Peru, IN
Population 10,835 · Indiana
About Peru, IN
Peru is a mid-sized city located in Indiana with a population of 10,835 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,180 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Peru features a median home value of $84,000, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Peru one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $769, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,239 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (3,130 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (1,289 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Peru shows an unemployment rate of 10.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Peru have an average one-way commute time of 22.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.5% of Peru residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Peru, IN
Compared to national averages, Peru has a median household income of $46,180 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $84,000, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $769 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Peru's income is 33% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 49% below the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Peru, IN?
Peru offers affordable housing with a median home value of $84,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $769/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,180) 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 10,835 with a median age of 40.8 years. Compare Peru with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Peru
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowell | 10,911 | $83,125 | $236,900 | Compare |
| Huntertown | 10,984 | $104,808 | $255,800 | Compare |
| Danville | 11,049 | $93,080 | $269,400 | Compare |
| Bluffton | 10,539 | $57,929 | $136,800 | Compare |
| Plymouth | 10,506 | $53,115 | $122,200 | Compare |
| Whitestown | 11,276 | $118,884 | $343,900 | Compare |
| Wabash | 10,378 | $54,199 | $115,000 | Compare |
| Sellersburg | 10,215 | $69,851 | $213,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Peru With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Peru
What is the population of Peru, IN?
The population of Peru, IN is 10,835 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Peru?
The median household income in Peru, IN is $46,180 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Peru?
The median home value in Peru, IN is $84,000, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Peru?
The median monthly rent in Peru, IN is $769, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Peru?
The unemployment rate in Peru, IN is 10.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Peru, IN a good place to live?
Peru offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,835 and a median age of 40.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Peru, IN?
16.5% of residents in Peru aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Peru?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Peru, IN: median home value is $84,000 (66% below national), median rent is $769/month, and median household income is $46,180. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Peru?
The poverty rate in Peru, IN is 25.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Peru, IN?
Peru's population is 2.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 3.5% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.