[4] The city was named from an old-growth grove of hickory trees, which once served as a local landmark or "pilot" to travelers.

[5]Pilot Grove is located along Missouri Route 135 and is four miles south of I-70.

The Petite Saline Creek flows past about two miles to the east of the town.

[6] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.42 square miles (1.09 km2), all land.

There were 334 housing units at an average density of 795.2 per square mile (307.0/km2).

34.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.