Peru, NE
Population 691 · Nebraska
About Peru, NE
Peru is a small community located in Nebraska with a population of 691 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,875 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Peru features a median home value of $85,900, which is 65% 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 $504, 57% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 290 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (159 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (65 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Peru shows an unemployment rate of 10.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Peru have an average one-way commute time of 15.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
37.0% of Peru residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.8% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Peru Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Peru, NE
Compared to national averages, Peru has a median household income of $41,875 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $85,900, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $504 is 57% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Peru's income is 36% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 32% below the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Peru, NE?
Peru offers affordable housing with a median home value of $85,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $504/month, and a well-educated community where 37.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,875) 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 691 with a median age of 21.5 years. Compare Peru with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Peru
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Nebraska
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, NE?
The population of Peru, NE is 691 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Peru?
The median household income in Peru, NE is $41,875 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Peru?
The median home value in Peru, NE is $85,900, which is 65% 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, NE is $504, which is 57% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Peru?
The unemployment rate in Peru, NE is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Peru, NE a good place to live?
Peru offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 691 and a median age of 21.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Peru, NE?
37.0% of residents in Peru aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Peru?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Peru, NE: median home value is $85,900 (65% below national), median rent is $504/month, and median household income is $41,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Peru?
The poverty rate in Peru, NE is 24.3%, 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, NE?
Peru's population is 4.8% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 4.6% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.