Peru, NY
Population 1,880 · New York
About Peru, NY
Peru is a small town located in New York with a population of 1,880 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,671 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 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 $214,700, which is 12% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Peru in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,262, 9% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 715 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (548 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (167 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Peru shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Peru have an average one-way commute time of 23.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.8% 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 2.3% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 7.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Peru, NY
Compared to national averages, Peru has a median household income of $69,671 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $214,700, which is 12% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,262 is 9% above the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Peru's income is 28% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 45% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Peru, NY?
Peru offers affordable housing with a median home value of $214,700, below the US average of $244,900, and a low poverty rate of 9.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,671) 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 1,880 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare Peru with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Peru
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black River | 1,880 | $81,111 | $211,000 | Compare |
| Great River | 1,880 | $133,385 | $792,100 | Compare |
| Laurel Hollow | 1,880 | $250,001 | $1,524,700 | Compare |
| St. Johnsville | 1,882 | $49,211 | $81,300 | Compare |
| Athens | 1,877 | $82,500 | $301,200 | Compare |
| Bellport | 1,876 | $147,188 | $699,800 | Compare |
| Stillwater | 1,876 | $80,234 | $243,800 | Compare |
| Macedon | 1,885 | $72,843 | $170,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
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, NY?
The population of Peru, NY is 1,880 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New York.
What is the median household income in Peru?
The median household income in Peru, NY is $69,671 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Peru?
The median home value in Peru, NY is $214,700, which is 12% 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, NY is $1,262, which is 9% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Peru?
The unemployment rate in Peru, NY is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Peru, NY a good place to live?
Peru offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,880 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Peru, NY?
31.8% 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, NY: median home value is $214,700 (12% below national), median rent is $1,262/month, and median household income is $69,671. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Peru?
The poverty rate in Peru, NY is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Peru, NY?
Peru's population is 2.3% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 7.7% of residents are foreign-born.