Perry County, Indiana
Encyclopedia
Perry County is a county located in the southwestern
part of the U.S. state
of Indiana
. As of 2010, the population was 19,338. The county seat
is Tell City
. It is the hilliest county as well as one of the most forested counties of in Indiana as it features more than 60000 acres (242.8 km²) of Hoosier National Forest
. The Ohio River Scenic Byway along Indiana State Road 66
runs along the southern border of the county while Interstate 64
traverses the northern portion of the county. Connecting the two is Indiana State Road 37
, a Super-Two highway. http://www.pickperry.com/images/maps-aerials/perry-road-map.jpg
The county features three incorporated communities: Tell City
(2009 population 7,473), Cannelton
(2009 population 1,130) and Troy
(2009 population 379). Each is located in Troy Township
which is situated along the south western corner of the county.
Business activity in Perry County is primarily manufacturing-based with activities focused in industries including automotive, aerospace, filtration and woodworking/furniture. Corporations from around the world (including Germany, Great Britain and Japan) have located their businesses in Perry County. The county’s largest employer, ThyssenKrupp Waupaca, currently employs more than 900.
As rural community, the Perry County’s leaders have established partnerships to initiate a progressive corporate attitude and sophisticated infrastructure typically found in larger metropolitan areas. The community features industrial park sites (two of which are designated as shovel ready by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation), advanced communications technology, low overall operating costs, superior quality of life and favorable business climate that have served to attract companies of various sizes to its business ranks.
The county’s primary economic development organization, the Perry County Development Corporation, has worked to further enhance the business climate by assisting companies with a variety of activities including new facilities, expansion projects and training opportunities. For one project, the corporation coordinated a six-month site preparation project that included moving 1.4 million cubic yards of dirt.
Coordinated efforts with County officials led to the acquisition of an abandoned rail line that has since been reactivated as the County-owned Hoosier Southern Rail Road. Managed by the Perry County Port Authority, the 22 miles (35.4 km) short-line rail road connects the Perry County River Port with the Norfolk Southern Rail Road.
Quality of life has been determined to be one of the county’s greatest features for residents. An abundance of rural hospitality is balanced with outdoor recreation, specialized shopping experiences, peaceful neighborhoods, unique dining experiences, a low crime rate and an abundance of history. These features were documented in the 2010 release of “The Art of Living” (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3). This documentary film has also appeared on Evansville, Indiana’s PBS station, WNIN.
, and by the Indiana Code
.
County Council: The county council is the fiscal body of the county government and controls all the spending and revenue collection in the county. Representatives are elected from county districts. The council members serve four year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget, and special spending. The council also has limited authority to impose local taxes, in the form of an income and property tax that is subject to state level approval, excise taxes, and service taxes.
Board of Commissioners: The executive and legislative body of the county is made of a board of commissioners. The commissioners are elected county-wide, in staggered terms, and each serves a four-year term. One of the commissioners, typically the most senior, serves as president. The commissioners are charged with managing the day-to-day functions of the county government.
Court: The county maintains a small claims court
that can handle some civil cases. The judge on the court is elected to a term of four years and must be a member of the Indiana Bar Association. The judge is assisted by a constable who is also elected to a four-year term. In some cases, court decisions can be appealed to the state level circuit court
.
County Officials: The county has several other elected offices, including sheriff
, coroner
, auditor, treasurer
, recorder
, surveyor
, and circuit court clerk
Each of these elected officers serves a term of four years and oversees a different part of county government. Members elected to county government positions are required to declare party
affiliations and to be residents of the county.
Perry County is part of Indiana's 9th congressional district
and is represented in Congress
by Republican Todd Young
.
Perry County is represented in the Senate
by Republican Dan Coats
.
cuts across the northern portion of the county. State Road 66
, designated as the Ohio River Scenic Byway for most of its course in the county, is the most heavily traveled road by residents and visitors alike, adjacent to the three most populous towns in the county as well as most major tourist destinations. State Road 37
connects the county to Bloomington
and Indianapolis
. Other state roads in the county include State Road 62
, which closely parallels I-64; State Road 145
, which winds through the western parts of the county; State Road 166
, which is little more than a road to and from the hamlet of Tobinsport; State Road 237
, which connects Cannelton
directly to State Road 37 (also the site of a bridge on the Ohio River); a short run of State Road 545
near Troy
; and State Road 70
which connects State Road 37 with State Road 66.
