John Rison and his new wife, Harriet, moved to Perryville in 1844 and started the community's first church, a Methodist congregation.

Their log home became a community gathering place and is now the oldest building in Perryville.

In 1849, Rison bought six lots across from his home to build a log store and a schoolhouse.

[5] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.8 square miles (12 km2), all land.

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,373 people, 485 households, and 357 families residing in the city.

31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The 1,200-acre Heifer Ranch has gardens and livestock, including chickens, rabbits, goats, pigs, llamas and other animals.

Heifer Ranch, at 55 Heifer Road, offers hands-on, interactive programs and activities promoting sustainable solutions to global hunger, poverty and environmental issues.