Median Income
$41,250
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,500
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
116/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.4%
90% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$825
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.8%
19% higher than US avg
How Pierson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population139
Median Age34.7 yrs
Density556/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans96.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,250
Per Capita$21,068
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty14.8%
County GDP$2,158M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,500
Rent$825
Ownership72.7%
Zillow$279,563
Housing Units55
Rent Burden38.1%
Crime
F
Violent116/100K
Property1,230/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking16.4%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation909 ft (277 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.4%
High School+79.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.68
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute32 min
Broadband55.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Pierson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pierson receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Pierson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pierson is $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 14.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pierson is $92,500, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $825 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
Pierson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 116 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,230 per 100,000, 37% below the national average.
Education
3.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Pierson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.7 inches, including 72.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Pierson has a population of 139 with a density of 556 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 34.7 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 96.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.7yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
The median household income in Pierson is $41,250, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,068 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $909, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,086 business establishments, including 93 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,250 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,068 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $909 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,319 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.8% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,086 |
| County GDP | $2,158M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Healthcare | 122 |
| Retail | 201 |
| Manufacturing | 74 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,619 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Pierson is $92,500, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $279,563, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $825 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 55 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $4,619 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 38.1% 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 | $92,500 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $279,563 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $825 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.3% |
| Housing Units | 55 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,619 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.99% |
In Pierson, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 19.5% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,201. The dentist ratio is 1:2,175. 50.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pierson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,201 |
| Dentists | 1:2,175 |
| Mental Health | 1:334 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 66.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 122 |
Pierson has a violent crime rate of 116 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,230 per 100,000, 37% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 15 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 | 116.4/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,230.1/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 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 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.7 inches. The area receives 72.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 909 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 909 ft (277 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 556/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3196°N, 85.4975°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Montcalm County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gerald R Ford International (GRR)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.7"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| 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: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
121 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
93 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
252 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 29 fatalities, 615 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
95 km |
17 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
48 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1994 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1989 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1986 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1984 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1983 |
EF2 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
94 km |
| 2018 |
SER 438 / WHITE RIVER |
814 |
58 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
793 |
58 km |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
65 km |
| 2019 |
BALDWIN FUELS UNITS 1/2/6AB |
619 |
71 km |
| 2024 |
WHELAN LAKE BLOCK 1 PARTIAL 1 RX |
512 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Pierson has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 22°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.4").
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) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $542 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $700 |
| Toddler | $717 |
| Preschool | $717 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pierson
What is the population of Pierson?
Pierson has a population of 139 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 556 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Pierson expensive to live in?
Pierson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $92,500 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $825 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 Pierson safe?
Pierson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 116 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,230 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 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.7 inches, with 72.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Pierson?
The job market in Pierson is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $909. There are 1,086 business establishments in the area, including 93 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pierson?
The median home value in Pierson is $92,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $279,563. For renters, the median monthly rent is $825. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,619.
How are the schools in Pierson?
Schools in Pierson have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 3.4% of adults in Pierson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pierson?
The obesity rate in Pierson is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 50.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,201.
What is transportation like in Pierson?
The average commute in Pierson is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pierson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pierson is 97.8% White. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 96.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.6% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
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