perry County, KY
    1. White (Non-Hispanic)
      25.8k ± 327
    2. Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic)
      527 ± 178
    3. Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
      470 ± 197
    0.244%
    Hispanic Population
    67 people

    In 2024, there were 48.9 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (25.8k people) in Perry County, KY than any other race or ethnicity. There were 527 Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) and 470 Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    0.244% of the people in Perry County, KY are hispanic (67 people).

    The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Perry County, KY as a share of the total population.

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    Global Diversity

    The PUMS dataset is not available at the County level, so we are showing data for Kentucky.
    Most Common Origin
    1. Mexico
      34,417 ± 4,537 people
    2. Cuba
      21,613 ± 3,601 people
    3. India
      11,987 ± 2,684 people

    In 2024, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Kentucky was Mexico, the natal country of 34,417 Kentucky residents, followed by Cuba with 21,613 and India with 11,987.

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    Foreign-Born Population

    0.927%
    2024 Foreign-Born Population
    255 people
    0.923%
    2023 Foreign-Born Population
    257 people

    As of 2024, 0.927% of Perry County, KY residents (255 people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Perry County, KY was 0.923%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

    The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Perry County, KY compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Veterans

    Most Common Service Period
    1. Vietnam
      440 ± 138
    2. Gulf War (2001-)
      123 ± 67
    3. Gulf War (1990s)
      59 ± 35

    Perry County, KY has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 3.58 times greater than any other conflict.

    The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Perry County, KY.

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    Health

    97.6% of the population of Perry County, KY has health coverage, with 27.6% on employee plans, 42.7% on Medicaid, 14.9% on Medicare, 10.2% on non-group plans, and 2.25% on military or VA plans.

    Primary care physicians in Perry County, KY see 873 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (873 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1368 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 121 patients per year.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49% were men and 51% were women.

    Patient to Clinician Ratios

    873 to 1
    Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Perry County, KY

    Primary care physicians in Perry County, KY see an average of 873 patients per year. This represents a 0% change from the previous year (873 patients).

    The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Perry County, KY in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

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    Health Care Diversity

    In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 24.3% under 18 years, 18.2% between 18 and 34 years, 39.9% between 35 and 64 years, and 17.6% over 64 years.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49% were men and 51% were women.

    The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

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    Uninsured People

    2.37%
    Uninsured
    27.6%
    Employer Coverage
    42.7%
    Medicaid
    14.9%
    Medicare
    10.2%
    Non-Group
    2.25%
    Military or VA

    Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Perry County, KY declined by 20.6% from 2.99% to 2.37%.

    The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Perry County, KY changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

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    Health Outcomes

    Indicator

    In 2025, the average number of mentally unhealthy days reported in past 30 days (age-adjusted) was 6.25 in Perry County, KY.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Perry County, KY.

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    Health Behaviors

    Indicator

    In 2025, the percentage of the adult population (age 18 and older) that reports a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (age-adjusted) was 41% in Perry County, KY.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Perry County, KY.

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    Clinical Care

    Indicator

    In 2025, the percentage of population under age 65 without health insurance was 6.61% in Perry County, KY.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Perry County, KY.

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    Economy

    The economy of Perry County, KY employs 9.76k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Perry County, KY were Health Care & Social Assistance (2,387 people), Retail Trade (1,138 people), and Educational Services (1,003 people), and the highest paying industries were Utilities ($85,096), Wholesale Trade ($74,773), and Construction ($59,722).

    Occupations

    9.76k
    2024 Value
    ± 844
    −1.94%
    1 Year decline
    ± 12.4%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Perry County, KY declined at a rate of −1.94%, from 9.96k employees to 9.76k employees.

    The most common job groups, by number of people living in Perry County, KY, are Office & Administrative Support Occupations (1,174 people), Construction & Extraction Occupations (896 people), and Sales & Related Occupations (838 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Perry County, KY.

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    Unemployment Insurance Claims

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Kentucky.

    This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Kentucky (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

    The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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    Employment by Industries

    9.76k
    2024 Value
    ± 844
    −1.94%
    1 Year decline
    ± 12.4%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Perry County, KY declined at a rate of −1.94%, from 9.96k employees to 9.76k employees.

    The most common employment sectors for those who live in Perry County, KY, are Health Care & Social Assistance (2,387 people), Retail Trade (1,138 people), and Educational Services (1,003 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Perry County, KY, though some of these residents may live in Perry County, KY and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

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    Median Earnings by Industry

    $42,048
    Median earning men ± $4,125
    $34,057
    Median earning women ± $6,993

    The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Construction ($60,729), Public Administration ($52,500), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($51,964).

    The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($70,125), Educational Services, & Health Care & Social Assistance ($44,355), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($43,289).

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    Employment by Industry Sector

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Kentucky.
    Y-Axis
    2.51%
    Year-over-year growth
    Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

    As of February 2023, there are 1.98M people employed in Kentucky. This represents a 2.51% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

    Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 14.4%.

    The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Kentucky.

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    Establishments by Size

    The industries with the most establishments
    1. 62
      Health Care and Social Assistance
    2. 43
      Retail Trade
    3. 37
      Retail Trade

    The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

    The visualization shows the number of establishments and its share across establishment sizes.

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    Payroll by Industry Sector

    The industries with the highest total annual payroll
    1. $172k
      Health Care and Social Assistance
    2. $63.4k
      Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
    3. $53.2k
      Retail Trade

    The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

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    Civics

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Kentucky went to Donald J. Trump with 64.5% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (33.9%), followed by Robert Kennedy (0.808%).

    Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul are the senators currently representing the state of Kentucky. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    Kentucky is currently represented by 6 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

    US Senators from Kentucky

    Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Kentucky.
    Mitch McConnell
    Senator from Kentucky2
    Assumed office on January 3, 1985
    Rand Paul
    Senator from Kentucky3
    Assumed office on January 3, 2011

    Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul are the senators currently representing Kentucky.

    In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    The following chart shows elected senators in Kentucky over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

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    Education

    In 2024, universities in Perry County, KY awarded 2,273 degrees. The student population of Perry County, KY in 2024 is skewed towards women, with 1,441 male students and 2,043 female students.

    Most students graduating from Universities in Perry County, KY are White (2,124 and 93.4%), Black or African American (45 and 1.98%), Two or More Races (33 and 1.45%), and Hispanic or Latino (33 and 1.45%).

    The largest universities in Perry County, KY by number of degrees awarded are Hazard Community and Technical College (2,112 and 92.9%) and Galen College of Nursing-ARH (161 and 7.08%).

    The most popular majors in Perry County, KY are Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurse Training (253 and 11.1%), Registered Nursing (222 and 9.77%), and Automobile Mechanics Technology (222 and 9.77%).

    Enrollments by Gender and Races

    In 2024 there were 3,484 students enrolled in Perry County, KY, 41.4% men and 58.6% women.

    By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 3,237 records, of which 59% were women and 41% men.

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    Concentrations

    Most Common
    1. 245 degrees awarded
    2. 194 degrees awarded
    3. 167 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the most common concentation for Certificate of less than 1 academic year recipients in Perry County, KY was Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurse Training with 245 degrees awarded.

    This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Certificate of less than 1 academic year from schools in Perry County, KY according to their major.

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    Universities

    Gender
    Race
    Largest Universities by degrees awarded
    1. 2,112 degrees awarded
    2. 161 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Hazard Community and Technical College with 2,112 degrees awarded.

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    Student Diversity

    In 2024, 1,250 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Perry County, KY, which is 1.22 times more than the 1,023 female students who received degrees in the same year.

    In 2024, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 2,124 degrees mean that there were 47.2 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Black or African American, with 45 degrees awarded.

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    Awarded Degrees over Time

    The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

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    Average Net Price by Sector

    Private for-profit, 2-year ($16,164) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2024.

    Private for-profit, 2-year ($200) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2024.

    Private for-profit, 2-year ($1,350) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

    The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

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    Housing & Living

    The median property value in Perry County, KY was $91,800 in 2024, which is 0.276 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $90,700 to $91,800, a 1.21% increase. The homeownership rate in Perry County, KY is 70.4%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2%.

    People in Perry County, KY have an average commute time of 24.8 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Perry County, KY is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

    In 2025, 8.53% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Perry County, KY. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 7.77%.

    Property

    $91,800
    Median Property Value 2024
    ±$5,380
    $7,800
    Median Property Taxes
    ±$682

    The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Perry County, KY the largest share of households pay taxes in the < $800 range.

    The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Perry County, KY compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

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    Rent vs Own

    70.4%
    Homeownership
    2024
    65.5%
    Homeowners with Mortgage
    2024

    In 2024, 70.4% of the housing units in Perry County, KY were occupied by their owner. This percentage declined from the previous year's rate of 72.2%.

    This chart shows the percentage of owner in Perry County, KY compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

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    Household Income

    Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.
    $42,181
    Median Household Income
    ± $7,458
    11.1k
    Number of Households
    ± 886

    In 2024, the median household income of the 11.1k households in Perry County, KY declined from $42,181 from the previous year's value of $45,261.

    The following chart displays the households in Perry County, KY distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

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    Wage Distribution

    The closest comparable wage GINI for Perry County, KY is from Kentucky.
    0.446
    2024 Wage GINI in Kentucky
    0.449
    2023 Wage GINI in Kentucky

    In 2024, the income inequality in Kentucky was 0.446 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.585% decline from 2023 to 2024, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Kentucky was lower than than the national average of 0.474. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Kentucky in comparison to the national average.

    This chart shows the number of workers in Kentucky across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

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    Commuter Transportation

    Most Common Commute in 2024
    1. Drove Alone (72.9%)
    2. Carpooled (16.2%)
    3. Worked At Home (8.24%)

    In 2024, 72.9% of workers in Perry County, KY drove alone to work, followed by those who carpooled to work (16.2%) and those who worked at home (8.24%).

    The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

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    Commute Time

    24.8 minutes
    Average Travel Time

    Using averages, employees in Perry County, KY have a shorter commute time (24.8 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 6.57% of the workforce in Perry County, KY have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

    The chart below shows how the median household income in Perry County, KY compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Car Ownership

    2 cars
    Average Number

    The following chart displays the households in Perry County, KY distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Perry County, KY have 2 cars.

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    Severe Housing Problems

    In 2025, 8.53% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Perry County, KY. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 7.77%.

    The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the population living with severe housing problems.

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    Poverty & Diversity

    26.8% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Perry County, KY (7.18k out of 26.7k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 25 - 34, followed by Females 55 - 64 and then Males 25 - 34.

    The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Perry County, KY is White, followed by Two Or More and Black.

    The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

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    Children in Poverty

    In 2025, 37% of the children was living in poverty in Perry County, KY. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator grew 2.4%.

    The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the children living in poverty.

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    Crimes & Accidents

    Indicator

    In 2022, the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population was 61.6 in Perry County, KY. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator declined 40.8% per 100,000 population.

    The graph shows the trend in the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population.

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