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When you dream about living in an area surrounded by stunning natural landscapes but not far away from urban amenities, there is no place better than Pierre to call your home. The capital city of South Dakota is a small town surrounded by green space and is often called the most beautiful capital city in the US.

The small town is home to just 16,000 people and they often look out for each other as a great place to raise the family.If Pierre is on your list of cities you seriously consider relocating to, tons of queries may crop up in your mind including the cost of living, safety, transport, climate, jobs, and schools. But worry not, as we’ve got answers for all of them.

Yes, our ultimate Pierre moving guide is the best encyclopedia of the city that you can get.

To get the best and most reliable information about the city’s lifestyle, people, schools, jobs, safety, and living costs, let’s walk forward.

QuickFacts

Quick facts to know before moving to Pierre

  • Pierre was founded in 1880.
  • Pierre is the second-least populous state capital.
  • The city is a major economic center in South Dakota.
  • Pierre became the capital of South Dakota in 1889.
  • Pierre has a humid continental climate.
  • More job opportunities exist here.
  • The housing market is highly competitive here.
  • Low house ownership rate is also a major drawback.
  • There is a lot to do outdoors.
  • There is a strong community feeling.

Top 10 things to know before moving to Pierre

  • Pierre has a small-town feel with a strong sense of community.
  • The cost of living is relatively low in Pierre.
  • There is a strong economy.
  • There are plenty of jobs here.
  • The city boasts of rich cultural heritage.
  • The city has a strong art scene.
  • The education system is strong.
  • The crime rate is average.
  • There is no income tax.
  • Winters can be particularly harsh, with low temperatures and snow.

What is it like to live in Pierre, SD?

One of the most preferred places in South Dakota, Pierre promises residents a dense suburban feel amidst a scenic setting. Low living costs, a relatively safer environment, and several fun activities will make life easier. The public schools and colleges are above average and the city is also highly affordable with a strong housing market.

Is Pierre cheaper to live?

One of the major pluses of Pierre is the low cost of living. The city’s cost of living is 3% lower than the state average and 10% lower than the US average with housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities being highly affordable. The average housing cost is 10% lower than the US average and utilities are 20% lower than the US average.

Does Pierre get a lot of snow?

Yes, it snows in Pierre. The city receives a snowfall of about 38 inches annually in the winter months. The snowy season typically lasts from October to April, with the most snow falling in February and March.

Why should you move to Pierre?

The capital city of South Dakota is a major economic center of the state and is also home to many business offices, making it easier to find a job. Despite this, the cost of living is affordable and housing options are also plenty in Pierre. The city is relatively safer and is also home to above-average schools and colleges. While it has a strong community feeling, it is also strong in terms of diversity.

What's the population of Pierre, SD?

As per the latest statistics, the city has 18,276 residents, which means 1,081.68 persons per square mile. The median age in the city is 39.3 and the number of people per household is 2.2. The gender makeup of the city was 47.8% male and 52.2% female. About 7.7% of the population lives under the poverty line.

To know the population better, here are a few stats.

  • Pierre’s total population is 18,276.
  • The population is made up of 47.8% males and 52.2% females.
  • The median age in the city is 39.3.
  • The city population is made up of 85.1% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, 10.9% Native American, and 2.4% from two or more races.
  • About 1.9% of the population is of Hispanic ethnicity.
  • The median household size in Pierre is 2.2 persons.
  • About 45.7% of the residents are married couples living together.

Pierre is smaller in size, and the population is also one of the lowest among state capitals. That means the streets are less crowded, and you can easily drive here without spending much time behind the wheel, leading to less commuting time. The average one-way commute time in Pierre is 12.2 minutes, much lower than the US average of 26.4 minutes.

If you are keen to know how the city residents reach the office regularly, here are the latest stats:

  • About 82.6% drive their car alone
  • About 10.9% carpool with others
  • About 2.8% work from home
  • Approximately 3.5% take mass transit

What is the weather like in Pierre, South Dakota?

The city has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and hot, sunny summers with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching into the high 80s and low 90s. Winters are cold, snowy, and windy, as temperatures drop to an average of 28 degrees in January. The city has 76 rainy days a year. July is the warmest month and January is the snowiest.

We’ve got a few additional facts about the Pierre climate:

  • Pierre receives about 18 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year.
  • The city averages 38 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.
  • On average, Pierre gets about 217 sunny days per year against the US average of 205 sunny days.
  • The city receives some kind of precipitation, on average, 150 days per year in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
  • July is the hottest month while January is the coldest.
move to Pierre

Top 10 reasons to move to Pierre

Here are key reasons why moving to Pierre could be the right choice.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Pierre.

  • Good schools and educational system

    Pierre offers above-average public schools and a strong educational system, making it a great place for families with children. Several colleges and higher education options are also available nearby.

  • Low crime rate

    Pierre has a relatively low crime rate compared to the national average, providing residents with a safe and secure environment for families and individuals alike.

  • Growing job market

    More jobs are available in Pierre, thanks to its role as the capital city and economic hub of South Dakota. Major sectors include government, healthcare, and education, offering diverse employment opportunities.

