Peru, IL
Population 9,863 · Illinois
About Peru, IL
Peru is a small community in Illinois with a population of 9,863 residents. The median household income is $68,147 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Peru is 45.4 years.
Housing in Peru has a median home value of $155,600 and median monthly rent of $879. Of the 4,912 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 3,264 owner-occupied and 1,115 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Peru is 3.3% and the poverty rate is 9.2%. 21.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.5 minutes.
Cost of Living in Peru, IL
Compared to national averages, Peru has a median household income of $68,147 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $155,600, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $879 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Peru's income is 9% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 6% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Peru, IL?
Peru offers affordable housing with a median home value of $155,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $879/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,147) that falls below the national average. However, Peru’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Peru has a population of 9,863 with a median age of 45.4 years. Compare Peru with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Peru
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard | 9,875 | $71,418 | $174,000 | Compare |
| Frankfort Square | 9,777 | $126,953 | $282,100 | Compare |
| Mahomet | 9,755 | $114,904 | $293,200 | Compare |
| Winfield | 9,982 | $143,102 | $363,400 | Compare |
| Sauk Village | 9,724 | $56,946 | $101,900 | Compare |
| Flossmoor | 9,666 | $137,768 | $309,100 | Compare |
| Itasca | 9,525 | $111,898 | $375,600 | Compare |
| Rochelle | 9,477 | $63,373 | $153,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Peru
What is the population of Peru, IL?
The population of Peru, IL is 9,863 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Peru?
The median household income in Peru, IL is $68,147 per year.
What is the median home value in Peru?
The median home value in Peru, IL is $155,600.
What is the average rent in Peru?
The median monthly rent in Peru, IL is $879.
What is the unemployment rate in Peru?
The unemployment rate in Peru, IL is 3.3%.