. It was named for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry
who defeated the British squadron in the decisive Battle of Lake Erie
in 1813. The Ohio River made Perry County a focal point and settlers were drawn here due to plentiful supplies of natural resources and the area's scenic beauty.
of 2000, there were 18,899 people, 7,270 households, and 5,074 families residing in the county. The population density
was 50 people per square mile (19/km²). There were 8,223 housing units at an average density of 22 per square mile (8/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.61% White
, 1.45% Black
or African American
, 0.17% Native American
, 0.12% Asian
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
, 0.13% from other races
, and 0.50% from two or more races. 0.70% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 34.5% were of German
, 19.7% American
, 10.0% Irish
, 9.3% French
and 9.2% English
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 7,270 households out of which 30.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% were married couples
living together, 9.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.20% were non-families. 26.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the county the population was spread out with 22.90% under the age of 18, 9.80% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 23.30% from 45 to 64, and 14.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 107.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $36,246, and the median income for a family was $43,743. Males had a median income of $31,554 versus $22,123 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $16,673. About 7.10% of families and 9.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.30% of those under age 18 and 8.90% of those age 65 or over.
Southwestern Indiana
Southwestern Indiana is a 11-county region of Indiana located at the southernmost and westernmost part of the state. As of the 2000 census, the region's combined population is 465,338. Evansville, Indiana's third largest city, is the primary hub for the region as well as the primary regional hub...
part of the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
. As of 2010, the population was 19,338. The county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Tell City
Tell City, Indiana
Tell City is a city in Troy Township, Perry County, Indiana, along the Ohio River, Indiana's southern border. The population was 7,272 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat of Perry County.-History:...
. It is the hilliest county as well as one of the most forested counties of in Indiana as it features more than 60000 acres (242.8 km²) of Hoosier National Forest
Hoosier National Forest
The Hoosier National Forest, in the hills of south central Indiana, is a property managed by the United States Forest Service. Composed of four separate sections, it has a total area of . It is headquartered in Bedford, with a regional office in Tell City...
. The Ohio River Scenic Byway along Indiana State Road 66
Indiana State Road 66
State Road 66 is an east–west highway in six counties in the southernmost portion of the U.S. state of Indiana.-Route description:State Road 66 begins at the eastern end of a toll bridge over the Wabash River in New Harmony and ends at U.S. Route 150 east of Hardinsburg...
runs along the southern border of the county while Interstate 64
Interstate 64
Interstate 64 is an Interstate Highway in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Its western terminus is at I-70, U.S. 40, and U.S. 61 in Wentzville, Missouri. Its eastern terminus is at an interchange with I-264 and I-664 at Bowers Hill in Chesapeake, Virginia. As I-64 is concurrent with...
traverses the northern portion of the county. Connecting the two is Indiana State Road 37
Indiana State Road 37
State Road 37 in the U.S. State of Indiana is a major route in Indiana, running as a 4-lane divided highway for 110 miles of its course....
, a Super-Two highway. http://www.pickperry.com/images/maps-aerials/perry-road-map.jpg
The county features three incorporated communities: Tell City
Tell City, Indiana
Tell City is a city in Troy Township, Perry County, Indiana, along the Ohio River, Indiana's southern border. The population was 7,272 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat of Perry County.-History:...
(2009 population 7,473), Cannelton
Cannelton, Indiana
Cannelton is a city in Troy Township, Perry County, Indiana, United States, along the Ohio River. The population was 1,209 at the 2000 census. Cannelton, which is the smallest incorporated city in the state, was formerly the county seat of Perry County until the seat was relocated to Tell City...
(2009 population 1,130) and Troy
Troy, Indiana
Troy is a town in Troy Township, Perry County, Indiana, along the Ohio River near the mouth of the Anderson River. The population was 392 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Troy is located at ....