  • Peaceful atmosphere

    Life in Pierre moves at a relaxed and peaceful pace, perfect for those who prefer a laid-back lifestyle and a calm environment away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

  • Small-town vibe

    Despite being the state capital, Pierre maintains a charming small-town feel. The community is close-knit and welcoming, offering a sense of belonging to newcomers.

  • Good livability factors 

    Pierre boasts a strong sense of community with various local events, gatherings, and cultural festivals that create a welcoming environment for newcomers and long-time residents.

pros and cons Pierre

Pros and Cons of living in Pierre

Moving to Pierre is not always about the best things in the world. Do not assume that the city is free from all negatives as Pierre too has got its share of challenges.

Pros of living in Pierre
  • Good living standards
  • Quality education
  • Many open spaces
  • Relatively low crime rate
  • Growing economy
  • Affordable living costs
  • No income tax
Cons of living in Pierre
  • Low house ownership rates
  • Lacks vibrant nightlife
  • Lack of diversity in jobs
  • Heavy snowfall

What are the best neighborhoods in Pierre, SD?

When you are serious about relocating to a new place, especially with the family, the neighborhood will be a crucial factor. As your new destination is Pierre, we thought of listing out the best neighborhoods in the city and nearby. The city is smaller in size but has a couple of decent neighborhoods from which you can pick one. This will benefit you while searching for a home to buy or rent after reaching here.

Here are the top 3 best neighborhoods in Pierre.

Neighborhood Home Rental Home Value
City Center $1,245 $251,191
Pierre Regional Airport $1,603 $262,670
Pierre North $1,792 $245,516
Cost of living in Pierre

Cost of living in Pierre, SD

One of the major pluses of relocating to Pierre is the affordable living costs. Despite being a growing city, you can comfortably live here without burning your wallet. The cost of living in Pierre is 3% lower than the state average and 10% lower than the US average. The average home cost in Pierre is $224,669, 10% lower than the national average. While utilities are 20% lower than the US average, goods and services are 11% cheaper than the US average.

And to give you a good idea about the living cost; we’ve got the latest stats.

Living Expense Pierre South Dakota National Average
Overall 80.7 96.5 100
Grocery 91.1 95.9 100
Health 90.1 94.2 100
Housing 87.1 91.7 100
Median Home Cost $224,669 $308,842 $338,100
Utilities 87.6 96.2 100
Transportation 82.3 90.1 100
Miscellaneous 91.6 98.5 100
Job Market

How is the job market in Pierre,South Dakota?

Unless your company has moved you to Pierre, you will require a job to survive in the city. Fortunately, the city has a booming economy and jobs have gone up in recent years. Banking, insurance, construction, and real estate are major businesses here. Relocating to Pierre will be a good idea if you have experience in any of these sectors

Here are a few points on the Pierre job market.

  • The job growth in Pierre is negative.
  • Jobs have decreased by 1.4% over the past year.
  • The future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 27.0%
  • The unemployment rate in Pierre is 2.7%
  • The average income of a Pierre resident is $35,000 a year.

Let’s take a look at the Pierre job market to understand it better.

Employment Information Pierre United States
The income per Cap $38,931 $37,638
Household Income $70,053 $69,021
Unemployment Rate 2.7 6%
Recent Job Growth -3.9% -6.2%
Future Job Growth 27.0% 33.5%

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Fastest growing jobs in Pierre, South Dakota

As you are in the leg of the relocation, it is good to have a list of jobs growing faster in the city. This will help you identify the demand and analyze whether moving here is a wise decision.

Here are the 10 top fastest-growing jobs in Pierre.

Rank Job Title Average salary Growth
1 Industrial mechanic $53,070 137.8%
2 Personal care assistant $29,250 131.6%
3 Preschool teacher $38,080 128.1%
4 Sales representative $101,160 122.2%
5 Civil engineer $82,530 123.8%
6 Attorney $109,180 121.7%
7 Plumber $54,680 113.2%
8 Accountant $70,680 111.0%
9 Registered nurse $61,950 106.4%
10 Material handler $36,160 101.4%

Top career options in Pierre, South Dakota

Next in the line are the highest-paying jobs in Pierre. This is crucial while you relocate to Pierre as when you know the best-paying jobs, it becomes easier to filter the jobs while searching.

Rank Job Title Average salary Entry level salary
1 Vice president/ managing director $238,404 $139,000
2 Clinical psychiatrist $229,091 $133,000
3 Internal medicine physician $223,410 $128,660
4 Chief medical officer $215,650 $131,000
5 Finance services director $211,118 $129,000
6 Vice president, field operations $209,821 $127,000
7 Physician ophthalmologist $206,740 $118,000
8 General internist $201,414 $109,000
9 Primary care pediatrician $194,984 $103,000
10 Resident physician in radiology $191,766 $101,060

What's the average salary & income in Pierre, SD?

While making up your mind to relocate to Pierre, you will also be concerned about the cost of living and the salary you would require to make a happy life. Here, the average salary is $35,000 and anything above this will be a good salary, making your life easier. The salary in Pierre may differ based on your experience, job type, and many other factors, but there are certain common things that you need to know.

