Perry County
countyPerry County, Arkansas, nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, offers a blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Located just west of Little Rock, the county had a population of 10,019 in 2020. Perry County is characterized by its rural landscape, abundant woodlands, and numerous rivers and lakes, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The county seat is Perryville. The economy of Perry County is supported by timber industries, agriculture, and tourism. The Ouachita National Forest and numerous recreational areas contribute to the tourism sector, attracting visitors for fishing, boating, hiking, and hunting. Key institutions include the Perryville School District and various local businesses that cater to both residents and tourists. What makes Perry County distinctive is its rich history and natural attractions. Established in 1840 and named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the county has preserved its rural heritage while adapting to modern times. The Ouachita National Forest, Lake Sylvia, and the Fourche LaFave River provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, enhancing the quality of life for its residents and drawing visitors to experience its scenic beauty.
Perry County, Arkansas
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 05-105
- Country
- United States
- County
- Perry County
- Region
- Ouachita Mountains
- Total Area
- 561 sq mi
- Land Area
- 551 sq mi
- Water Area
- 9.1 sq mi
- Latitude
- 34.960278
- Longitude
- -92.935278
- Climate
- The county is located in a humid subtropical climate zone, characterized by hot summers and mild winters.
- Notable Features
- Ouachita National Forest · Lake Sylvia · Fourche LaFave River · Nimrod Lake · Harris Brake Lake
- Neighboring Areas
- Yell County · Conway County · Faulkner County · Garland County · Pulaski County · Saline County
- Population (2020)
- 10,019
- Est. Population (2026)
- 10,377
- Median Age
- 44.1
- Median Income
- $60,078
- Poverty Rate
- 15.6%
- Owner-Occupied
- 77.4%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 90.1% White (Non-Hispanic), 3.05% Two Races Excluding Other & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 1.78% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 1.66% White (Hispanic), and 1.18% Two Races Including Other (Non-Hispanic).
- Government Type
- Constitutional body granted specific powers by the Constitution of Arkansas and the Arkansas Code.
- Governing Body
- Quorum Court
- Body Size
- 9 members
- School District
- Two Rivers School District
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.5%
- Employment Sectors
- Construction · Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Students
- 935
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12:1
- School Districts
- Two Rivers School District · Perryville School District
- Transportation
- Highway 7 · Highway 9 · Highway 10 · Highway 60 · Highway 113 · Highway 300
- Major Facilities
- Perry County Courthouse
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Ouachita National Forest · Flatside Wilderness Area · Ouachita National Recreation Trail · Flatside Pinnacle Mountain · Lake Sylvia Recreation Area · Nimrod Lake · Harris Brake Lake · Toad Suck Park
- Parks & Trails
- Lake Sylvia Trails · Arkansas River Trail Grand Loop
- Founded
- 1840
- Named After
- Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, naval hero in the War of 1812
- Historical Significance
- Perry County holds historical significance as an area with rich rural heritage and abundant natural resources, contributing to its unique identity within Arkansas.
- Key Events
- Establishment of Perry County on December 18, 1840 · Early settlement by Aaron Price in 1808