(2009 population 379). Each is located in Troy Township
Troy Township, Perry County, Indiana
Troy Township is one of seven townships in Perry County, Indiana, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 12,129 .-Geography:...
which is situated along the south western corner of the county.
Business activity in Perry County is primarily manufacturing-based with activities focused in industries including automotive, aerospace, filtration and woodworking/furniture. Corporations from around the world (including Germany, Great Britain and Japan) have located their businesses in Perry County. The county’s largest employer, ThyssenKrupp Waupaca, currently employs more than 900.
As rural community, the Perry County’s leaders have established partnerships to initiate a progressive corporate attitude and sophisticated infrastructure typically found in larger metropolitan areas. The community features industrial park sites (two of which are designated as shovel ready by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation), advanced communications technology, low overall operating costs, superior quality of life and favorable business climate that have served to attract companies of various sizes to its business ranks.
The county’s primary economic development organization, the Perry County Development Corporation, has worked to further enhance the business climate by assisting companies with a variety of activities including new facilities, expansion projects and training opportunities. For one project, the corporation coordinated a six-month site preparation project that included moving 1.4 million cubic yards of dirt.
Coordinated efforts with County officials led to the acquisition of an abandoned rail line that has since been reactivated as the County-owned Hoosier Southern Rail Road. Managed by the Perry County Port Authority, the 22 miles (35.4 km) short-line rail road connects the Perry County River Port with the Norfolk Southern Rail Road.
Quality of life has been determined to be one of the county’s greatest features for residents. An abundance of rural hospitality is balanced with outdoor recreation, specialized shopping experiences, peaceful neighborhoods, unique dining experiences, a low crime rate and an abundance of history. These features were documented in the 2010 release of “The Art of Living” (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3). This documentary film has also appeared on Evansville, Indiana’s PBS station, WNIN.
Climate and weather
In recent years, average temperatures in Tell City have ranged from a low of 24 °F (-4.4 °C) in January to a high of 88 °F (31.1 °C) in July, although a record low of -17 °F was recorded in January 1985 and a record high of 106 °F (41.1 °C) was recorded in September 1954. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.98 inches (7.6 cm) in October to 5.22 inches (13.3 cm) in May.Government
The county government is a constitutional body, and is granted specific powers by the Constitution of IndianaConstitution of Indiana
There have been two Constitutions of the State of Indiana. The first constitution was created when the Territory of Indiana sent forty-three delegates to a constitutional convention on June 10, 1816 to establish a constitution for the proposed State of Indiana after the United States Congress had...
, and by the Indiana Code
Indiana Code
The Indiana Code is the code of laws for the US State of Indiana. The contents are the codification of the all the laws currently in effect within Indiana...
.
County Council: The county council is the fiscal body of the county government and controls all the spending and revenue collection in the county. Representatives are elected from county districts. The council members serve four year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget, and special spending. The council also has limited authority to impose local taxes, in the form of an income and property tax that is subject to state level approval, excise taxes, and service taxes.
Board of Commissioners: The executive and legislative body of the county is made of a board of commissioners. The commissioners are elected county-wide, in staggered terms, and each serves a four-year term. One of the commissioners, typically the most senior, serves as president. The commissioners are charged with managing the day-to-day functions of the county government.
Court: The county maintains a small claims court
Small claims court
Small-claims courts have limited jurisdiction to hear civil cases between private litigants. Courts authorized to try small claims may also have other judicial functions, and the name by which such a court is known varies by jurisdiction; it may be known as a county or magistrate's court...
that can handle some civil cases. The judge on the court is elected to a term of four years and must be a member of the Indiana Bar Association. The judge is assisted by a constable who is also elected to a four-year term. In some cases, court decisions can be appealed to the state level circuit court
Circuit court
Circuit court is the name of court systems in several common law jurisdictions.-History:King Henry II instituted the custom of having judges ride around the countryside each year to hear appeals, rather than forcing everyone to bring their appeals to London...
.
