Cities and Towns in Perry County, Indiana

Founded on Nov 1, 1814, Perry County is one of 92 counties in the state of Indiana. Historically, Perry County was formed from Gibson and Warrick Counties. The city of Tell City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 123, Perry County has a population of 19,316 and area of 382 square miles (989 km²).

List of all cities in Perry County, IN alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Bandon, IN 47514 812
Branchville, IN 47514 812
Bristow, IN 47515 812
Burglen Hills, IN 47586 812
Cannelton, IN 47520 812
Cannelton Heights, IN 47520 812
Derby, IN 47525 812
Dexter, IN 47525 812
Fenn Haven, IN 47586 812
Franklin Hills, IN 47586 812
Gatchel, IN 47586 812
Leopold, IN 47551 812
Lilly Dale, IN 47586 812
Magnet, IN 47520 812
Mount Pleasant, IN 47520 812
Oil, IN 47576 812
Oriole, IN 47551 812
Rome, IN 47574 812
Romex, IN 47574 812
Saint Croix, IN 47576 812
Scenic Heights, IN 47586 812
Siberia, IN 47515 812
Tell City, IN 47586 812
Tobin, IN 47574 812
Tobinsport, IN 47520 812
Uniontown, IN 47515 812

Major Cities and Towns in Perry County, Indiana

Tell City, Indiana

Overview and History

Tell City, the largest city in Perry County, is located along the Ohio River in southern Indiana. It was founded in 1858 by Swiss-German immigrants from Cincinnati, who were members of the Swiss Colonization Society. The city was named after the legendary Swiss hero William Tell, reflecting the heritage of its founders. Tell City developed as a manufacturing hub, with furniture production, particularly by the Tell City Chair Company, playing a central role in its economy. Its strategic location along the river also made it an important site for shipping and trade. Today, Tell City maintains its small-town charm while continuing to be a center for manufacturing, agriculture, and river-based commerce.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Tell City is served by the Tell City-Troy Township School Corporation, with Tell City Junior-Senior High School being the primary educational institution. Notable landmarks include the Tell City Historical Society Museum, which preserves the city’s Swiss-German heritage, and the Tell City Depot, a reminder of the town’s railroad history. The Tell City Riverwalk offers scenic views of the Ohio River and is a popular spot for walking and biking. Additionally, the city hosts the annual Schweizer Fest, one of Indiana’s oldest community festivals, celebrating the city’s Swiss roots with food, music, and entertainment.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 4.64 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 7,323 (2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 47586
  • Latitude: 37.9514° N
  • Longitude: 86.7611° W

Cannelton, Indiana

Overview and History

Cannelton is a small town located along the Ohio River, just a few miles east of Tell City. Founded in 1837, Cannelton was named after the cannel coal that was mined in the area. In the mid-19th century, it was one of the most industrialized towns in Indiana, with its economy centered around coal mining and the Cannelton Cotton Mill, which was once one of the largest cotton mills in the nation. The decline of coal mining led to a shift in the town’s economy, but Cannelton retains much of its historic character, with many buildings dating back to the 1800s.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Cannelton is served by the Cannelton City Schools, with Cannelton High School being the main educational institution. Key landmarks in the town include the Cannelton Cotton Mill, a National Historic Landmark that stands as a testament to the town’s industrial past. Another notable site is the Perry County Courthouse, a striking example of 19th-century architecture. Cannelton’s location along the Ohio River provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and enjoying scenic river views. The town hosts the annual Heritage Festival, which celebrates its rich history with local crafts, food, and music.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 1.68 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,517 (2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 47520
  • Latitude: 37.9114° N
  • Longitude: 86.7386° W

Troy, Indiana

Overview and History

Troy, Indiana, is a small town situated along the Ohio River in southeastern Perry County. Founded in 1815, it is one of the oldest towns in the county and was once a bustling river port. Troy was originally a candidate for the county seat before it was moved to nearby Tell City. The town’s location on the Ohio River made it an important center for trade and transportation in the 19th century, with goods and passengers moving up and down the river. While its prominence as a river port has diminished, Troy remains a quiet residential town with a deep historical significance to the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Troy is part of the Tell City-Troy Township School Corporation, and students typically attend schools in nearby Tell City. The town is known for its historic churches, including the St. Pius Catholic Church, which dates back to the 1800s. The Troy Boat Ramp offers access to the Ohio River for fishing and boating. Another notable site is the Lincoln Ferry Park, located just north of Troy, where Abraham Lincoln is said to have operated a ferry across the Ohio River during his youth. Troy’s rich history and proximity to the river continue to make it a charming, if quiet, community.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 0.24 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 385 (2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 47588
  • Latitude: 37.9886° N
  • Longitude: 86.7967° W

Leopold, Indiana

Overview and History

Leopold is a small unincorporated town located in the heart of Perry County. It was founded in 1842 by Belgian priest Father Augustine Bessonies and named after King Leopold I of Belgium. The town was established as a Catholic settlement and retains a strong Belgian and Catholic heritage. Leopold is primarily a rural farming community, and much of its economy is based on agriculture. Its location in the rolling hills of southern Indiana gives it a picturesque setting, and the town has maintained its historical charm with several 19th-century buildings still in use.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Leopold is served by Perry Central Community Schools, with Perry Central Junior-Senior High School located nearby. The town’s central landmark is St. Augustine Catholic Church, a historic church built in 1857 that continues to serve as the spiritual and social heart of the community. Leopold also hosts the annual St. Augustine Picnic, a community event that draws people from all over the region for food, games, and socializing. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: Unincorporated community
  • Population: Approximately 600 (2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 47551
  • Latitude: 38.1003° N
  • Longitude: 86.6014° W

Bristow, Indiana

Overview and History

Bristow is a small, unincorporated town located in the northeastern part of Perry County. Like many towns in the region, Bristow has its roots in agriculture, with the surrounding area primarily devoted to farming. The town was established in the mid-19th century and has remained a quiet rural community ever since. Though small, Bristow reflects the agricultural heritage and rural charm of Perry County, with family-owned farms and open fields defining the landscape.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bristow is served by the Perry Central Community School Corporation, with students attending nearby Perry Central Junior-Senior High School. The town is known for its strong community spirit, with local events such as church gatherings and community picnics bringing residents together. Bristow is also located near the Hoosier National Forest, offering residents and visitors opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. While Bristow may not have many historical landmarks, its rural character and proximity to nature make it an attractive place for those seeking peace and quiet.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: Unincorporated community
  • Population: Approximately 400 (2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 47515
  • Latitude: 38.1495° N
  • Longitude: 86.6647° W