Pierz was named for Father Francis Xavier Pierz , a Slovenian born Catholicpriest who came to Minnesota during the early 1850s as a missionary to the native Ojibwe people. The town was incorporated on January 12, 1892 under the name "Rich Prairie", however on August 15, 1894, residents voted to change the name to Pierz, in honor of Father Pierz.
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,393 people, 585 households, and 339 families living in the city. The population density was. There were 605 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup of the city was 98.6% White, 0.1% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6% of the population. There were 585 households of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.2% were married couplesliving together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.1% were non-families. 37.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 25.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.94. The median age in the city was 42.5 years. 24.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.2% were from 25 to 44; 19.8% were from 45 to 64; and 27.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 41.3% male and 58.7% female.
2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,277 people, 512 households, and 321 families living in the city. The population density was 945.8 people per square mile. There were 522 housing units at an average density of 386.6 per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 98.67% White, 0.39% Native American, and 0.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.08% of the population. There were 512 households out of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.3% were non-families. 33.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 22.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.91. In the city, the population was spread out with 23.6% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 22.9% from 25 to 44, 15.2% from 45 to 64, and 30.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 72.1 males. The median income for a household in the city was $27,292, and the median income for a family was $34,167. Males had a median income of $29,107 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,638. About 6.0% of families and 13.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.7% of those under age 18 and 20.8% of those age 65 or over.
Arts and culture
Every year Pierz celebrates Oktoberfest during the last weekend in August. There is a medallion search, with daily clues and where the winner gets a $500 "Pierz Bucks" from local businesses to spend within the town. There is also a parade and festival at the city park plus other events, including live Oktoberfest music and plenty of games for young children. During the summer, Pierz is the host to the Commercial Club's Rock, Roll, & Stroll event. This event takes place on Main Street in Pierz on the first Thursday of June, July, August, and September. During the R.R.S. classic cars roll-in to the town of Pierz to park. These cars are works of art and are admired by many. Car owners, admirers, and pedestrians can find local food stands, business specials, and entertainment throughout town. The Pierz Commercial Club sponsors the event and provides prizes for classic car owners. In 2015, the prizes totaled over $1,000 thanks to the Commercial Club and local donations. Pierz is home to Independent School District #484 where close to 1,200 students are served in grades K-12. Students are offered a wide variety of outside activities including sports and clubs. The 2017 football season, lead by coach Leo Pohlkamp, clenched the State title.