County Officials: The county has several other elected offices, including sheriff
Sheriff
A sheriff is in principle a legal official with responsibility for a county. In practice, the specific combination of legal, political, and ceremonial duties of a sheriff varies greatly from country to country....
, coroner
Coroner
A coroner is a government official who* Investigates human deaths* Determines cause of death* Issues death certificates* Maintains death records* Responds to deaths in mass disasters* Identifies unknown dead* Other functions depending on local laws...
, auditor, treasurer
Treasurer
A treasurer is the person responsible for running the treasury of an organization. The adjective for a treasurer is normally "tresorial". The adjective "treasurial" normally means pertaining to a treasury, rather than the treasurer.-Government:...
, recorder
Recorder of deeds
Recorder of deeds is a government office tasked with maintaining public records and documents, especially records relating to real estate ownership that provide persons other than the owner of a property with real rights over that property.-Background:...
, surveyor
Surveying
See Also: Public Land Survey SystemSurveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them...
, and circuit court clerk
Court clerk
A court clerk is an officer of the court whose responsibilities include maintaining the records of a court. Another duty is to administer oaths to witnesses, jurors, and grand jurors...
Each of these elected officers serves a term of four years and oversees a different part of county government. Members elected to county government positions are required to declare party
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
affiliations and to be residents of the county.
Perry County is part of Indiana's 9th congressional district
Indiana's 9th congressional district
Indiana's 9th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Indiana. Located in south-central and southeastern Indiana, the district is based in Bloomington....
and is represented in Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
by Republican Todd Young
Todd Young
Todd Christopher Young is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Republican Party.- Early life:Young was born was born August 24, 1972, the second of three children of Bruce and Nancy Young. He lived in Marion County for several years before settling in Hamilton County, where he...
.
Perry County is represented in the Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
by Republican Dan Coats
Dan Coats
Daniel Ray "Dan" Coats is the junior United States Senator from Indiana and member of the Republican Party. He was in the United States Senate from from 1989 to 1999, retired, and then returned in 2011....
.
Geography
According to the 2010 census, the county has a total area of 386.29 square miles (1,000.5 km²), of which 381.73 square miles (988.7 km²) (or 98.82%) is land and 4.56 square miles (11.8 km²) (or 1.18%) is water.Adjacent counties
- Crawford CountyCrawford County, IndianaCrawford County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 10,713. The county seat is English.-Geography:...
(northeast) - Meade CountyMeade County, KentuckyAs of the census of 2000, there were 26,349 people, 9,470 households, and 7,396 families residing in the county. The population density was . There were 10,293 housing units at an average density of...
, KentuckyKentuckyThe Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
(east) - Breckinridge CountyBreckinridge County, KentuckyAs of the census of 2000, there were 18,648 people, 7,324 households, and 5,309 families residing in the county. The population density was . There were 9,890 housing units at an average density of...
, KentuckyKentuckyThe Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
(southeast) - Hancock CountyHancock County, KentuckyHancock County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed in 1829. As of 2000, the population was 8,392. It is included in the Owensboro, Kentucky, Metropolitan Statistical Area. Its county seat is Hawesville. The county is named for John Hancock...
, KentuckyKentuckyThe Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
(southwest) - Spencer CountySpencer County, IndianaAs of the census of 2000, there were 20,391 people, 7,569 households, and 5,752 families residing in the county. The population density was 51 people per square mile . There were 8,333 housing units at an average density of 21 per square mile...
(west) - Dubois CountyDubois County, IndianaDubois County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. The county seat is Jasper. As of 2010, the population was 41,889.Dubois County is part of the Jasper Micropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
(northwest)
Major highways
Interstate 64Interstate 64Interstate 64 is an Interstate Highway in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Its western terminus is at I-70, U.S. 40, and U.S. 61 in Wentzville, Missouri. Its eastern terminus is at an interchange with I-264 and I-664 at Bowers Hill in Chesapeake, Virginia. As I-64 is concurrent with...
Indiana State Road 37Indiana State Road 37State Road 37 in the U.S. State of Indiana is a major route in Indiana, running as a 4-lane divided highway for 110 miles of its course....
