Median Income
$64,167
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$157,600
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
171/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.8%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$883
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.0%
76% lower than US avg
How Pierce Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,986
Median Age35.9 yrs
Density2,182/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,167
Per Capita$32,327
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty3.0%
County GDP$738M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$157,600
Rent$883
Ownership75.8%
Zillow$277,567
Housing Units878
Rent Burden31.2%
Crime
F
Violent171/100K
Property2,456/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking13.2%
Depression18.3%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.5 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,585 ft (483 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.8%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score6.55
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute20 min
Broadband86.6%
EV Stations9
Libraries3
Is Pierce a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pierce receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $64,167, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 3.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pierce is $157,600, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $883 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.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Pierce is below the national average at 171 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,456 per 100,000, 25% above the national average.
Education
24.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Pierce experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Pierce has a population of 1,986 with a density of 2,182 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 35.9 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 3.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.9yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
The median household income in Pierce is $64,167, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,327 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $919, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 244 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,167 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,327 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $919 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,902 |
| Gini Index | 0.414 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.0% |
| 76% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 244 |
| County GDP | $738M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,155 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Pierce is $157,600, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,567, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $883 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $810 for a one-bedroom to $961 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 878 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $4,155 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.2% 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 | $157,600 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $277,567 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $147 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $883 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $666 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $961 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,152 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,541 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.2% |
| Housing Units | 878 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,155 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.64% |
In Pierce, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 22.6% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 18.3% report depression. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,438. The dentist ratio is 1:2,444. 70.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pierce vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 18.3% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 29.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,438 |
| Dentists | 1:2,444 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,299 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 67.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,469/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Pierce has a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,456 per 100,000, 25% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pierce receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pierce vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 170.8/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,456.5/100K |
| 25% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pierce experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 291 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 27.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,585 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,585 ft (483 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,182/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1995°N, 97.5292°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pierce County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.5"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
129 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
35 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
53 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
141 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
98 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
34 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
69 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
548 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 276 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
38 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
3 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1962 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
55 km |
6 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,911 ac, 1995).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Pierce has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pierce
What is the population of Pierce?
Pierce has a population of 1,986 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 2,182 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Pierce expensive to live in?
Pierce is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $64,167, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $157,600 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $883 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.
Is Pierce safe?
Pierce is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,456 per 100,000 (above 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Pierce?
The job market in Pierce is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $919. There are 244 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pierce?
The median home value in Pierce is $157,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,567. For renters, the median monthly rent is $883. Fair market rent is $810 for a 1-bedroom and $961 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,155.
How are the schools in Pierce?
Schools in Pierce score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.8% of adults in Pierce hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pierce?
The obesity rate in Pierce is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 18.3% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 70.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,438.
What is transportation like in Pierce?
The average commute in Pierce is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pierce?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pierce is 96.6% White. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 3.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
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