Peru is a town in Clinton County in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 6,370.

For statistical purposes, the Census Bureau has defined a census-designated place (CDP) within the town that corresponds to the most densely populated portion of the town. Those details are also included in the aggregate population and area values reported for the town. See Peru (CDP), New York.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 239.3 km² (92.4 mi²). 205.5 km² (79.3 mi²) of it is land and 33.8 km² (13.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 14.12% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 6,370 people, 2,309 households, and 1,777 families residing in the town. The population density is 31.0/km² (80.3/mi²). There are 2,510 housing units at an average density of 12.2/km² (31.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 97.22% White, 0.91% Black or African American, 0.08% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.16% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. 0.85% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 2,309 households out of which 39.2% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.4% are married couples living together, 9.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 23.0% are non-families. 18.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.73 and the average family size is 3.07.

In the town the population is spread out with 28.3% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $39,051, and the median income for a family is $47,853. Males have a median income of $32,196 versus $23,984 for females. The per capita income for the town is $19,676. 11.1% of the population and 7.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 14.3% of those under the age of 18 and 9.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.