Indiana State Road 62Indiana State Road 62State Road 62 in the U.S. State of Indiana is an east–west route that runs from the Illinois state line in the southwest corner of Indiana to the Louisville, Kentucky area, then northeast toward the Cincinnati, Ohio area.-Route description:...
Indiana State Road 66Indiana State Road 66State Road 66 is an east–west highway in six counties in the southernmost portion of the U.S. state of Indiana.-Route description:State Road 66 begins at the eastern end of a toll bridge over the Wabash River in New Harmony and ends at U.S. Route 150 east of Hardinsburg...
Indiana State Road 70Indiana State Road 70State Road 70 in the U.S. state of Indiana consists of two discontinuous east–west segments of two-lane rural roadway. State Road 70 passes through no cities or towns of significant size.-Western segment:...
Indiana State Road 145Indiana State Road 145State Road 145 is a north–south road in the southwest portion of the U.S. State of Indiana.-Route description:State Road 145 begins at State Road 37 about to the northeast of Tell City, near the Perry County Municipal Airport. It runs north through the small towns of Bristow and Sassafras,...
Indiana State Road 545Indiana State Road 545State Road 545 is a discontinuous route consisting of a northern section and a southern section.The southern section connects State Road 66 at the town of Troy to State Road 62 in Saint Meinrad...
Roads and highways
Interstate 64Interstate 64
Interstate 64 is an Interstate Highway in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Its western terminus is at I-70, U.S. 40, and U.S. 61 in Wentzville, Missouri. Its eastern terminus is at an interchange with I-264 and I-664 at Bowers Hill in Chesapeake, Virginia. As I-64 is concurrent with...
cuts across the northern portion of the county. State Road 66
Indiana State Road 66
State Road 66 is an east–west highway in six counties in the southernmost portion of the U.S. state of Indiana.-Route description:State Road 66 begins at the eastern end of a toll bridge over the Wabash River in New Harmony and ends at U.S. Route 150 east of Hardinsburg...
, designated as the Ohio River Scenic Byway for most of its course in the county, is the most heavily traveled road by residents and visitors alike, adjacent to the three most populous towns in the county as well as most major tourist destinations. State Road 37
Indiana State Road 37
State Road 37 in the U.S. State of Indiana is a major route in Indiana, running as a 4-lane divided highway for 110 miles of its course....
connects the county to Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
Bloomington is a city in and the county seat of Monroe County in the southern region of the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 80,405 at the 2010 census....
and Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
. Other state roads in the county include State Road 62
Indiana State Road 62
State Road 62 in the U.S. State of Indiana is an east–west route that runs from the Illinois state line in the southwest corner of Indiana to the Louisville, Kentucky area, then northeast toward the Cincinnati, Ohio area.-Route description:...
, which closely parallels I-64; State Road 145
Indiana State Road 145
State Road 145 is a north–south road in the southwest portion of the U.S. State of Indiana.-Route description:State Road 145 begins at State Road 37 about to the northeast of Tell City, near the Perry County Municipal Airport. It runs north through the small towns of Bristow and Sassafras,...
, which winds through the western parts of the county; State Road 166
Indiana State Road 166
State Road 166 in the U.S. State of Indiana is a short highway in southern Perry County. Though it has an even number, in practice it is a north–south highway for most of its length.-Route description:...
, which is little more than a road to and from the hamlet of Tobinsport; State Road 237
Indiana State Road 237
Indiana State Road 237 in the U.S. state of Indiana is a discontinuous route in Perry and Crawford counties.- Southern section :The Perry County segment of SR 237, which connects to SR 37 about northeast of Tell City, Indiana, provides access to Hawesville, Kentucky, via the Bob Cummings - Lincoln...
