Perry County
AL · Pop. 8,231 · Rural County
Perry County is a rural county in Alabama, spanning 720 square miles with 8,231 residents at a density of 11.4 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on cotton, hay, corn. The median home price is $88,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.37%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 235-day growing season, average summer highs of 90°F and average winter lows of 34.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 55.6 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Hale County Hospital is 17.5 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 26.7% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 235-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.37% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $88,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 11.4 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- Broadband reaches only 26.7% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Hale County Hospital, is 17.5 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 31.2% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Perry County, AL is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 71/100
- Median home price
- $88k
- Property tax
- 0.37%
- Growing season
- 235 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 55.6"
- Broadband
- 26.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Hale County Hospital, 17.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Perry County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Perry County?
- Perry County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 235-day growing season, average summer highs of 90°F, and average winter lows of 34.9°F. The established crops are cotton, hay, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $88,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.37%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 26.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Hale County Hospital is 17.5 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Alabama Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Alabama
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The closest counties to Perry County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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