Median Income
$74,732
1% lower than US avg
Home Value
$166,700
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
348/100K
8% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.6%
27% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$880
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.2%
82% lower than US avg
How Fort Pierre Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,534
Median Age42.8 yrs
Density812/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$74,732
Per Capita$49,035
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty2.2%
County GDP$186M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$166,700
Rent$880
Ownership78.0%
Zillow$300,384
Housing Units1,179
Rent Burden23.4%
Crime
F
Violent348/100K
Property3,108/100K
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking14.1%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain20.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,439 ft (439 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.6%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+8.5%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute15 min
Broadband86.1%
EV Stations7
Is Fort Pierre a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Pierre receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Fort Pierre offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Pierre is $74,732, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. Only 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fort Pierre is $166,700, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $880 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fort Pierre is below the national average at 348 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,108 per 100,000, 59% above the national average.
Education
24.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Pierre experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.2 inches, including 37.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Fort Pierre has a population of 2,534 with a density of 812 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 42.8 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.9% female and 57.1% male. The city is predominantly White (92.6%), with 5.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.8yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Pierre vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Pierre vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Pierre is $74,732, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,035 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $904, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 153 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Pierre vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,732 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,035 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $92,307 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.2% |
| 82% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 153 |
| County GDP | $186M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,280 |
| 137% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Fort Pierre is $166,700, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,384, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 101.8% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $880 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,179 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $8,280 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $166,700 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $300,384 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $117 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $880 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,179 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,280 |
| 137% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.97% |
In Fort Pierre, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 27.1% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 20.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.1% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,011. The dentist ratio is 1:2,999. 48.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Pierre vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.1% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.1% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 28.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,011 |
| Dentists | 1:2,999 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,043 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 72.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,949/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Fort Pierre has a violent crime rate of 348 per 100,000 residents, 8% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,108 per 100,000, 59% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fort Pierre receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fort Pierre vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 348.5/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,107.9/100K |
| 59% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fort Pierre experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 20.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,439 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,439 ft (439 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 812/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3666°N, 100.3823°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stanley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pierre Regional (PIR)
5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.2"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on May 30, 2024.
| May 30, 2024 |
38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
38 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 |
2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota |
M3.3 |
4 km |
| Aug 5, 2022 |
4 km ENE of Draper, South Dakota |
M3.2 |
49 km |
| Jul 12, 1998 |
7 km E of Corn Creek, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
62 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| Jun 16, 2021 |
15 km N of Quinn, South Dakota |
M2.6 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
197 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 28 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1973 |
EF3 |
3 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
4 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1992 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1987 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1970 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1960 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: POWER DAM ROAD (15,047 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
POWER DAM ROAD |
15,047 |
84 km |
| 2002 |
LAPLANTE |
14,777 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
OKREEK |
11,115 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
GENO H. |
10,423 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
HOUCK RANCH |
8,746 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
DRY CREEK CA |
8,123 |
63 km |
| 2000 |
JENSEN |
4,739 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
HAYES |
4,627 |
55 km |
| 2012 |
TOWER |
4,599 |
92 km |
| 2020 |
BENT RIM |
3,665 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
THOMPSON COMPLEX |
3,230 |
31 km |
| 2000 |
CLOVER |
3,062 |
45 km |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
89 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE BEND |
2,789 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
WHIPPLE CAMP |
2,643 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
RATTLE SNAKE BUTTE |
2,590 |
86 km |
| 2023 |
LITTLE BEND RX |
2,574 |
53 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR BEAR |
2,179 |
81 km |
| 2003 |
HOG |
1,935 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
FT PIERRE COMPLEX |
1,812 |
19 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Fort Pierre has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 19°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.9") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Fort Pierre. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Pierre
What is the population of Fort Pierre?
Fort Pierre has a population of 2,534 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 812 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.9% female and 57.1% male.
Is Fort Pierre expensive to live in?
Fort Pierre is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $74,732, 1% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $166,700 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $880 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fort Pierre safe?
Fort Pierre is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 348 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,108 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fort Pierre receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fort Pierre?
Fort Pierre has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.2 inches, with 37.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Fort Pierre?
The job market in Fort Pierre is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 153 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Pierre?
The median home value in Fort Pierre is $166,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,384. For renters, the median monthly rent is $880. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.0%. The average annual property tax is $8,280.
How are the schools in Fort Pierre?
Schools in Fort Pierre score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.6% of adults in Fort Pierre hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 8.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Pierre?
The obesity rate in Fort Pierre is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 20.1% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 48.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,011.
What is transportation like in Fort Pierre?
The average commute in Fort Pierre is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Pierre?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Pierre is 92.6% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
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