, which connects Cannelton
Cannelton, Indiana
Cannelton is a city in Troy Township, Perry County, Indiana, United States, along the Ohio River. The population was 1,209 at the 2000 census. Cannelton, which is the smallest incorporated city in the state, was formerly the county seat of Perry County until the seat was relocated to Tell City...
directly to State Road 37 (also the site of a bridge on the Ohio River); a short run of State Road 545
Indiana State Road 545
State Road 545 is a discontinuous route consisting of a northern section and a southern section.The southern section connects State Road 66 at the town of Troy to State Road 62 in Saint Meinrad...
near Troy
Troy, Indiana
Troy is a town in Troy Township, Perry County, Indiana, along the Ohio River near the mouth of the Anderson River. The population was 392 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Troy is located at ....
; and State Road 70
Indiana State Road 70
State Road 70 in the U.S. state of Indiana consists of two discontinuous east–west segments of two-lane rural roadway. State Road 70 passes through no cities or towns of significant size.-Western segment:...
which connects State Road 37 with State Road 66.
History
Perry County was formed on November 1, 1814 (two years before the State of Indiana was admitted to the Union) from Warrick CountyWarrick County, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 52,383 people, 19,438 households, and 15,181 families residing in the county. The population density was 136 people per square mile . There were 20,546 housing units at an average density of 54 per square mile...
. It was named for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry
Oliver Hazard Perry
United States Navy Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island , the son of USN Captain Christopher Raymond Perry and Sarah Wallace Alexander, a direct descendant of William Wallace...
who defeated the British squadron in the decisive Battle of Lake Erie
Battle of Lake Erie
The Battle of Lake Erie, sometimes called the Battle of Put-in-Bay, was fought on 10 September 1813, in Lake Erie off the coast of Ohio during the War of 1812. Nine vessels of the United States Navy defeated and captured six vessels of Great Britain's Royal Navy...
in 1813. The Ohio River made Perry County a focal point and settlers were drawn here due to plentiful supplies of natural resources and the area's scenic beauty.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 18,899 people, 7,270 households, and 5,074 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 50 people per square mile (19/km²). There were 8,223 housing units at an average density of 22 per square mile (8/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.61% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.45% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.17% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.12% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.13% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.50% from two or more races. 0.70% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 34.5% were of German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, 19.7% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 10.0% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
, 9.3% French
French people
The French are a nation that share a common French culture and speak the French language as a mother tongue. Historically, the French population are descended from peoples of Celtic, Latin and Germanic origin, and are today a mixture of several ethnic groups...
and 9.2% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 7,270 households out of which 30.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 9.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.20% were non-families. 26.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the county the population was spread out with 22.90% under the age of 18, 9.80% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 23.30% from 45 to 64, and 14.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 107.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $36,246, and the median income for a family was $43,743. Males had a median income of $31,554 versus $22,123 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $16,673. About 7.10% of families and 9.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.30% of those under age 18 and 8.90% of those age 65 or over.
Cities and towns
- CanneltonCannelton, IndianaCannelton is a city in Troy Township, Perry County, Indiana, United States, along the Ohio River. The population was 1,209 at the 2000 census. Cannelton, which is the smallest incorporated city in the state, was formerly the county seat of Perry County until the seat was relocated to Tell City...
- Tell CityTell City, IndianaTell City is a city in Troy Township, Perry County, Indiana, along the Ohio River, Indiana's southern border. The population was 7,272 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat of Perry County.-History:...
- TroyTroy, IndianaTroy is a town in Troy Township, Perry County, Indiana, along the Ohio River near the mouth of the Anderson River. The population was 392 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Troy is located at ....
Unincorporated communities
- Adyeville
- Apalona
- Bandon
- BranchvilleBranchville, IndianaBranchville is an unincorporated community in southern Oil Township, Perry County, Indiana, United States. It lies along CR40 northeast of the city of Tell City, the county seat of Perry County. Its elevation is 433 feet , and it is located at...
- Bristow
- Buzzard Roost
- Celina
- DerbyDerby, IndianaDerby is an unincorporated community along the Ohio River in far southern Union Township, Perry County, Indiana, United States. It lies at the intersection of State Roads 66 and 70 above the city of Tell City, the county seat of Perry County. Its elevation is 449 feet , and it is located at...
- Dexter
- Dodd
- Don Juan
- Doolittle Mills
- Fenn Haven
- Fosters Ridge
- GatchelGatchel, IndianaGatchel, Indiana is an unincorporated community in Anderson Township, Perry County, Indiana, United States....
