Pierce County, NE: EPA's radon zone, explained

EPA places Pierce County in Zone 1 - Highest Potential — a predicted county-wide average indoor radon level above 4 pCi/L, based on the geology, soil and aerial radioactivity data behind EPA's national map. Nationally, Pierce County ranks higher in radon potential than 73% of rated counties (the 73rd percentile).

Where Pierce County sits nationally

Pierce County, Nebraska is home to about 7,334 people across 573.249 square miles. Averaged across its land area, Pierce County runs about 13 people per square mile. By population, Pierce County is the 837th largest of every county sharing its EPA zone — the 21st percentile by population within that zone. Pierce County falls in EPA Radon Region 7, one of 412 counties nationally EPA assigns to that same geologic province.

Why the zone isn't the answer by itself

Outdoor air nationally averages about 0.4 pCi/L, indoor air about 1.3 pCi/L — Pierce County's Zone 1 prediction clears both of those and EPA's fix-it threshold besides. Being in Zone 1 raises the odds Pierce County homes test above the action level, but it does not mean any specific house does — EPA recommends every home be tested, in every zone, because the only way to know is to test.

If Pierce County tests above the action level

For a Pierce County homeowner, the order is simple: test first, since a kit costs a small fraction of what mitigation would. Only if the result clears 4 pCi/L does a system — typically $800–$2,500, about $1,200 for a common install — become worth pricing out.

Find Nebraska's state radon program

For Pierce County, an ongoing number beats a one-time test - a Airthings radon monitor tracks Pierce County's levels over time. RadonZoneCheck earns a commission there, at no extra cost to you. Code RADONZONE-10OFF takes 10% off at checkout.

Where Pierce County's figures come from

Pierce County's zone, rank and region all trace back to named EPA and Census sources — the methodology guide lists exactly which ones. Whatever zone Pierce County carries, the zone explainer covers what it does and doesn't tell you about any one house.