The municipality has a population of 3,981 (31 December 2024)[2] and covers an area of 1,406.51 square kilometres (543.06 sq mi) of which 253.27 km2 (97.79 sq mi) is water.

[1] The population density is 3.45 inhabitants per square kilometre (8.9/sq mi).

Neighbouring municipalities are Iisalmi, Keitele, Kiuruvesi, Maaninka, Pihtipudas, Pyhäjärvi, and Tervo.

On the north-western side of the village lies Lake Pielavesi.

[5] Pielavesi is also well-known for its successful volleyball club, Pielaveden Sampo.