Welcome to Perry County, Tennessee
Perry County, Tennessee, is a small, very rural county on the western edge of Middle Tennessee, sitting on the eastern bank of the Tennessee River. The scenic Buffalo River flows northward through the County before it reaches the Duck River and the Tennessee River. The landscape is covered with trees and more trees, with scattered pastures and crop fields along the river. People swarm to the rivers for recreation--fishing, camping, hiking, and hunting. The two towns are small but serve most of the needs of our community--friendly, tight-knit, family-oriented people.
Early History
The State of Tennessee created Perry County in 1819. Located between Humphreys County and Wayne County on the north and south and bounded by Hickman County and Lewis County on the east, it borders the Tennessee River on the west side. The County was named after Oliver Hazard Perry (1785 – 1819 ), a War of 1812 naval officer who forced the surrender of the British fleet. Initially, the county encompassed Decatur County on the west side of the Tennessee River.
The County is divided by the Buffalo River, which flows north from Wayne County before emptying into the Duck River in Humphreys County. This beautiful, scenic river is known for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and the fertile fields along the valley. U.S. Highway 412 crosses the County east and west, while State Highway 13 runs north and south.
Life Here Today
It has not always been easy for people to make a prosperous living here, but the living is good. They make up for what the people lack in money and jobs with their spirit. The State of Tennessee ranks the county as one of the most distressed counties in Tennessee. Of the 3,113 counties in the U.S., it ranks 2,920th. The per capita market income is $23,052, with an almost 18% poverty rate. The three-year unemployment rate is 6%.
Despite economic struggles, the County has positive leadership, a low cost of living, and a laid-back lifestyle that suits many people.
Local Government
Perry County Government
Perry County is governed by an elected County Mayor and a board of elected commissioners from the six districts dividing the county. Each district has two elected commissioners.
There are multiple departments in the County with the major positions elected by the people and the remainder appointed by the mayor and county commissioners.
City of Linden, Tennessee
The county seat of Perry County is in Linden, Tennessee. A mayor and a board of aldermen govern the town. The six elected aldermen serve as the town's legislative body. Members create ordinances, city policies, and the operating budget. Most of the county offices are also located in Linden with county mayor's office and principal staffs located in the courthouse.
City of Lobelville, Tennessee
Lobelville is located north of Linden on Highway 13. It sits on the western bank of the scenic Buffalo River. As an incorporated city, it is governed by a mayor and a board of aldermen. It is a gateway to the Tennessee and Buffalo rivers for recreation. A thriving Mennonite community is nearby on Highway 438, where exceptional garden produce and building products abound.
State of Affairs in Perry County
Mayor John Carroll's Message
One of the things I enjoy the most about Perry County is the people. The people of Perry County are very resilient and resourceful, and we've had a lot of excellent partners through the years who have contributed to our growth and economic health. Enjoy your visit to our website, and look at all we offer. We will help you get what you want if you can't find it. Use the contact form to send us a note, and let us know how we're doing or what we're not doing so we can improve your experience with our community.