Total Population
1,524
Population
Growth Rate
0.80%
Median Age
43
Diversity Index
7.900
In July 1852, Father Francis Xavier Pierz arrived in Crow Wing, a village at the confluence of the Crow Wing River with the Mississippi. He was a missionary sent to serve the upper Mississippi region. When he came upon an area of fertile land, which he called Rich Prairie, he wrote to Europe encouraging people to emigrate. The result was that the area was settled almost exclusively by German Catholics. In honor of this prominent and faithful priest, the village was named Pierz. Even today, the population of Pierz is primarily of German Catholic descent.
The broad expanses of rich soil were ideal for the farming enterprise that became the foundation of the area's economy. It spawned the growth of an agriculture-based community of implement dealers, feed businesses, blacksmiths, creameries and stores catering to farmers' needs. The growing community also needed lumberyards, crafts people and hardware stores. Merchants of all kinds found customers in this prosperous community. Though other industries have grown in Pierz, it has always been primarily based on agriculture and the richness of the prairie soil. Pierz is famous for being the home of Thielen's Meat Market, a popular stop for weekenders going to their cabins.
When Pierz and two other surrounding communities, Genola and Buckman, needed new sewer and water infrastructure, they combined their resources and formed a sewer and water district to provide services for all three communities.
Pierz Industrial Park
Households
647
Total Housing Units
671
Owner Occupied
399
Renter Occupied
248
Vacant
24
Median Home Value
$151,623
Average Home Value
$181,642
Income
Growth Rate
Median
Household Income
0.90%
Per Capita Income
2.14%
Median Household
$54,459 $59,366
Average Household
$73,213 $81,086
Per Capita
$30,988 $34,455
Total Businesses
103
Total Employed
949
Workers 16+
703
2021 HealthCare/Social Assist
Businesses
17
Employed
233
2021 Educational Services - Businesses
Businesses
5
Employed
227
2021 Retail Trade Businesses
Businesses
21
Employed
149
2021 Public Administration
Businesses
6
Employed
58
2021 Food & Beverage Stores
Businesses
5
Employed
57
2021 Construction Businesses
Businesses
5
Employed
51
Some
High School
76
Graduated
High School
351
Associates
Degree
136
Bachelor's
Degree
139
Graduate
Degree
42
Average Commute Time
23 min.
Resident Commuters
473
Non-Resident Commuters
230
Drive Alone
505
Carpooled
142
Public
0
Work At Home
22