Peru is a town located in Oxford County, Maine. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,515.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 123.8 km² (47.8 mi²). 121.5 km² (46.9 mi²) of it is land and 2.3 km² (0.9 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.88% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 1,515 people, 585 households, and 436 families residing in the town. The population density is 12.5/km² (32.3/mi²). There are 849 housing units at an average density of 7.0/km² (18.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 99.27% White, 0.00% African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 0.26% from two or more races. 0.40% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 585 households out of which 35.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.8% are married couples living together, 5.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 25.3% are non-families. 19.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.59 and the average family size is 2.98.

In the town the population is spread out with 26.7% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 99.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 99.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $38,083, and the median income for a family is $43,047. Males have a median income of $32,171 versus $23,214 for females. The per capita income for the town is $16,383. 6.0% of the population and 3.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 3.8% of those under the age of 18 and 7.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.