Peru ZIP Codes — Nemaha County, NE

There is one unique ZIP code in Peru, Nebraska and it is 68421. Area code: 402.

ZIP codes

49.58

sq mi land

0.65

sq mi water

402

area code

Peru, NE ZIP code map

About Peru, NE

Peru is a quaint city located in Nebraska's Nemaha County, nestled in the southeastern part of the state. Known for its rural charm, this small community offers a serene escape with picturesque landscapes. Despite its modest size, Peru boasts a rich history and a close-knit community atmosphere.

Location & geography

Peru, NE is situated approximately 15 miles south of Nebraska City and about 30 miles north of the Missouri border, providing a unique blend of rural and accessible living. The city covers a total area of 49.58 square miles, which includes 0.65 square miles of water. The surrounding terrain features rolling hills, fertile farmland, and scenic waterways, contributing to its natural beauty.

Community & economy

The character of Peru is defined by its friendly atmosphere and active community engagements, fostering strong connections among residents. Primary industries in the area include agriculture, which plays a significant role in the local economy, as well as small businesses that serve the community’s needs. Daily life in Peru is characterized by a slower pace, allowing residents to appreciate their surroundings and engage in community events.

Transportation

Peru is accessed chiefly via Nebraska Highway 67, which runs through the city, facilitating travel to neighboring areas. The nearest major airport is Eppley Airfield in Omaha, located approximately 80 miles to the northeast, providing additional travel options. Local transit options are limited, emphasizing the need for personal vehicles in this rural area.

History

Peru was established in the 1850s, primarily as a river port taking advantage of its location along the Missouri River. During its early years, the city thrived on shipping and agriculture, which remain central to its identity today. Notable events in the history of Peru include the establishment of educational institutions, which have contributed to the town's cultural development.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Peru, Nebraska is its historical significance as a river port, which attracted early settlers looking for trading opportunities. Additionally, the city is home to the Peru State College, founded in 1867, making it the oldest institution of higher education in the state.

ZIP codes for Peru, NE (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
68421	Peru	Nemaha	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,046

Population

21.6

Median age

$55,368

Median household income

$20,928

Per capita income

$96,000

Median home value

$542

Median monthly rent

70.1%

Home ownership

21.7%

Poverty rate

15.2%

Unemployment

318

Housing units

36.7%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

155

15–19

116

136

20–24

101

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	114	10.9%
18 and over	932	89.1%
65 and over	97	9.3%
Median age	21.6 years

Race & ethnicity

White 83.3%

Black or African American 6.5%

Two or more races 3.2%

Hispanic or Latino 2.5%

American Indian / Alaska Native 2.5%

Other race 1.6%

Asian 0.4%

Group	Count	%
White	894	83.3%
Black or African American	70	6.5%
Two or more races	34	3.2%
Hispanic or Latino	27	2.5%
American Indian / Alaska Native	27	2.5%
Other race	17	1.6%
Asian	4	0.4%

Household income

Under $10k 2.8%

$10k–$15k 6.9%

$15k–$25k 5.0%

$25k–$35k 20.1%

$35k–$50k 13.5%

$50k–$75k 21.1%

$75k–$100k 20.4%

$100k–$150k 2.2%

$150k–$200k 4.1%

$200k+ 3.8%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.8%
$10k–$15k	6.9%
$15k–$25k	5.0%
$25k–$35k	20.1%
$35k–$50k	13.5%
$50k–$75k	21.1%
$75k–$100k	20.4%
$100k–$150k	2.2%
$150k–$200k	4.1%
$200k+	3.8%
Median income	$55,368

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 17.5%

$50k–$100k 36.3%

$100k–$150k 21.5%

$150k–$200k 9.4%

$200k–$300k 12.6%

$300k–$500k 2.7%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$96,000
Median rent / month	$542
Owner occupied	70.1%
Renter occupied	29.9%
Vacant	23.0%
Single-family detached	80.6%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	0.5%
Median rooms	6.1
Avg household size (owned)	1.95

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	0.0%
2000–2009	1.2%
1990–1999	2.2%
1980–1989	2.9%
1970–1979	1.5%
1960–1969	18.2%
1950–1959	5.1%
1940–1949	6.3%
1939 or earlier	62.7%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	19.1%
2 bedrooms	28.1%
3 bedrooms	27.4%
4 bedrooms	11.1%
5+ bedrooms	14.3%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	5.7%
1 vehicle	33.6%
2 vehicles	40.3%
3 or more	20.4%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	60.1%
Electricity	23.3%
Propane / LP gas	16.0%
No fuel used	0.6%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	106	33.3%
Cohabiting couple	8	2.5%
Male householder, no spouse	139	43.7%
Female householder, no spouse	65	20.4%
Households with children under 18	50	15.7%
Households with seniors (65+)	81	25.5%
Average household size	2.06

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	63.1%	71.2%
Married	23.5%	21.3%
Separated	0.6%	0.0%
Widowed	0.7%	4.8%
Divorced	12.0%	2.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 5.8%

Some HS, no diploma 2.8%

HS graduate 22.0%

Some college, no degree 29.2%

Associate's degree 3.5%

Bachelor's degree 30.2%

Graduate / professional 6.5%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	91.4%
Bachelor's or higher	36.7%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	5	0.8%
Kindergarten	11	1.9%
Elementary school	43	7.3%
High school	10	1.7%
College / grad school	524	88.4%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 33.1%

Agriculture & mining 13.4%

Manufacturing 11.8%

Retail trade 11.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 10.8%

Transportation & utilities 8.9%

Construction 5.3%

Wholesale trade 2.2%

Other services 1.4%

Finance & real estate 0.6%

Professional & management 0.6%

Public administration 0.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	34.5%
Service	22.9%
Sales & office	20.3%
Natural resources & construction	3.7%
Production & transportation	18.5%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	53.3%
Government	30.6%
Self-employed	16.2%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	59.2%
Carpool	13.7%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	21.0%
Other means	2.2%
Avg commute (minutes)	13.4

Poverty

All people 21.7%

Under 18 years 4.4%

18 and over 25.3%

Married-couple families 8.5%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	19.8%
Retirement income	8.5%
Supplemental Security	3.8%
Cash public assistance	0.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	11.0%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	17.5%
High cholesterol	19.4%
Heart disease	3.2%
Stroke	1.5%
Asthma	8.9%
Arthritis	13.1%
Kidney disease	1.5%
Pulmonary disease	3.3%
Cancer	3.4%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	26.6%
No physical activity	18.0%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	26.3%
Fair or poor health	7.6%
Poor mental health	14.3%
Poor physical health	6.0%
No health insurance	13.7%
Visited doctor (checkup)	67.0%
Visited dentist	64.7%
Cholesterol screening	76.4%
Teeth loss	11.7%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	22	2.4%

Disability	%
Any disability	12.1%
Under 18	7.0%
18–64 years	9.1%
65 and over	44.3%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	73.4%
Public insurance	24.2%
Uninsured under 19	2.8%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,004	96.0%
Spanish	5	0.5%
Other Indo-European	5	0.5%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,010	96.6%
Born in same state	1,005	96.1%
Born in different state	603	57.6%
Foreign born	5	0.5%
Naturalized citizen	36	3.4%
Not a US citizen	25	69.4%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	172	16.4%
French	96	9.2%
Arab	63	6%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	48	4.6%
German	10	1%
Dutch	3	0.3%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	30.4%
Internet access	94.0%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Peru, NE have?

Peru, NE has one ZIP code: 68421. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.