Median Income
$41,875
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$85,900
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
69/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.0%
10% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$504
57% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.7%
86% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
44% lower than US avg
How Peru Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population691
Median Age21.5 yrs
Density1,304/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans1.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,875
Per Capita$18,950
Unemployment6.7%
Poverty6.9%
County GDP$1,065M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,900
Rent$504
Ownership71.0%
Zillow$141,585
Housing Units312
Rent Burden24.5%
Crime
F
Violent69/100K
Property3,811/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking13.9%
Depression18.6%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain32.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,028 ft (313 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+37.0%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score6.55
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute15 min
Broadband89.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Peru a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Peru receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Peru offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Peru is $41,875, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Peru is $85,900, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $504 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Peru is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,811 per 100,000, 94% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Peru experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.3 inches, including 30.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Peru has a population of 691 with a density of 1,304 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 21.5 years, 45% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.8% female and 56.2% male. The city is predominantly White (84.5%), with 4.3% Hispanic, 4.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.5% of residents, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 1.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
21.5yrs
Median Age
45% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.5%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.5%
44% below US avg
The median household income in Peru is $41,875, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,950 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,297. The unemployment rate is 6.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 221 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,875 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,950 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,297 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,953 |
| Gini Index | 0.465 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.7% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.9% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 221 |
| County GDP | $1,065M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,475 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 55.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
The median home value in Peru is $85,900, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,585, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $504 (57% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 312 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,475. 24.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,900 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $141,585 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $504 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.0% |
| Housing Units | 312 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,475 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.05% |
In Peru, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 18.6% report depression. 15.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,177. The dentist ratio is 1:2,345. 58.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Peru vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 18.6% |
| Mental Distress | 15.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,177 |
| Dentists | 1:2,345 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,359 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,244/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Peru has a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,811 per 100,000, 94% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Peru receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Peru vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 69.0/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,810.6/100K |
| 94% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Peru experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 32.3 inches. The area receives 30.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,028 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.4°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,028 ft (313 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,304/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4785°N, 95.7314°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Nemaha County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA) 58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.3"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
14 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
23 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
66 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
79 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
19 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
629 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 495 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
82 km |
5 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
47 km |
1 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
49 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
96 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
57 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
58 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
57 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
59 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
60 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Peru has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 24°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Peru. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Peru
What is the population of Peru?
Peru has a population of 691 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,304 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.8% female and 56.2% male.
Is Peru expensive to live in?
Peru is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $41,875, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,900 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $504 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Peru safe?
Peru is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,811 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Peru receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Peru?
Peru has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.3 inches, with 30.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Peru?
The unemployment rate in Peru is 6.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,297. There are 221 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 3.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Peru?
The median home value in Peru is $85,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,585. For renters, the median monthly rent is $504. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,475.
How are the schools in Peru?
Schools in Peru score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.0% of adults in Peru hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Peru?
The obesity rate in Peru is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 18.6% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 58.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,177.
What is transportation like in Peru?
The average commute in Peru is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 55.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Peru?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Peru is 84.5% White, 4.9% Black or African American, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino. 92.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 1.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.