Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Peru, NY
Considering a move to Peru, NY? This quiet town of about 6,400 residents boasts affordable living, with median home prices around $193,000 and average rents near $980. Crime rates are low, and the area offers a strong sense of community with excellent access to nature and nearby colleges. Commute times are short (about 22 minutes), schools have small class sizes, and you'll enjoy four distinct seasons with over 50% sunny days. Peru offers a peaceful, family-friendly lifestyle while keeping you close to Plattsburgh's amenities.
Demographics - Peru, NY
Peru, NY is a small, close-knit community of about 6,400 residents, with a median age of 43 and a nearly even gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, and non-English speakers make up less than 5%, creating a welcoming and familiar small-town environment. Residents enjoy a low-density setting, ideal for those seeking quiet living.
Population:
6,400
Density:
91 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.1%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Peru, NY?
Living in Peru is affordable, with median home values around $193,000 and average rents at $980 per month. The cost of living index sits below the national average, making everyday expenses, especially housing, more manageable for most families. Utilities and healthcare are slightly higher than average, but overall, Peru offers good value for money.
Median House Value:
$193,000
Gross Rent:
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,225
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$500
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.8
Grocery:
98.1
Housing:
78.4
Utilities:
103.7
Transportation:
92.3
Health Care:
104.2
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is Peru, NY a safe place to live?
Peru is a safe community, reporting a low violent crime rate of just 75 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate well below national averages. Residents have a 1 in 1,333 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it an attractive choice for families and retirees. The town’s strong sense of community contributes to its reputation for safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
75
Property Crimes Per 100k:
920
Crime Index:
995
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,333
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 109
Weather
What is the weather like in Peru, NY year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 80°F and cold winters dipping to 10°F. The area receives around 32.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine more than half the year. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate seasonal changes and outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
30°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Peru’s households have a median income of $77,200, with a low poverty rate of 7% and an unemployment rate under 4%. Most residents commute about 22 minutes to work, and over 93% have at least a high school diploma. The community is family-oriented, with a strong local workforce and a low reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$36,800
Household Income:
$77,200
Family Income:
$88,000
Per Capita Income:
$34,500
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
7.0%
Non English Speakers:
4.7%
Rent:
$980
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
21.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
26.1%
Education
How are the schools in Peru, NY?
Peru offers quality education through its local public schools, which feature small class sizes and attentive instruction. Nearby Plattsburgh provides access to higher education via Clinton Community College and SUNY Plattsburgh, both within a short drive. The community values education, with a high rate of high school graduates and a quarter of adults holding college degrees.

Public Schools
Name:
Peru Senior High School
Street:
17 School St
Phone:
518-643-6400
Students:
720
Student Teacher Ratio:
12:1
Name:
Peru Intermediate School
Street:
116 Pleasant St
Phone:
518-643-6200
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
11:1

Colleges
Name:
Clinton Community College
City:
Plattsburgh
State:
NY
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
1,500
Name:
SUNY Plattsburgh
City:
Plattsburgh
State:
NY
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
5,350
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major healthcare facilities like the CVPH Medical Center in nearby Plattsburgh. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and over 95% health insurance coverage, the area offers strong healthcare support. The local healthcare index reflects a good standard of care for families and individuals alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
CVPH Medical Center
Address:
75 Beekman St, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone:
(518) 561-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Peru, NY?
Peru’s housing market is stable, with a median home price of $193,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom around $980. Owner-occupancy is high at 81%, and the area has a low foreclosure rate, indicating a healthy real estate environment. Modest home appreciation and a low vacancy rate make Peru appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$193,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$980
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Peru residents can handle driver and vehicle services through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Plattsburgh. The DMV offers comprehensive services and support for licensing, registration, and more, both in person and online. Its convenient location makes vehicle administration easy for locals.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
137 Margaret St, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone:
1-518-473-5595
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.