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Peru, IL


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Peru, Illinois

Introduction to Peru, Illinois

Located in La Salle county, Peru, Illinois, is 50 miles NE of Peoria, Illinois (center to center) and 84 miles SW of Chicago, Illinois. The city has a population of 9,835 residents.

Peru History

The city's first settlers arrived in 1830, with John Hays being the first person to settle permanently in Peru. Over time, it became an important river port. In 1838, Peru was organized as a municipality and on March 13, 1851, it was officially incorporated as a city. This area also served as the world headquarters of the Westclox Clock Company.

Peru and nearby Attractions

  • Blackberry Farm's Pioneer Village
  • Buffalo Rock State Park
  • Donnelley State Fish and Wildlife Area
  • Matthiessen State Park

Things To Do In Peru

Blackberry Farm's Pioneer Village, comprising of a farm museum, lake, and a carriage house, is housed in Peru. Situated on the Illinois River, Buffalo Rock State Park provides various outdoor activities such as camping and trailing, as well as picnicking. In addition, nearby is the Donnelley State Fish and Wildlife Area.

Peru Transportation

The closest airport to the city is the Greater Peoria Regional Airport.

Peru Higher Education

Illinois Valley Community College, Northern Illinois University, and Kishwaukee College are the nearby higher education schools.

High Points

Peru strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Illinois):

CategoryTrophy
Short Commute Times
(vs. State)
Top 6%Peru Short Commute Times

Comparative Profile of Peru, IL

Comparing Peru to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Illinois (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Senior Citizens109
Age of the Population99
Female Share of the Population78
Well-Paid Single Women66
Well-Paid Single Men66
Racial Diversity47
Male Share of the Population43
Children Under 5 Years Old22

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married65
Average Household Size33

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
People Above Poverty65
People in Middle Class or Better66
Median Family Income56
College Educated Adults47

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Short Commute Times910
Working at Home66
Public Transportation Use56
Walking and Biking to Work45

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
People Living Alone88
Affordability of Rents75
Affordability of Property Taxes55
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals47
Seasonal and Vacation Housing35
Housing Recently Built23
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Additional Details

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Peru hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.

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