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CITY · 2000 CENSUS

Peru

Illinois · 9,835 residents · 10.367 sq mi
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The short version

Peru has lower-than-average household income, with a median household income of $37,060. Population has held roughly steady since 1990. Median home value has risen by half since 1990, reaching $84,900. With a median age of 40.9, the population is older than the US median of 35.2.

At a glance
Lower income
below the US median
US median: $42,589
Older
median age 40.9
US median: 35.2
Less educated
17% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 24%
Less affordable
home values up 35%, inflation adjusted
US median home: $120,530
Section 01

Population & growth

Total population
9,835
+6%since 1990
from 9,302 in 1990
1990 – 2025
Population density
949 / sq mi
+6%since 1990
from 897 / sq mi in 1990
US average: 242
Median age
40.9
+6%since 1990
from 38.4 in 1990
US average: 35.2
Population, 1990 – 2024
9K10K10K10K10K1990201020202024Peru
202410K
1990201020202024
Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income
$37,060
+4%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $26,946 in 1990
US average: $42,589
1990 – 2024
Per capita income
$20,658
+53%since 1990
from $13,531 in 1990
US average: $21,522
Poverty rate
7.5%
−1.2 ptssince 1990
from 8.7% in 1990
US average: 12.4%
Section 03

Housing

Median home value
$84,900
+35%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $47,900 in 1990
US average: $120,530
1990 – 2024
Median gross rent
$484
+9%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $336 in 1990
US average: $602
Owner-occupied
75.2%
−2.9 ptssince 1990
from 78.1% in 1990
24.8% rent
Afford Score
2.3
+29%since 1990
from 1.8 in 1990
1990 – 2024
RELATED:See current rent listings in Peru on RentDataNow
Section 04

Race & ethnicity

1990
White, non-Hispanic98.1%(9,124)
Black0.3%(27)
Hispanic / Latino2%(185)
Asian0.6%(58)
Diversity Score9.3%(867)
2000
White, non-Hispanic93.8%(9,230)
Black0.3%(31)
Hispanic / Latino4.1%(401)
Asian1.1%(108)
Diversity Score13.2%(1,299)
Diversity Score
13
+42%since 1990
from 9 in 1990
1990 – 2024
Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
16.8%
+3.3 ptssince 1990
from 13.4% in 1990
US average: 24.4%
High school or higher
81.3%
+8.6 ptssince 1990
from 72.7% in 1990
US average: 80.3%
Graduate degree
5.6%
+1.1 ptssince 1990
from 4.6% in 1990
US average: 8.8%
Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute
13.2 min
+1%since 1990
from 13.0 min in 1990
US average: 17.6
Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

Drill deeper

Places similar to Peru

Green Cove Springs
Pop 10,079
Cypress Gardens
Pop 10,077
Memphis
Pop 9,185
Bee Ridge
Pop 10,334
Places similar to Peru
Head to head

Compare Peru to nearby cities

PERU VS
LaSalle
Income$57,732+56%
Home value$113,500+34%
Population9,388−4%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
PERU VS
Ottawa
Income$71,413+93%
Home value$154,000+81%
Population18,684+91%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
PERU VS
Streator
Income$57,609+55%
Home value$94,700+12%
Population12,190+25%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
PERU VS
Morris
Income$76,711+107%
Home value$247,400+191%
Population14,669+50%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
Frequently asked

How many people live in Peru, Illinois?

Peru, Illinois has about 9,835 residents according to the 2000 Census.

What is the median household income in Peru, Illinois?

The typical household in Peru, Illinois earns about $37,060 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Peru, Illinois expensive?

In Peru, Illinois, the median home is worth about $84,900, and the typical rent is about $484 a month.

How educated are people in Peru, Illinois?

About 16.8% of adults age 25 and over in Peru, Illinois hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Peru, Illinois?

About 7.5% of people in Peru, Illinois live below the federal poverty line.

Has Peru, Illinois grown since 1990?

Yes, Peru, Illinois has grown since 1990. The population has added about 533 residents, a change of about 6 percent over that period.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

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