Median Income
$53,125
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$171,700
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
226/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.4%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.1%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.6%
87% lower than US avg
How Pierce Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population465
Median Age56.7 yrs
Density560/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans20.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$53,125
Per Capita$36,997
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty1.6%
County GDP$474M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$171,700
Rent$850
Ownership95.6%
Zillow$185,185
Housing Units291
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent226/100K
Property1,959/100K
Health
Obesity31.1%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking14.1%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI33 (Good)
Rain43.1 in/yr
Sunny Days240/yr
Elevation3,291 ft (1,003 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.4%
High School+92.2%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.29
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Commute25 min
Broadband77.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Pierce a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pierce receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Pierce offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pierce is $53,125, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pierce is $171,700, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Pierce is below the national average at 226 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,959 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
17.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Pierce has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 240 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 43.1 inches, including 113.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33.
Pierce has a population of 465 with a density of 560 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 56.7 years, 46% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.8% female and 60.2% male. The city is predominantly White (97.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 20.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 35.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.7yrs
Median Age
46% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Pierce is $53,125, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,997. The average weekly wage is $972, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 357 business establishments, including 31 restaurants. The cost of living index is 95.5, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,125 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,997 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $972 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,512 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.6% |
| 87% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 357 |
| County GDP | $474M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 31 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,842 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 95.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in Pierce is $171,700, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,185. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $950 for a one-bedroom to $1,173 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 291 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $2,842 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $171,700 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $185,185 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $898 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,173 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,619 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.4% |
| Housing Units | 291 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,842 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.66% |
In Pierce, 31.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 18.0% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:741. The dentist ratio is 1:2,254. 37.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pierce vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.1% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:741 |
| Dentists | 1:2,254 |
| Mental Health | 1:709 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,737/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Pierce has a violent crime rate of 226 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,959 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Pierce receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pierce vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 226.1/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,959.3/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pierce has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. The area gets 240 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.1 inches. The area receives 113.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33. The city sits at an elevation of 3,291 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 240 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,291 ft (1,003 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 560/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4953°N, 115.8033°W |
| Timezone | America/Boise |
| County | Clearwater County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pullman/Moscow Regional (PUW) 64 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.1"
13% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 33.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 9.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
63 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.3 on Feb 11, 2025.
| Aug 17, 1994 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M4.1 |
109 km |
| Jun 28, 1998 |
3 km SE of Genesee, Idaho |
M3.8 |
84 km |
| Nov 8, 1997 |
39 km SE of Pierce, Idaho |
M3.8 |
40 km |
| May 30, 1996 |
3 km SSW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
105 km |
| Mar 14, 1997 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
108 km |
| Jun 28, 1997 |
3 km NNW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Mar 8, 1994 |
32 km S of Wallace, Idaho |
M3.4 |
77 km |
| Nov 2, 1996 |
4 km W of Trout Creek, Montana |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Feb 11, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.3 |
111 km |
| May 10, 2000 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M3.3 |
108 km |
| Jul 26, 2006 |
7 km NW of Old Agency, Montana |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| Feb 10, 2013 |
29 km ESE of Pierce, Idaho |
M3.2 |
30 km |
| Feb 9, 1996 |
2 km W of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.2 |
109 km |
| Mar 18, 1993 |
3 km SSW of Osburn, Idaho |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| May 6, 2004 |
0 km W of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Jul 7, 2019 |
12 km ENE of Paradise, Montana |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Jun 12, 1999 |
0 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Sep 5, 1999 |
1 km W of Frenchtown, Montana |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| Sep 1, 1999 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| May 22, 2022 |
2 km WSW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.0 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
11 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1962 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1986 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1973 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1969 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2010 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2010 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2007 |
EF0 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MALONEY CREEK (131,397 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
MALONEY CREEK |
131,397 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
SHOVEL CREEK |
109,829 |
93 km |
| 2014 |
BIG COUGAR |
65,397 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
CHIMNEY COMPLEX |
50,646 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
KAMIAH GULCH |
48,459 |
29 km |
| 2012 |
MCGUIRE COMPLEX |
47,257 |
99 km |
| 2017 |
POWERLINE |
45,449 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
WASH |
39,448 |
66 km |
| 2007 |
BRIDGE |
36,732 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
FISH CREEK COMPLEX (THOMPSON CREEK) |
33,779 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
FERN |
29,736 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
FREEZE OUT |
28,355 |
71 km |
| 2017 |
SUNRISE |
26,896 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
BURNT FLATS |
24,808 |
83 km |
| 2012 |
CEDAR |
21,305 |
93 km |
| 2017 |
MOOSE CREEK 1 |
21,242 |
83 km |
| 2015 |
FISHER |
20,757 |
51 km |
| 2012 |
PETTIBONE |
20,261 |
96 km |
| 1988 |
FREEMAN TRAIL |
19,499 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
DITCH |
18,973 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
49°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
1.2 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
54°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
4.2 in |
Coldest |
Pierce has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 26°F in December to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with January being the wettest month (4.5") and July the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Pierce. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$239 ($143–$382) |
| Specialist Visit |
$334 ($191–$525) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$191 ($96–$334) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,101 ($764–$4,775) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$124 ($72–$191) |
| Dental Filling |
$239 ($143–$382) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$287 ($143–$478) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$573 ($382–$955) |
| Battery Replacement |
$191 ($96–$334) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($57–$143) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$86 ($48–$134) |
| HVAC Repair |
$382 ($143–$764) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,685 ($3,820–$11,460) |
| Roof Repair |
$955 ($382–$1,910) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,595 ($5,253–$14,325) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,433 ($478–$3,343) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,325 ($4,775–$28,650) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,775 ($1,910–$9,550) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,433 ($764–$2,865) |
| Will Preparation |
$478 ($191–$955) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,388 ($955–$4,775) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$143 ($72–$239) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$62) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($48–$124) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.92 ($2.87–$5.25) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.34 ($2.39–$4.78) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.63 ($2.39–$5.25) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.30 ($2.87–$6.21) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.25 ($3.82–$7.16) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.57–$1.72) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$134 ($76–$239) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$143) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$62 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$81 ($48–$143) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$191 ($72–$478) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,910 ($1,146–$3,343) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$124) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.64–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$239) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,146 ($573–$2,388) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$955 ($478–$1,910) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$382 ($191–$669) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$955 ($382–$2,388) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,938 ($4,775–$28,650) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$191) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$287 ($143–$478) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$191 ($96–$382) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $721 |
| Toddler | $669 |
| Preschool | $607 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $563 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $524 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pierce
What is the population of Pierce?
Pierce has a population of 465 residents and is located in Idaho. The population density is 560 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.8% female and 60.2% male.
Is Pierce expensive to live in?
Pierce has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 95.5 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $53,125, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $171,700 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pierce safe?
Pierce is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 226 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,959 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Pierce receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pierce?
Pierce has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 240 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 43.1 inches, with 113.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 33.
How is the job market in Pierce?
The job market in Pierce is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $972. There are 357 business establishments in the area, including 31 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pierce?
The median home value in Pierce is $171,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,185. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $950 for a 1-bedroom and $1,173 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 95.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,842.
How are the schools in Pierce?
Schools in Pierce score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.4% of adults in Pierce hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pierce?
The obesity rate in Pierce is 31.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 37.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:741.
What is transportation like in Pierce?
The average commute in Pierce is 25 minutes. 69.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pierce?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pierce is 97.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 20.9% of the population are military veterans. 35.1% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.