As your plane descends toward Tell City, you'll be struck by the picturesque landscape where rolling hills meet the majestic Ohio River. The city stretches along the riverbanks with a charming downtown core nestled against a backdrop of the lush Hoosier National Forest. This scenic river town embodies the tranquil pace and warm hospitality of southern Indiana communities while offering surprising cultural richness and outdoor adventures.
Located in Perry County in the southernmost part of Indiana, Tell City sits gracefully along the Ohio River, approximately 58 miles west of Louisville and 22 miles northeast of Owensboro. This strategic location places you within comfortable driving distance of major urban centers while enjoying the authentic small-town experience that defines Indiana's charm.
Tell City stands apart from many midwestern communities due to its Swiss-German heritage and careful community planning. Founded in 1858 by the Swiss Colonization Society and named after the legendary Swiss hero William Tell, the city was designed as a planned industrial community.
The city proudly balances historic pride with modern amenities, offering a blend of old-world charm and contemporary convenience that physicians often find ideal for balancing professional and personal satisfaction.
In Tell City, nature’s beauty is part of daily life. Serving as a gateway to Hoosier National Forest, the area provides year-round recreation just minutes away. The Ohio River enhances everyday living with scenic parks and water activities.
Tell City enjoys four well-defined seasons, offering a changing backdrop and varied outdoor opportunities throughout the year. From warm summers to colorful autumns, and mild winters to blooming springs, every season brings its own charm.
Tell City boasts a diverse economic base blending healthcare, education, and traditional manufacturing. Perry County Memorial Hospital is a major employer, contributing significantly to the region’s economic vitality.
Tell City offers small-town serenity with easy access to urban amenities. Louisville International Airport is just an hour away, and nearby cities offer cultural experiences, shopping, and healthcare options.
In Tell City, you’ll find a community that welcomes your skills, a lifestyle that nurtures well-being, and natural surroundings that inspire. It’s more than a place to practice—it’s a place to belong.
Unlike many American settlements that grew organically, Tell City's history is remarkable for its intentional design and careful planning. Founded by Swiss-German immigrants in 1856 as part of the "Swiss Colonization Society," the city's vision was to build a community where everyday people could live in harmony and prosperity.
Rather than settling randomly, the Society conducted a thorough search for land with fertile soil, good water, ample timber, and proximity to transportation. Their methodical approach laid the groundwork for the thriving town of Tell City.
The immigrants who built Tell City brought with them craftsmanship, culture, and values rooted in Switzerland and Germany. Their choice of southern Indiana reflected both landscape familiarity and a strong moral stance—Indiana did not permit slavery.
In 1857, the Society purchased 4,152 acres and divided them into thousands of carefully planned lots, paving the way for a purposefully designed community.
By 1865, just seven years after its founding, Tell City had become a center of furniture manufacturing with the creation of the Tell City Chair Company. The town quickly built a national reputation for quality hardwood craftsmanship.
Its location along the Ohio River enabled efficient shipping and economic expansion during the American Industrial Revolution.
Tell City remained resilient through the Great Depression and two World Wars, adapting without losing its identity. Community cohesion and diversified manufacturing helped weather tough economic times.
The city's centennial celebration in 1958 and the establishment of Schweizer Fest in 1959 are symbols of this strength and pride.
Built in 1898, City Hall marks Tell City's transformation into a mature community. The Romanesque Revival architecture and its 133-foot tower reflect the town's vision and success.
Still standing proudly in City Park Square, City Hall is a focal point for civic life and a tribute to the city’s planned origins.
The late 20th century brought economic shifts. While furniture production remained a key identity, the community diversified into healthcare, education, and tourism.
The founding of Perry County Memorial Hospital in 1950 marked a turning point, offering essential services and new career opportunities for residents.
Tell City’s history is not confined to museums—it lives on in traditions, architecture, and civic spirit. The annual Schweizer Fest unites generations around music, food, and shared roots.
From street names to public art, the town honors its past while building its future. As a new physician in Tell City, you join a legacy of vision, resilience, and community connection.
As you establish your medical practice in Tell City, you'll become part of a close-knit community of approximately 7,500 residents. This modest population fosters meaningful connections with patients and neighbors—far removed from the anonymity often experienced in metropolitan areas.
As the county seat of Perry County, Tell City serves as a regional hub for healthcare, commerce, and services. Your patient base will extend beyond city limits, encompassing a wider population while you enjoy the lifestyle benefits of small-town living.
Tell City reflects a Swiss-German heritage rooted in tradition, with a population that is predominantly white (~93%) but growing in diversity. It's a family-oriented community where healthcare relationships matter deeply.
While less diverse than metropolitan areas, the warm, inclusive culture and emphasis on word-of-mouth trust make this a rewarding setting for physicians.
Tell City maintains a solid middle-class economy with a median income of $50,700. The community spans a variety of socioeconomic levels, creating a broad and interesting patient population.
With 91% of residents holding at least a high school diploma, the town values education, and physicians are viewed as trusted experts in the community.
Employment in Tell City reflects a blend of tradition and growth, including established manufacturing firms and expanding healthcare and service sectors.
As a physician, you’ll serve patients from diverse occupations, offering a variety of clinical challenges and opportunities.
Tell City's charm lies in its authenticity, warmth, and community pride. Residents form strong bonds with one another, and healthcare providers are often treated like extended family.
You’ll experience genuine gratitude from patients and the chance to offer care that extends beyond clinical transactions.
From the annual Schweizer Fest to numerous civic organizations, Tell City offers physicians meaningful ways to integrate into the social and cultural fabric of the community.
You’ll find natural ways to engage, serve, and build relationships beyond the exam room.
One of the greatest privileges of practicing in Tell City is the opportunity to treat entire families across generations. These enduring relationships allow for deep understanding of health histories and enhance care outcomes.
With strong family support systems, you’ll work in an environment where caregiving is shared, collaborative, and effective.
In Tell City, you won’t just treat patients—you’ll care for neighbors, leaders, and friends. It’s a place where the human side of medicine is celebrated and where your presence will make a lasting difference.