Perry, IA
Population 7,928 · Iowa
About Perry, IA
Perry is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 7,928 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,983 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Perry features a median home value of $122,100, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Perry one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $877, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,415 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (1,932 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (1,174 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Perry shows an unemployment rate of 7.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Perry have an average one-way commute time of 21.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.7% of Perry residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 25.9% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.0% Asian residents, with 18.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Perry Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Perry, IA
Compared to national averages, Perry has a median household income of $63,983 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $122,100, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $877 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Perry's income is 6% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 8% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Perry, IA?
Perry offers affordable housing with a median home value of $122,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $877/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,983) that falls below the national average. However, Perry’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Perry has a population of 7,928 with a median age of 40.2 years. Compare Perry with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Perry
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bondurant | 8,061 | $128,341 | $288,600 | Compare |
| Webster City | 7,769 | $65,844 | $115,400 | Compare |
| Denison | 8,247 | $63,850 | $137,600 | Compare |
| Clear Lake | 7,603 | $70,278 | $235,100 | Compare |
| Decorah | 7,597 | $62,177 | $234,600 | Compare |
| Sioux Center | 8,335 | $87,555 | $275,900 | Compare |
| Knoxville | 7,493 | $70,136 | $147,600 | Compare |
| Creston | 7,466 | $50,752 | $112,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Perry With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Perry
What is the population of Perry, IA?
The population of Perry, IA is 7,928 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Perry?
The median household income in Perry, IA is $63,983 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Perry?
The median home value in Perry, IA is $122,100, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Perry?
The median monthly rent in Perry, IA is $877, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Perry?
The unemployment rate in Perry, IA is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Perry, IA a good place to live?
Perry offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,928 and a median age of 40.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Perry, IA?
14.7% of residents in Perry aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Perry?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Perry, IA: median home value is $122,100 (50% below national), median rent is $877/month, and median household income is $63,983. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Perry?
The poverty rate in Perry, IA is 11.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Perry, IA?
Perry's population is 25.9% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 18.1% of residents are foreign-born.