Perry County
IL · Pop. 20,810 · Suburban County
Perry County, Illinois covers 442 square miles with a population of 20,810 and a density of 47.1 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, wheat, corn. The median home price is $105,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.66%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 197-day growing season, average summer highs of 87°F and average winter lows of 26.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.8 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Pinckneyville Community Hospital is 1.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 197-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $105,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Pinckneyville Community Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 1.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, wheat, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.66% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Perry County, IL is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 70/100
- Median home price
- $105k
- Property tax
- 1.66%
- Growing season
- 197 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 45.8"
- Broadband
- 88.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Pinckneyville Community Hospital, 1.1 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 7a with a 197-day growing season, average summer highs of 87°F, and average winter lows of 26.1°F. The established crops are soybeans, wheat, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $105,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.66%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 88.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Pinckneyville Community Hospital is 1.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
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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.