Is Perry Safe, Pros and cons of living in Perry
Perry, Georgia, offers a blend of Southern charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to consider for relocation. This city, nestled in Houston County, provides a community-focused atmosphere with a slower pace of life compared to larger metropolitan areas. Its appeal lies in a combination of affordability, a stable housing market, and a commitment to safety. Perry is well-suited for various demographics, including families, retirees, and individuals seeking a peaceful environment without sacrificing convenience.
The town’s strategic location within Georgia, coupled with ongoing development and a growing downtown area, enhances its appeal. Perry is part of the Warner Robins, Georgia metropolitan statistical area, offering access to a broader range of services and employment opportunities. The city’s accessibility and its efforts to foster a welcoming environment contribute to its reputation as a desirable place to live.
Is it Safe to Live in Perry?
Perry, Georgia, presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are comparable to or slightly lower than national averages in certain categories. The overall crime rate in Perry is 11% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes are notably lower than the national average, with 39 reported violent crimes, equating to 155 per 100,000 individuals, which is 56.8% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes also show a slight decrease, with 438 incidents reported, amounting to 1741 per 100,000 residents, a figure 1.1% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).
While the overall picture is positive, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary by neighborhood. Some areas within Perry are considered safer than others, with chances of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 21 in the west neighborhoods to 1 in 97 in the southeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident in Perry is $315 per year, which is less than both the national and state averages (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living in Perry
Perry, Georgia, is recognized for its affordability, with a cost of living that is lower than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living index in Perry is 95, meaning it is 5% less expensive than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, transportation, and healthcare.
Housing costs in Perry are particularly attractive. The median home value is approximately $225,300 (as reported by Niche), and the median listing price is around $303,900 (as reported by realtor.com®). For renters, the average rent for an apartment is $1,292 per month (as reported by RentCafe), with a significant portion of rentals falling between $1,001 and $1,500 per month (as reported by RentCafe). Everyday expenses such as food and utilities are also generally in line with or below national averages (as reported by AreaVibes).
Housing Costs
The housing market in Perry offers a compelling value proposition for potential buyers and renters. The median home price has seen some fluctuations, with reports indicating a median sale price of $302,000 in March 2026, a slight decrease of 2.5% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Other sources suggest a median home value of $273,009, showing a 3.0% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). These figures indicate a relatively stable market.
Rental prices also present an affordable option. The average rent for an apartment in Perry is $1,070 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), and other sources indicate an average rent of $1,292 per month (as reported by RentCafe). This makes Perry a more affordable option for renters compared to many other cities in the U.S. (as reported by Apartments.com).
Everyday Expenses
Daily living expenses in Perry are generally manageable and contribute to the city’s overall affordability. Food costs in Perry are less expensive than the United States average, earning a score of 9 out of 10 on a scale where 10 is the cheapest (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Transportation costs are also notably low, with a score of 9 out of 10 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Utility bills are also reasonable, typically ranging from $300 to $350 per month on average, though some estimates suggest $400 to $500 per month (as reported by Mischathompson.com). Property taxes are a factor to consider, as Perry is located in Houston County, which is known for higher property taxes compared to the state average (as reported by Mischathompson.com).
Job Market and Economy
Perry’s economy is characterized by steady employment growth and a diverse range of industries. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Perry grew at a rate of 7.34%, with the number of employees increasing from 10.4k to 11.2k (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Public Administration (as reported by Data USA).
The unemployment rate in Perry stands at 4.6% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is a reasonable rate that indicates a stable job market. Major employers in the region contribute significantly to the local economy, with Robins Air Force Base being a prominent one, influencing the job market in and around Perry (as reported by William Walton-Dean).
Major Employers
Several key entities provide significant employment opportunities in and around Perry, Georgia. Robins Air Force Base is a major economic driver for the region, influencing a substantial portion of the job market (as reported by William Walton-Dean). Other significant employers contribute to the diverse economic landscape, including those in the retail trade, healthcare, and public administration sectors (as reported by Data USA).
The city government itself is also an employer, with an average annual salary for city employees around $64,337 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This diverse base of employers ensures a range of opportunities for residents across various skill sets and industries.
