Is Pierre Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pierre

Pierre, South Dakota, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and the functionality of a state capital. Nestled on the banks of the Missouri River, it provides residents with access to natural beauty and historical attractions. The city balances a peaceful environment with the conveniences expected of a capital city, making it an appealing location for those seeking a particular lifestyle.

This overview delves into the critical aspects of living in Pierre, covering safety, the cost of living, housing, employment, climate, education, and demographics. Understanding these factors is essential for anyone considering a move to this South Dakota city.

Is it Safe to Live in Pierre?

Pierre’s overall crime rate is considered to be 32% below the national average, earning it a B safety grade as of 2026 (DoorProfit). Residents have approximately a 1 in 370 chance of being a victim of violent crime annually, and a 1 in 53 chance for property crime (DoorProfit). While the city is generally considered safe, safety can vary by neighborhood, with the northern parts of the city generally regarded as the safest (DoorProfit, NeighborhoodScout).

The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Pierre is reported as 1 in 197, with property crime rates at 20 per one thousand population (NeighborhoodScout). These figures suggest that while Pierre is safer than many U.S. cities, specific areas may experience higher crime rates than others. It is advisable for prospective residents to research individual neighborhoods for a more precise understanding of local safety (NeighborhoodScout, DoorProfit).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Pierre presents a mix of affordability and appreciation. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Pierre was $230,000, a decrease of 7.3% compared to the previous year (Redfin). However, the median sale price per square foot has increased by 30.9% over the past year, indicating a robust market for property values (Redfin).

Rental prices in Pierre are notably lower than the national average. The average rent in Pierre is $854 per month, which is 48% lower than the national average (Apartments.com). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around $775 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $1,000 per month (Zillow, Apartments.com). These figures make Pierre an attractive option for renters seeking to minimize housing expenses.

The median property value in Pierre was $237,100 in 2024, which is lower than the national average (Data USA). The homeownership rate in Pierre is 73.7%, higher than the national average (Data USA). Homes in Pierre typically sell after 111 days on the market, which is longer than the previous year (Redfin).

Cost of Living

Pierre’s overall cost of living is favorable, with expenses generally falling below the national average. The cost of living in Pierre is approximately 11% lower than the national average (Payscale, Apartments.com). Housing expenses are particularly lower, with costs being 15% less than the national average (Payscale).

Utility prices in Pierre are also more affordable, running 18% lower than the national average (Payscale). Transportation expenses, including gas prices and bus fares, are about 9% lower than the national average (Payscale). Grocery prices are around 5% lower than the national average, contributing to overall savings for residents (Payscale).

Healthcare costs in Pierre are slightly higher than the national average, by about 4% (Payscale). Despite this, the combination of lower housing, utility, and transportation costs makes Pierre a relatively inexpensive city to live in. The total monthly expenses for a single person are estimated at $1,942, and for a family of four at $4,441 (Salary.com).

Job Market and Major Employers

The job market in Pierre is characterized by a concentration in public administration, healthcare, and retail trade. Public administration employs the largest number of residents, followed by healthcare and social assistance, and then retail trade (Data USA, RentCafe). From 2023 to 2024, employment in Pierre saw a slight decline of approximately 1.85% (Data USA).

Major employers in the Pierre area include entities such as the State of South Dakota, Avera Health, and local government agencies (Zippia). Farm Credit Services of America is also a significant employer, serving the agricultural sector (Zippia). Marco, a technology provider, and BankWest are other notable companies in the region (Zippia).

The average salary in Pierre is approximately $70,943 annually, or about $34.11 per hour (ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a median salary closer to $57,731 annually (ERI SalaryExpert). The most common job groups include office and administrative support, management occupations, and business and financial operations (Data USA).

Climate and Weather

Pierre experiences a climate with distinct seasons, featuring hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 12°F to 90°F throughout the year, with rare extremes outside of -8°F or 101°F (World Population Review, NOAA). Summers are generally hot and mostly clear, while winters are freezing, snowy, and windy (NOAA).

The hottest month in Pierre is July, with average high temperatures around 89°F and lows of 64°F (NOAA). The coldest month is January, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 12°F to a high of 31°F (NOAA). The city receives an average annual rainfall of about 19 inches and an average annual snowfall of 32 inches (Livability.com).

Cloud cover varies seasonally, with clearer skies from late spring to early fall. The wind patterns show a prevalence from the north in late winter and spring, from the south in summer and early fall, and from the west in late fall and winter (NOAA).

Education and School Ratings

Pierre is served by the Pierre School District, which has received an overall Niche grade of B+ (Niche). The district serves approximately 2,688 students in grades K-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1 (Niche). State test scores indicate that about 53% of students are proficient in math and 56% in reading (Niche).

T.F. Riggs High School, a part of the district, holds a B+ rating with a score of 3.67 out of 5 based on 202 reviews (Niche). Other schools in the district, such as Buchanan Elementary and Jefferson Elementary, also receive positive ratings (Niche). The district is ranked among the best public school districts in South Dakota (Niche).

While the schools are generally well-regarded, some reviews mention a lack of diversity and limited advanced course options (Niche). However, many students and parents praise the dedicated teachers and the close-knit school community (Niche).

Demographics

Pierre has an estimated population of 13,948, with a slight decrease noted since the 2020 Census (World Population Review, Census Dots). The population is predominantly White, making up approximately 79.7% of residents, followed by Native American at 9.9% (Census Dots). Other racial groups include those identifying as Two or More races (5.5%), Hispanic (4.0%), and Asian (0.8%) (Census Dots).

The median age in Pierre is around 39.4 years, with a slightly higher median age for females (40.4 years) compared to males (38.1 years) (World Population Review). The homeownership rate is high at 73.7% (Data USA). Most residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 15.2 minutes (Data USA).

Citizenship in Pierre is very high, with 99.8% of residents being U.S. citizens (Data USA). The percentage of foreign-born residents is about 1.16%, which is similar to the national average (Data USA).