Pierce County

county

Pierce County is located in northeast Nebraska and has a population of approximately 7,317 residents as of the 2020 Census. The county is characterized by rolling hills and is largely devoted to agriculture, particularly farming with center pivot irrigation. Pierce County is part of the Norfolk, NE Micropolitan Statistical Area. The economy of Pierce County is heavily based on agriculture, with key industries including farming, and related services. Other significant sectors include health care, manufacturing, and retail. The county offers convenient access to regional and national markets via major transportation routes and rail access. Pierce County was established in 1859 and named in honor of Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States. The county has a rich history rooted in early settlements by German Lutheran colonists and the area's significance as a hunting and fishing ground for the Ponca Indians. The county offers a close-knit community with deep Nebraska roots.

Pierce County, Nebraska

Overview

Classification: County
FIPS Code: 31-139
Country: United States
County: Pierce County

Geography

Region: Northeast Nebraska
Total Area: 575 sq mi
Land Area: 573 sq mi
Water Area: 1.3 sq mi
Latitude: 42.27
Longitude: -97.61
Notable Features: North Fork of the Elkhorn River · Dry Fork Creek · Rolling Hills
Neighboring Areas: Cedar County · Wayne County · Stanton County · Madison County · Antelope County · Knox County

Demographics

Population (2020): 7,317
Est. Population (2024): 7,334
Median Age: 39.7
Median Income: $75,938
Poverty Rate: 7.97%
Owner-Occupied: 80.7%
Racial & Ethnic Composition: The racial makeup of the county was 95.6% White, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% Asian, 0.7% from some other race, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 1.9% of the population.

Education

School Districts: Battle Creek Public Schools · Elkhorn Valley Schools · Neligh-Oakdale Public Schools · Norfolk Public Schools · Pierce Public Schools · Plainview Public Schools · Randolph Public Schools · Wausa Public Schools
Colleges & Universities: Northeast Community College (Service Area)

Infrastructure

Transportation: U.S. Highway 20 · U.S. Highway 81 · Nebraska Highway 13 · Nebraska Highway 98 · Nebraska Highway 121 · BNSF Railway (short line)
Utilities: Broadband access
Major Facilities: Courthouse

History

Founded: 1859
Named After: Franklin Pierce, 14th U.S. President
Historical Significance: Pierce County's history is tied to its agricultural development and early settlement by German immigrants. It reflects the broader patterns of westward expansion and agricultural settlement in the United States.
Key Events: Establishment of Willow Creek settlement (forerunner to Pierce) in 1870 · Construction of the first courthouse in 1871 · Arrival of German Lutheran colonists in the late 1860s