About

Perry County, MS

History

Perry County was established in 1820, named after War of 1812 naval hero Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. With a storied past that includes Native American heritage, early settlement by pioneers, and growth through agriculture and industry, Perry County has a rich tapestry of history. The county seat, New Augusta, is home to historic landmarks and buildings that reflect our deep-rooted heritage.

Economy

Overview

Perry County

Mississippi

USA

Population

11,611

2,967,023

329,725,481

Unemployment Rate

3.5%

2.6%

3.6%

Median House Value

$110,600

$133,000

$244,900

Median Household Income

$47,368

$49,111

$69,021

Cost Of Living (Base US)

85.1%

85.5%

100.0%

Mean Commute Time (Minutes)

28.1

25.4

26.8

Educational Attainment, Age 25-64 (High School Graduate)

41.9%

29.1%

25.3%

Educational Attainment, Age 25-64 (some college, no degree)

23.0%

22.5%

20.1%

Industry Snapshot

The largest sector in Perry County is Manufacturing, employing over 300 workers. The next largest sectors in the area are Educational Services and Health Care and Social Assistance.

Top 10 Employers

Employer

# Employed

Leaf River Cellulose / Georgia Pacific

364

Perry County School District

200

Community Development Inc.

183

Richton School District

114

Southeastern Petroleum

Perry County Hospital-Forrest Health

Ellisville Somerset LCF Group Home

Richton Bank and Trust

Leaf River Home Health

Economic Incentives

Local Incentives

Perry County offers every local-option tax incentive available in Mississippi, loan programs for new and expanding businesses, and other forms of assistance. Among the offerings are:

General obligation bonds
Industrial revenue bonds
Basic engineering assistance
Soil borings and phase-one environmental studies
Assistance in obtaining Community Development Block Grant
Assistance with zoning issues and utility connections

Visit the Mississippi Development Authority for more detailed information.

State of Mississippi Incentives

Perry County works in partnership with a number of Mississippi agencies to help businesses and industries identify and qualify for a multitude of incentive programs offered by the state.

Mississippi State Tax Commission

The Mississippi State Tax Commission provides valuable information about tax incentives and rates. For detailed listings of available options, download the publication “
Mississippi Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Credits.”

Mississippi Development Authority

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is a key source of assistance. For the latest information, see the
MDA’s listing of available tax exemptions, incentives, and credits.

Examples include:

Existing Industry Productivity Loan Program (PDF)
Mississippi Business Finance Corporation Industrial Revenue Bonds (PDF)
Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority
Economic Development Highway Grant Program (PDF)
Development Infrastructure Grant Program
Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Program (PDF)
Community Development Block Grant Program

The MDA’s Financial Resources Division provides assistance with loans and grants for development and expansion projects.

Mississippi Advisors of Mississippi

Municipal Advisors of Mississippi is a full-service independent municipal advisory firm dedicated to guiding clients through the debt issuance process. We value our role as a fiduciary to our clients and our approach is customized for each individual client with respect to financing type, structure and overall transaction cost. We value the duty of care and duty of loyalty owed to our clients, as the only fiduciary in the transaction. Municipal Advisors of Mississippi service a broad range of clients including Cities, Counties, School Districts, Utility Authorities, and other types of municipal entities across the state of Mississippi. MAM We pride ourselves in forging strong relationships with the clients and communities we serve.

Contact Info:

Address: 10441 Corporate Drive, Suite 1, Gulfport, MS 39501
Contact: Stephen O’Mara
Phone: 228.314.1485
Cell: 228.697.0743
Email: somara@maofms.com

The Mississippi Business Finance Corporation (MBFC), a public, nonprofit corporation, partners with the Mississippi Development Authority, financial institutions, local governments, and local economic development agencies to assist businesses in locating or expanding in the state. MBFC administers a variety of finance programs and provides companies an opportunity to review all financial programs through one source.

Programs offered include:

Why Perry County?

TRANSPORTATION

Perry County is centrally located in the heart of Southeast Mississippi, offering convenient access to major highways and railroad transportation networks. This strategic location provides businesses with easy connections to regional markets, major cities like Hattiesburg and Mobile, and other major cities throughout the U.S. Whether you’re in manufacturing, logistics, or retail, Perry County’s connectivity ensures efficient operations and access to a wide customer base.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Perry County is centrally located in the heart of Southeast Mississippi, Perry County boasts a tight-knit community with a strong sense of local pride. The area is known for its peaceful rural setting, offering a high quality of life with affordable housing and a safe environment. Residents enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from exploring the De Soto National Forest to fishing and boating on the Leaf River and Lake Perry. For businesses, this means attracting and retaining a dedicated workforce that values a balanced lifestyle.

BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

Perry County offers a supportive environment for businesses, with local government and state and regional economic development agencies eager to assist with growth and expansion. The county provides competitive incentives, including tax breaks and grants, to attract new businesses. Additionally, the region’s low cost of living and doing business allows companies to maximize their investments, making Perry County an ideal location for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.