Median Income
$45,000
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,000
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.0%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$779
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.8%
61% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.2%
95% higher than US avg
How Pierce City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,472
Median Age31.6 yrs
Density1,141/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$45,000
Per Capita$19,409
Unemployment5.8%
Poverty24.2%
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,000
Rent$779
Ownership64.2%
Zillow$133,375
Housing Units530
Rent Burden19.6%
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured22.8%
Smoking22.0%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain46.0 in/yr
Elevation1,227 ft (374 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+83.0%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute25 min
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations1
Is Pierce City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pierce City receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Pierce City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pierce City is $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 24.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pierce City is $112,000, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $779 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Pierce City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.0 inches, including 6.1 inches of snow.
Pierce City has a population of 1,472 with a density of 1,141 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 31.6 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.7% female and 44.3% male. The city is predominantly White (76.7%), with 7.5% Hispanic, 5.8% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.6% of residents, while 15.8% speak Spanish. 3.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 77.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,472
Total Population
2023 Census
31.6yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Pierce City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.6%
12% above US avg
Spanish
15.8%
18% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Pierce City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Pierce City is $45,000, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,409 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 5.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 24.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 11.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Pierce City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,000 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,409 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.8% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.2% |
| 95% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.2% |
The median home value in Pierce City is $112,000, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,375, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $779 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 530 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. 19.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,000 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $133,375 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $779 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.8% |
| Housing Units | 530 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
In Pierce City, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 22.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.2% report binge drinking. 34.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 22.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Pierce City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 9.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.0% |
| 57% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.5% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.2% |
| Uninsured | 22.8% |
| 165% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 55.3% |
Food & Exercise
Pierce City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 6.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,227 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.8°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,227 ft (374 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,141/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9459°N, 94.0002°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.0"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.71"
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
110 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
110 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Jul 3, 2014 |
6 km S of Yellville, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
146 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
72 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
140 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
139 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
110 km |
| May 13, 2015 |
8 km E of Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
120 km |
| Jan 4, 2024 |
13 km E of South Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
126 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
74 km |
| Aug 11, 2011 |
11 km WSW of Jasper, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
638 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 204 fatalities, 1,948 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
54 km |
158 |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
65 km |
2 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
53 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
45 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
83 km |
3 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
18 km |
1 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
86 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
83 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
18 km |
7 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
19 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,427 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
58 km |
| 2016 |
RXBURN |
2,951 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
BRUSH CREEK |
2,814 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
TWIN PEAKS |
2,578 |
95 km |
| 2023 |
RX TWIN PEAKS |
2,560 |
95 km |
| 2019 |
SWAN CREEK |
2,365 |
93 km |
| 2002 |
ROUNDTPCOX |
2,248 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
EAST FORK |
2,134 |
44 km |
| 2023 |
DEVREAUX |
2,031 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,031 |
85 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,022 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
EAST FORK RX |
1,956 |
44 km |
| 2018 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,956 |
41 km |
| 2013 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,888 |
41 km |
| 2022 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,867 |
41 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,523 |
65 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
74 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,280 |
43 km |
| 2021 |
21 TOUR ROAD NORTH |
1,203 |
55 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,198 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
56°F (14°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Pierce City has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 34°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.7") and February the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Pierce City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Pierce City
What is the population of Pierce City?
Pierce City has a population of 1,472 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,141 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.7% female and 44.3% male.
Is Pierce City expensive to live in?
Pierce City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,000 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $779 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Pierce City?
Pierce City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 46.0 inches, with 6.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Pierce City?
The unemployment rate in Pierce City is 5.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 11.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pierce City?
The median home value in Pierce City is $112,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,375. For renters, the median monthly rent is $779. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.2%.
How are the schools in Pierce City?
Schools in Pierce City score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.0% of adults in Pierce City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.0% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pierce City?
The obesity rate in Pierce City is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.0% of adults are smokers. 34.5% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 22.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Pierce City?
The average commute in Pierce City is 25 minutes. 63.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pierce City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pierce City is 76.7% White, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino, 5.8% Asian. 87.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.8% speak Spanish. 3.9% of the population are military veterans. 9.4% of residents have a disability. 77.2% have health insurance coverage.