To help you, we’ve collated a few facts about the average salary and income in Pierre.

  • Pierre’s average annual pay for average jobs is $35,000 a year.
  • Pierre’s average hourly pay for average jobs is $17.15 an hour.
  • Pierre’s average weekly pay for average jobs is $901.20 a week.
  • Pierre’s average monthly pay for average jobs is $2,917 a month.
  • Pierre’s top earners (90th percentile) make $63,000 annually.

Major industries in Pierre, SD

When you have a plan to relocate to a new city, it is good to know the major industries there. Pierre is a business center where jobs are plenty and to help you, we’ve got the major industries there.

Here is a list of major industries in Pierre.

  • Banking
  • Insurance
  • Healthcare
  • Construction
  • Real estate
  • Tourism
  • Food processing
  • Retail

Best companies to work for if you’re moving to Pierre, SD

Moving to Pierre, you will be keen to join one of the best companies. And by ‘best’, you mean ‘employee-friendly’. Realizing this, our experts have filtered out the top-rated companies to work in Pierre.

  • Governor’s Office
  • Fischer, Rounds & Associates
  • Capital Area Counseling Area
  • Bank West – South Dakota
  • South Dakota Board of Regents
  • Fleet & Travel Management
  • Personal Group
  • TeamWorld
  • Beck Motors
  • Merck

How is the Housing Market in Pierre, SD?

 

Reaching Pierre, your priority would be to rent a home in a decent neighborhood. And this is more crucial when you have a family. Fortunately, finding a home won’t be tougher as there are ample homes on rent. And to make things easier, the home rental is also much lower than both state and national average. You may rent a house in one of the best neighborhoods without burning the wallet. About 41.1% of the residents in Pierre stay in rented homes while 3.1% of houses in the city are available for rent.

Here are some of the latest housing stats in Pierre:

  • Pierre’s average rent for a studio apartment is $780
  • Pierre’s average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $850
  • Pierre’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $944
  • Pierre’s average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $1,044
  • Pierre’s average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is $1,490

What are taxes like in Pierre, SD?

Your take-home salary in Pierre is greatly influenced by the taxes deducted from the gross amount mentioned on the pay slip. This makes it crucial to know the taxes in the city to exactly know the take-home amount.

  • The Sales Tax Rate for Pierre is 2.0%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • There is no income tax in Pierre. The US average is 4.6%.
  • The average property tax rate in Pierre is 1.32%.

What are the best things to do in Pierre, SD?

Moving to Pierre, you will be living amidst a scenic setting with vast open areas drenched in green. The plenty of options including national parks, mountains, and rivers in and around the city are good for exploring the scenic nature. In addition, the city also has museums, monuments, and historical sites that take you to the rich past of South Dakota.

To guide you more, we’ve collated a list of 10 top things to do in Pierre.

  • Take a trip to LaFramboise Island Nature Area

    Enjoy hiking, bird watching, and scenic river views at this nature preserve located right in the Missouri River.

  • Learn the rich past at the Cultural Heritage Center

    Explore exhibits about South Dakota’s Native American culture, pioneer life, and state history in this unique underground museum.

  • Visit the State Capitol

    Tour the beautiful South Dakota State Capitol building with its striking architecture, grand rotunda, and scenic gardens.

  • Explore the South Dakota National Guard Museum

    Learn about the role of the National Guard in South Dakota’s history, including military artifacts and memorabilia.

  • Visit the Trail of Governors

    Take a walk among life-size bronze statues of former South Dakota governors displayed along the streets of Pierre.

  • Learn at the South Dakota Discovery Center

    This interactive science center is great for families, with hands-on exhibits that encourage exploration and learning.

  • Have fun at Lewis & Clark Family Center

    This fun center features mini golf, go-karts, and other activities for all ages, making it a great spot for a family day out.

  • Visit Oahe Dam

    Check out one of the largest earth-rolled dams in the world, with visitor tours and a scenic overlook of the Missouri River.

  • Explore Verendrye Museum

    This local museum showcases regional history and artifacts, including displays on Pierre’s early settlers and Native American heritage.

  • Go for a bike trail at one of the trail sites

    Enjoy biking along the Missouri River or other nearby trails that offer beautiful views and a chance to experience Pierre’s natural beauty.

How safe is Pierre, SD?

One of the major pluses of people relocating to Pierre is safety. The city’s crime rate is much lower than the state average. The violent crime rate is 21.5 and the property crime rate is 51.5. The city is safer than 11% of the US cities and about 53% of residents feel safer here.

  • Pierre’s violent crime is 21.5 while the US average is 22.7.
  • The city’s property crime is 51.5 while the US average is 35.4.
  • Your chance of being a violent crime victim is 1 in 217 in Pierre.
  • Your chance of being a property crime victim is 1 in 42 in Pierre.
  • About 53% of the residents find the city pretty safe.
  • Pierre is safer than 11% of US cities.

What are the top schools in Pierre, SD?

Pierre is home to some of the best schools in South Dakota. This means you can breathe easy if you are relocating with the family.

To help you, we’ve compiled names of the best schools and colleges in Pierre and nearby. Here’s our list.

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