Median Income
$56,563
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$85,300
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
291/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.1%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$644
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.3%
65% lower than US avg
How Pierson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population291
Median Age32.7 yrs
Density606/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans15.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,563
Per Capita$24,995
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty4.3%
County GDP$1,087M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,300
Rent$644
Ownership78.6%
Zillow$160,275
Housing Units130
Rent Burden17.0%
Crime
F
Violent291/100K
Property1,181/100K
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking17.7%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain31.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,277 ft (389 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.1%
High School+96.6%
Graduate+0.5%
School Score5.65
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute30 min
Broadband82.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Pierson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pierson receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Pierson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pierson is $56,563, 25% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pierson is $85,300, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $644 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Pierson is below the national average at 291 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,181 per 100,000, 40% below the national average.
Education
13.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Pierson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.2 inches, including 37.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Pierson has a population of 291 with a density of 606 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 32.7 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.5%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 15.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.7yrs
Median Age
16% 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 Pierson is $56,563, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,995 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $970, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 452 business establishments, including 30 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,563 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,995 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $970 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,807 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.3% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 452 |
| County GDP | $1,087M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,325 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Pierson is $85,300, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,275, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $644 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 130 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,325. 17.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,300 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,275 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $644 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.4% |
| Housing Units | 130 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,325 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.90% |
In Pierson, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.8% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,917. The dentist ratio is 1:3,830. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pierson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,917 |
| Dentists | 1:3,830 |
| Mental Health | 1:725 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 64.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,020/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Pierson has a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,181 per 100,000, 40% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pierson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pierson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 290.5/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,181.5/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pierson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.2 inches. The area receives 37.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,277 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,277 ft (389 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 606/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5436°N, 95.8665°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cherokee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.2"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
137 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
567 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 155 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
85 km |
4 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Pierson has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Pierson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $649 |
| Toddler | $559 |
| Preschool | $559 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $438 |
| Toddler | $431 |
| Preschool | $431 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pierson
What is the population of Pierson?
Pierson has a population of 291 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 606 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Pierson expensive to live in?
Pierson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $56,563, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,300 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $644 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pierson safe?
Pierson is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,181 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Pierson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pierson?
Pierson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.2 inches, with 37.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Pierson?
Pierson has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $970. There are 452 business establishments in the area, including 30 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pierson?
The median home value in Pierson is $85,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,275. For renters, the median monthly rent is $644. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,325.
How are the schools in Pierson?
Schools in Pierson score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.1% of adults in Pierson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 0.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pierson?
The obesity rate in Pierson is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,917.
What is transportation like in Pierson?
The average commute in Pierson is 30 minutes. 83.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pierson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pierson is 95.5% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 15.9% of the population are military veterans. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
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