
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Peru, Illinois is a mid-sized city with a population of 10,110 residents. At 95%, the majority of the Peru population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 1% Asian. Based on an average age of 49, Peru appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Peru will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 15 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Peru could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Illinois if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Finding the best places to live in Peru and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, health & safety, education, employment and other important metrics.
Peru, IL receives 71 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #317 in Illinois and #6,365 in the USA. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Peru scores well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+) There are some categories that Peru ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F) and education (D). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Peru market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Peru is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Peru come in at $236,137, which is 23.5% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Peru, the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 14.3% lower than the Illinois average.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Peru | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.9% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.3% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.5% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.2% | 4.4% | 4.6% |