- GeraldGerald, IndianaGerald is an unincorporated community in Perry County, Indiana, United States.-Notable people:* Andrew Jacobs , a Democratic Congressman-External links:*...
- German Ridge
- Hardingrove
- Huffman
- Kitterman Corners
- Lashers
- Lauer
- Lauer Ridge
- LeopoldLeopold, IndianaLeopold is a small unincorporated community in Perry County in the U.S. state of Indiana. Located fifteen miles north of the Ohio River, this little village was founded in 1842 by the Reverend Augustine Bessonies and named for the then reigning king of Belgium, Léopold I.Most of the original...
- Lilly Dale
- MagnetMagnet, IndianaMagnet, Indiana is an unincorporated community along the Ohio River in Tobin Township, Perry County, Indiana, United States.-History:When pioneers started to settle the banks of the Ohio River one of the first in the Magnet area was Dodson, who operated a wood yard. The settlement was known as...
- Mano
- Millstone
- Mount PleasantMount Pleasant, IndianaMount Pleasant, Indiana may refer to:*Mount Pleasant, Cass County, Indiana*Mount Pleasant, Delaware County, Indiana*Mount Pleasant, Johnson County, Indiana...
- Oil Creek
- Oriole
- Penn Haven
- Prospero
- Ranger
- RomeRome, IndianaRome is an unincorporated community along the Ohio River in southeastern Tobin Township, Perry County, Indiana, United States. It lies across the river from Stephensport, Kentucky and just off Indiana State Road 66 above the city of Tell City, the county seat of Perry County. Its elevation is...
- Saddle Lake
- Saint Croix
- Saint MarksSaint Marks, IndianaSaint Marks is an unincorporated town in Jackson Township, Dubois County, Indiana....
- Sassafras
- Siberia
- Sugar Ridge
- Terry
- Tipsaw
- TobinsportTobinsport, IndianaTobinsport, Indiana is a small unincorporated community located along the Ohio River in Tobin Township, Perry County, Indiana, United States. Directly across the river is Cloverport, Kentucky. It is at the southernmost point of Perry County....
- UniontownUniontown, IndianaUniontown is an unincorporated town in Vernon Township, Jackson County, Indiana.-Geography:Uniontown is located at .Uniontown is known for its location on U.S. Highway 31 and State Highway 250 it is also an exit on Interstate 65....
- Waterbury
Townships
- AndersonAnderson Township, Perry County, IndianaAnderson Township is one of seven townships in Perry County, Indiana, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,536.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, Anderson Township covers an area of ; of this, is land and is water.-Unincorporated towns:* Gatchel at * Lilly...
- ClarkClark Township, Perry County, IndianaClark Township is one of seven townships in Perry County, Indiana, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,250.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, Clark Township covers an area of ; of this, is land and is water.-Unincorporated towns:* Adyeville at * Bristow at *...
- LeopoldLeopold Township, Perry County, IndianaLeopold Township is one of seven townships in Perry County, Indiana, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 720.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, Leopold Township covers an area of ; of this, is land and is water.-Unincorporated towns:* Leopold at * Terry at...
- OilOil Township, Perry County, IndianaOil Township is one of seven townships in Perry County, Indiana, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 2,032.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, Oil Township covers an area of ; of this, is land and is water.-Unincorporated towns:* Apalona at * Bandon at *...
- TobinTobin Township, Perry County, IndianaTobin Township is one of seven townships in Perry County, Indiana, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 709.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, Tobin Township covers an area of ; of this, is land and is water.-Unincorporated towns:* Dodd at * Gerald at *...
- TroyTroy Township, Perry County, IndianaTroy Township is one of seven townships in Perry County, Indiana, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 12,129 .-Geography:...
- UnionUnion Township, Perry County, IndianaUnion Township is one of seven townships in Perry County, Indiana, USA. As of the 2000 census, its population was 523.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, Union Township covers an area of ; of this, is land and is water.-Unincorporated towns:* Derby at * Dexter at * Magnet...