Salaries and Wages
The average salary in Perry, Georgia, offers a different perspective when compared to national averages. As of May 2026, the average annual salary in Perry is $40,571, which translates to approximately $19.51 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This median wage is around $38.1K per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
However, other data indicates a higher median household income of $76,909 (as reported by Point2Homes), and some sources suggest a median income of $84,694, which is higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). It’s important to note that the median household income in Perry ($58,000) is less than what is considered a living wage for a family of four in the area, suggesting a potential gap for some households (as reported by Mischathompson.com).
Climate and Weather
Perry, Georgia, experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 36°F to 93°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The annual precipitation averages around 50 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Summers are long, hot, and can be oppressive, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 92°F and a low of 72°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are short and cooler, with January experiencing the lowest temperatures, averaging a high of 59°F and a low of 36°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Temperatures
The temperature in Perry varies significantly throughout the year, offering a dynamic climate. The hot season extends from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures frequently exceeding 85°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). The peak of summer heat occurs in July, with average highs around 91°F and lows around 72°F (as reported by Weather and Climate).
Conversely, the cool season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 65°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). January is the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 38°F to a high of 58°F (as reported by Weather and Climate).
Rainfall
Perry receives a substantial amount of precipitation throughout the year, contributing to its lush environment. The city experiences an average annual precipitation of approximately 47 inches (as reported by Perry, GA Weather). Rainfall is distributed across the months, with July and December typically seeing the most rainfall (as reported by Perry, GA Weather, and Perry, GA).
The wettest month is December, with an average of 157 mm (approximately 6.2 inches) of precipitation over about 11 rainy days (as reported by Perry, GA). October is generally the driest month, with around 68 mm (approximately 2.7 inches) of rainfall over about 7 rainy days (as reported by Perry, GA).
Education in Perry
Perry, Georgia, offers a solid public education system with schools that generally perform well compared to state averages. Public schools in Perry have an average math proficiency score of 51% and a reading proficiency score of 49%, both exceeding the Georgia public school averages (as reported by Niche). The schools in Perry have an average ranking of 9 out of 10, placing them in the top 20% of Georgia public schools (as reported by Niche).
The student-teacher ratio in Perry High School is 19:1, which is higher than the Georgia state average of 14:1 (as reported by Public School Review). Minority enrollment in Perry public schools is 48% of the student body, which is less than the Georgia public school average (as reported by Niche).
School Ratings and Performance
The public schools serving Perry, GA, demonstrate strong academic performance. Kings Chapel Elementary School, Langston Road Elementary School, and Perry Middle School are among the top-ranked public schools in the area (as reported by Niche). Langston Road Elementary School and Kings Chapel Elementary School are noted for ranking in the top 15% and 20% of Georgia elementary schools, respectively, with strong proficiency in English Language Arts and Mathematics (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Perry Middle School is consistently recognized as a high-performing institution, often ranking among the top middle schools in the state with an exceptional student performance, particularly in Algebra I (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Perry High School also shows competitive results, with math proficiency at 50%, exceeding the Georgia state average (as reported by Public School Review).
Demographics of Perry
Perry, Georgia, is a growing city with a diverse population and a median age that reflects a balanced demographic spread. As of 2026, Perry has a projected population of 26,721 residents (as reported by Perry, GA Population). The population has seen an increase of 27.65% since the 2020 census (as reported by Perry, GA Population).
The racial makeup of Perry is diverse, with White residents comprising approximately 57.73% and Black or African American residents making up about 32.7% of the population (as reported by Perry, GA Population). The median age in Perry is 36.2 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by Perry, GA Population).
Population and Diversity
Perry’s population is characterized by a healthy growth rate and a diverse ethnic composition. The city is currently growing at a rate of 3.75% annually (as reported by Perry, GA Population). White residents form the largest demographic group at 57.73%, followed by Black or African American residents at 32.7% (as reported by Perry, GA Population).
Citizenship is high in Perry, with 98.9% of residents being U.S. citizens, which is above the national average (as reported by Data USA). The percentage of residents born outside the country is around 4.63% (as reported by Data USA).
Age and Household Structure
The age distribution in Perry indicates a community with a significant proportion of working-age adults and a smaller percentage of seniors. The median age is 36.2 years, with 19.5% of the population under 15 years old and 14.4% aged 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). Adults between 25 and 44 years old constitute the largest age group at 31% (as reported by Point2Homes).
Perry has approximately 9,051 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). A majority of these households, 65.7%, are families, while the remaining 34.3% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). This household structure suggests a community that is both family-oriented and supportive of independent living.