Here's how we describe Peru:

PERU ECONOMY
Diversified employers engaged in the production of prefinished metals, bakery product manufacturing, feritilizers, steel decks and trusses, chemicals, industrial vibrators, automobile trim, plastics, cabinets, countertops, fiber cement  siding, belt buckles, corrugated boxes, specialty nails, protective coatings, biodegradable polymers, processed metals, plastic bottles, and industrial fasteners to name a few.

PERU TRANSPORTATION
Our biggest asset by far is transportation, with Interstate 80 and Interstate 39 stretching from east to west coast, Canada to the Gulf. Peru owns the Illinois Valley Regional Airport with two runways as well as a municipally owned railway that can ship to 2/3 of the USA in 2 days or less.  Peru is also located along the Illinois River for barge access.

PERU TAXES
Peru's real estate taxes are some of the lowest in LaSalle County thanks to our unique shopping centers.  Peru generates 1 out of every 3 retail sales and retail sales tax dollars in LaSalle County. The City of Peru makes it a priority to keep its property taxes to one of the lowest in North Central Illinois.

PERU COST OF LIVING
Careful planning by generations of community leaders has produced high quality neighborhoods with proximity to open spaces, schools, medical care, places of work, recreation and riverfront entertainment.

PERU SCHOOLS
Peru is home to three excellent high schools and a stellar grade school program with a brand new state of the art middle school.  The greater Peru area encompasses 4 other high schools all of which teach the necessary educational skills needed for immediate placement into the workforce after graduation and/or prepare individuals for further education.  Illinois Valley Community College is a comprehensive two-year institution with a reputation for producing graduates who excel academically and on the job.

PERU RECREATION
Peru has many fine parks for recreation including Bakers Lake with a one mile paved walking path and Veteran's Park with multiple baseball and softball fields.  Peru is also home to the Illinois Valley YMCA, one of the finest of its size in the country.  The YMCA includes an outstanding health and fitness facility as well as a three indoor swimming pools and a waterpark.

PERU PUBLIC SAFETY
The federal government tracks certain crimes throughout every law enforcement agency in the United States. They track crimes of: Criminal Homicide, Forcible Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault/Battery, Burglary, Theft, Motor Vehicle Theft, and Arson. From 2005 through 2010 Peru had a remarkable 30.56% reduction in crime over this period.

PERU SPIRITUAL LIFE
Religious faith is an important part of our lives. We boast many houses of worship that serve most denominations and stand as architectural symbols of past and present spiritual values.

PERU MEDICAL CARE
The availability of health care is one of our proudest accomplishments.  We have two hospitals in our area. Illinois Valley Community Hospital added 22,000 square foot to the Obstetrics and Intensive Care Units.  In addition St. Margarets Health just opened a new 14,500 square foot medical facility, in north Peru.

PERU POPULATION
According to the 2010 Census figures Peru is the fastest growing city in LaSalle County, up 11.1% since 2000.  Join us as we continue to grow.

PERU ENTERTAINMENT
Whatever your entertainment needs you will find them either in Peru or within 5 to 10 miles of Peru.  There are three golf courses within 5 miles. Boating, fishing and watercraft sports on the Illinois River. In addition to being close enough to one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois, Starved Rock State Park, for hiking and other outdoor activities.  We have something for everyone.