Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pierre, SD
Thinking about moving to Pierre, SD? This friendly capital city of 14,091 offers a relaxed pace, affordable housing with median home prices around $233,500, and average rents near $875. Residents enjoy an average 10-minute commute, moderate cost of living, and a sunny climate with 61% sunny days annually. While crime rates are moderate for the region, Pierre boasts solid schools, a major hospital, and quick access to outdoor recreation along the Missouri River.
Demographics - Pierre, SD
Demographics - Pierre, SD
Pierre, SD is home to about 14,000 residents with a population density of 1,200 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with a notable Native American presence, and the median age of 42 suggests a balanced mix of families and retirees. A small percentage of the population speaks a language other than English, contributing to a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
14,091
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.3%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pierre, SD?
Pierre offers an affordable lifestyle, with a cost of living index below the national average and median home values around $233,500. Residents benefit from moderate housing costs, average rents of $875, and no state income tax, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers. Everyday expenses like utilities and groceries also tend to be reasonable compared to larger cities.
Median House Value:
$233,500
Gross Rent:
$875
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,270
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.4
Grocery:
95.0
Housing:
72.0
Utilities:
91.3
Transportation:
85.2
Health Care:
96.7
Miscellaneous:
98.8
Crime
Is Pierre, SD a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Pierre are moderate, with a violent crime rate of 383 per 100,000 and a 1 in 261 chance of experiencing a violent incident. Property crime is more common, but overall, the community maintains a sense of safety with active law enforcement and engaged neighborhoods. Newcomers should remain aware but will find Pierre comparable to other small cities in the region.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
383
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,400
Crime Index:
2,783
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 261
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Pierre, SD year-round?
Pierre experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters dipping to 8°F and warm summers reaching highs near 89°F. The city enjoys 61% sunny days annually and averages about 19 inches of rainfall, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can expect comfortable springs and falls, making year-round recreation easy and accessible.
Winter
Min:
8°F
Max:
31°F
Spring
Min:
31°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
19.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Local households in Pierre typically earn a median income of $65,000, with a low unemployment rate of 2.6% and a poverty rate just over 10%. Educational attainment is high, as over 94% of residents are high school graduates, and average commute times are a short 10 minutes. The area is friendly and community-oriented, with most people using personal vehicles for transportation.
Median Income:
$43,600
Household Income:
$65,000
Family Income:
$80,500
Per Capita Income:
$36,800
Income Male:
$44,500
Income Female:
$36,700
Poverty Rate:
10.3%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$875
Unemployment Rate:
2.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
10.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.2%
Bachelors or More:
30.1%
Education
How are the schools in Pierre, SD?
Pierre provides strong educational opportunities, featuring well-regarded public and private schools such as T.F. Riggs High School and St. Joseph School. Students benefit from manageable class sizes and attentive teaching staff, while higher education is accessible through Capital University Center, which partners with several state universities. The city's commitment to education supports families and lifelong learners alike.
Public Schools
Name:
T.F. Riggs High School
Street:
1010 E. Broadway Ave
Phone:
605-773-7350
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Georgia Morse Middle School
Street:
309 S. Grant Ave
Phone:
605-773-7370
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph School
Street:
210 E Broadway Ave
Phone:
605-224-7185
Students:
220
Colleges
Name:
Capital University Center (partner of several SD universities)
City:
Pierre
State:
SD
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
400
Healthcare
Pierre offers quality healthcare with major facilities such as Avera St. Mary's Hospital providing comprehensive medical and emergency services. The city has a strong physician presence, with 2.4 doctors per 1,000 residents, and nearly 94% of the population is covered by health insurance. Residents benefit from accessible healthcare options and a supportive medical community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Avera St. Mary's Hospital
Address:
801 E Sioux Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone:
(605) 224-3100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pierre, SD?
The housing market in Pierre is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $233,500 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $875. Homeownership is popular, with over 60% of residents owning their homes, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low. Recent home appreciation and new construction indicate a healthy and growing real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$233,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$875
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Pierre residents are served by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing, conveniently located in the city center. The DMV offers a range of licensing and vehicle services, and appointments or information can be accessed online or by phone. Newcomers will find the process for obtaining licenses and registrations straightforward.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
118 W Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone:
1-605-773-6883
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.