Total Population
1,536
Population
Growth Rate
0.96%
Median Age
42
Diversity Index
7.800
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
648
Total Housing Units
672
Owner Occupied
394
Renter Occupied
253
Vacant
24
Median Home Value
$142,617
Average Home Value
$167,830
Income
Growth Rate
Median
Household Income
1.00%
Per Capita Income
2.09%
Median Household
$53,122 $57,979
Average Household
$66,876 $73,891
Per Capita
$28,133 $31,196
Total Businesses
98
Total Employed
999
Workers 16+
627
2020 HealthCare/Social Assist
Businesses
16
Employed
267
2020 Educational Services - Businesses
Businesses
5
Employed
227
2020 Retail Trade Businesses
Businesses
19
Employed
142
2020 Public Administration
Businesses
6
Employed
73
2020 Manufacturing Businesses
Businesses
4
Employed
50
2020 Finance/Insurance Businesses
Businesses
7
Employed
48
Some
High School
82
Graduated
High School
325
Associates
Degree
162
Bachelor's
Degree
124
Graduate
Degree
44
Average Commute Time
25 min.
Resident Commuters
431
Non-Resident Commuters
196
Drive Alone
466
Carpooled
74
Public
0
Work At Home
46