Overview

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.

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.

Demographics

People

Total Population9,864
Male Share of the Population45%
Female Share of the Population55%
Senior Citizens24.8%
Employed Population 16+4,632
Age of the Population46

Families

% of people married48.4%
Average household size2

Education and Earnings

Population % with Bachelor Degree or Higher32.7%
Median Earnings25+$36,398
Median Earnings Without High School Qualification$21,029
Median Earnings With High School Degree$24,764

Wealth

Median Family Income$70,667
% Above Poverty Level88%
% Below Poverty Level12%

Commute & Sprawl

Average Commute Time15 minutes
% Working from Home3.6%
% Walking and Biking to Work1.3%
% Using Public Transportation0.1%

Housing

People Living Alone37%
Median Gross Rent$721
Median House Value$120,600

Ancestry

Polish18.8%
Other(often includes Hispanic and African American)16.6%
Irish15.6%
Italian13.8%
English6.8%
Swedish3.4%
Slovene2.7%
French Except Basque2.5%
Norwegian1.8%
Scottish1.4%
Dutch1.2%
Lithuanian1%
Czech0.8%
African0.4%
Danishn0.4%
Turkish0.3%
Russian0.3%
Croatian0.3%
Arab0.3%
Egyptian0.3%
Belgian0.3%
Romanian0.2%
Slovak0.2%
Swiss0.2%
Greek0.1%
Austrian0.1%
US/American0.1%
Canadian0.1%
German0.1%
Hungarian0.1%
Portuguese0.1%
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Peru Almanac

CategoryValue
CountyLaSalle County
Standard Zip Codes61354
Phone Area Codes815
Time ZoneAmerica/Chicago
Approximate Latitude41.34
Approximate Longitude-89.12

Peru Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

Notes:

  • Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
  • Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

StationPERU
Distance2.2 miles
Jan Temp12 to 29 F
Apr Temp38 to 61 F
Jul Temp63 to 85 F
Oct Temp41 to 65 F
Annual Precip37.7 inches
StationOTTAWA 5 SW
Distance11 miles
Jan Temp12 to 31 F
Apr Temp39 to 62 F
Jul Temp63 to 85 F
Oct Temp41 to 65 F
Annual Precip35.6 inches
StationPRINCETON
Distance18 miles
Jan Temp14 to 29 F
Apr Temp40 to 61 F
Jul Temp65 to 85 F
Oct Temp43 to 63 F
Annual Precip37.8 inches

Nearby Cities and Towns

LocationPopulationMedian Family Income
Cedar Point296$58,125
Dalzell736$66,875
Oglesby3,669$70,750
Spring Valley5,282$55,966
Standard191$0

Peru Public Libraries

Peru Public Library
1409 11TH STREET
Peru, Illinois
(815) 223-0229

library logo

More Information for Librarians

Peru Hospitals

Illinois Valley Community Hospital
(Non-profit)
925 West St
(815) 223-3300

Peru Public Schools

Circuit Breaker School
2233 6th St Ste 1
ZIP: 61354
(815) 357-6633
Other
Total Enrollment 29
Northview Elem School
1429 Shooting Park Rd
ZIP: 61354
(815) 223-2567
Primary
Total Enrollment 274
Parkside Middle School
1800 Church St
ZIP: 61354
(815) 223-7723
Middle
Total Enrollment 386
Regional Safe School
2233 6th St
ZIP: 61354
(815) 220-3560
Other
Total Enrollment 34
Washington Elem School
1325 Park Rd
ZIP: 61354
(815) 223-0301
Primary
Total Enrollment 273

Peru Private Schools

Childrens Montessori School
2218 Marquette Rd
ZIP: 61354
Elementary
Total Enrollment 18
Peru Catholic School
2003 5th St
ZIP: 61354
Elementary
Total Enrollment 127
St Bede Academy
24 W Us Highway 6
ZIP: 61354
Secondary
Total Enrollment 298
Sources :
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Info for Peru Government Officials


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