Median Income
$61,442
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$102,000
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
144/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.1%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$722
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.4%
40% higher than US avg
How Pipestone Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,165
Median Age39.0 yrs
Density1,004/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans9.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$61,442
Per Capita$35,890
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty17.4%
County GDP$992M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$102,000
Rent$722
Ownership73.5%
Zillow$148,043
Housing Units1,993
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent144/100K
Property1,770/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured10.8%
Smoking18.0%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.6 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,749 ft (533 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.1%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+7.8%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute13 min
Broadband86.3%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Pipestone a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pipestone 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 an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Pipestone offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pipestone is $61,442, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. The poverty rate of 17.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pipestone is $102,000, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $722 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Pipestone is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,770 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
24.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Pipestone has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.6 inches, including 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Pipestone has a population of 4,165 with a density of 1,004 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age is 39.0 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (84.5%), with 3.3% Hispanic, 4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.1% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 9.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.0yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Pipestone vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.1%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.9%
56% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Pipestone vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Pipestone is $61,442, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,890. The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 328 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Pipestone vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,442 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,890 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,379 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.4% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 328 |
| County GDP | $992M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 29 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,047 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
The median home value in Pipestone is $102,000, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,043, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $722 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $742 for a one-bedroom to $973 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,993 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,047. 32.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $102,000 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,043 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $722 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $671 |
| 1 Bedroom | $742 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,538 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,993 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,047 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.99% |
In Pipestone, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,076. The dentist ratio is 1:3,179. 57.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pipestone vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.8% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,076 |
| Dentists | 1:3,179 |
| Mental Health | 1:455 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,748/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 29 |
Pipestone has a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,770 per 100,000, 10% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pipestone receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pipestone vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 143.5/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,770.3/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pipestone has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°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 28.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 39.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,749 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,749 ft (533 m) |
| Area | 4.2 sq mi (10.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,004/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9959°N, 96.3111°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rock County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brookings Regional (BKX)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.6"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
535 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 16 fatalities, 336 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
32 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
49 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Pipestone has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Pipestone. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pipestone
What is the population of Pipestone?
Pipestone has a population of 4,165 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,004 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.0 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Pipestone expensive to live in?
Pipestone has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $61,442, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $102,000 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $722 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pipestone safe?
Pipestone is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,770 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Pipestone receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pipestone?
Pipestone has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.6 inches, with 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Pipestone?
The job market in Pipestone is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 328 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pipestone?
The median home value in Pipestone is $102,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,043. For renters, the median monthly rent is $722. Fair market rent is $742 for a 1-bedroom and $973 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,047.
How are the schools in Pipestone?
Schools in Pipestone score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.1% of adults in Pipestone hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 7.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pipestone?
The obesity rate in Pipestone is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 10.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 57.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,076.
What is transportation like in Pipestone?
The average commute in Pipestone is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pipestone?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pipestone is 84.5% White, 4% Black or African American, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. 94.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 9.7% of the population are military veterans. 18.4% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
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