Pierce County is a county in Nebraska, United States, on the northeastern edge of the Elkhorn River valley. It had a population of 7,317 at the 2020 census and covers 575 square miles (1,490 km2), of which 573 square miles (1,480 km2) are land, centred near 42°16′N 97°37′W.
Pierce is the county seat and its postal code is 68767. The county has three incorporated cities, three villages and two unincorporated communities, and sits in the Norfolk, Nebraska micropolitan statistical area. Pierce County observes Central time and its FIPS code is 31139.
Towns & Villages in Pierce County
Pierce County has eight named places: three incorporated cities (Osmond, Pierce and Plainview), three villages (Foster, Hadar and McLean), and two unincorporated communities (Breslau and Wee Town). “City” and “Village” are Nebraska’s own incorporation classes; unincorporated places have no municipal government.
| Place | Type | Pop. | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pierce | City · seat | 1,834 | 68767 |
| Plainview | City | 1,203 | 68769 |
| Osmond | City | 719 | 68765 |
| McLean | Village | — | 68747 |
| Hadar | Village | — | 68738 |
| Foster | Village | — | — |
| Breslau | Unincorp. | — | — |
| Wee Town | Unincorp. | — | — |
Foster has no dedicated ZIP code and is served through a neighboring post office; Breslau and Wee Town are rural crossroads communities with no post office of their own.
ZIP Codes
- 68767 — Pierce (also serves the surrounding township)
- 68769 — Plainview
- 68765 — Osmond
- 68747 — McLean
- 68738 — Hadar (post office box delivery only)
Breslau, Foster and Wee Town have no separate ZIP code and rely on nearby post offices for mail service.
Geography
Pierce County sits on the low rolling hills of northeastern Nebraska, with the Elkhorn River running through the central part of the county and feeding several smaller creeks. Most of the county’s land is farmed, much of it under center-pivot irrigation for corn and soybeans. The county borders Knox County to the north, Cedar County to the northeast, Wayne County to the east, Stanton County to the southeast, Madison County to the south, and Antelope County to the west.
Demographics
Pierce County had 7,317 residents at the 2020 census, a population density of about 12.8 people per square mile. Pierce, the county seat, and Plainview are the two largest communities. Median household income in the county runs below the Nebraska median of $74,590, reflecting the county’s largely agricultural economy. The population is overwhelmingly white and rural, with agriculture the dominant employer.
Economy & Local Life
Farming drives the county’s economy, with corn, soybeans and livestock the primary products under widespread center-pivot irrigation. Pierce, the largest town, anchors local retail, schools and county government offices. Pierce County votes heavily Republican in statewide and national elections.
History
Pierce County was organized in 1859 and named for Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the United States. Early settlement in the county included German Lutheran colonists who migrated from Ixonia, Wisconsin, and helped establish farming communities across the county through the late 19th century.
Getting There
- Norfolk, Nebraska — 15 miles south of Pierce
- Wayne, Nebraska — 30 miles east of Pierce
- Yankton, South Dakota — 45 miles north of Pierce
The nearest commercial air service is Norfolk Regional Airport (OFK), about 15 miles south of Pierce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pierce County, Nebraska?
It is in northeastern Nebraska, about 15 miles north of Norfolk.
What is the population of Pierce County?
7,317 residents at the 2020 census.
How big is Pierce County?
575 square miles (1,490 km2), of which 573 square miles are land.
What is the county seat of Pierce County?
Pierce is the county seat.
How many towns are in Pierce County?
Three cities (Osmond, Pierce, Plainview), three villages (Foster, Hadar, McLean) and two unincorporated communities (Breslau, Wee Town).
What ZIP codes are in Pierce County?
68767 (Pierce), 68769 (Plainview), 68765 (Osmond), 68747 (McLean) and 68738 (Hadar).
Who is Pierce County named for?
Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the United States, at the county’s organization in 1859.
More counties in this state: Towns and villages in Nebraska.