Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Pierce County, Nebraska, had a population of 7,317. The median age was about 40.7 years. Approximately 50.7% of residents were male and 49.3% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (93.6%), with small percentages of other races: 0.4% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 4.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprised 3.6% of the population.

Education, Employment and Housing

Pierce County, NE, has 5 public schools, including 1 high school, serving about 1,000 students. Roughly 93% of adults hold a high school diploma; about 18% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school safety rating is 8/10, and schools offer various educational programs, such as dual-credit and vocational courses. Adult education opportunities are provided through regional collaborations. School performance averages 84% proficiency in reading and 80% in math, reflecting strong academic outcomes.

As of 2022, Pierce County, NE, had an employment rate of approximately 97%. The largest industries include agriculture (employing 22%), manufacturing (18%), and healthcare & social assistance (12%). Most common occupations are production (20%), management (16%), and office & administrative support (12%). About 74% of residents commute to work by car, with an average commute time of 22 minutes; 32% work within the county, while others commute primarily to Norfolk and Wayne.

Pierce County, NE has a homeownership rate of approximately 76%, with median home values around $156,000 as of 2023. The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $750. Housing stock mainly consists of single-family homes, with some multi-family and rental units in towns like Pierce and Plainview. Property values have risen modestly by about 2% annually. Neighborhoods feature quiet, rural settings with good access to schools. Property tax rates average 1.66% of assessed value, translating to roughly $2,590 annually for a median-priced home in the county.

Elections

Pierce County, NE, has approximately 4,800 registered voters as of 2024, primarily Republican (about 85%) with Democrats and nonpartisan voters making up the rest. The county conducts general, primary, special, and local elections, administered by the Pierce County Clerk’s office. In the 2020 presidential election, results showed over 82% support for the Republican candidate. Polling locations include sites in Pierce, Osmond, and Plainview. Key issues often relate to agriculture and local infrastructure. The main parties represented are Republican and Democratic, with Republicans overwhelmingly dominating county elections.

County Crime & Safety

Pierce County, NE, maintains a low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to the latest FBI statistics, the county reported an overall crime rate of approximately 6 incidents per 1,000 residents in 2022. Violent crimes remain rare, with fewer than 5 incidents reported annually, while property crimes account for most offenses. Local law enforcement emphasizes community policing and proactive crime prevention. Residents frequently report crimes, ensuring accurate crime data collection and contributing to the county’s reputation for safety.