Pierz, Minnesota
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Pierz is a city in Morrison County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,277 at the 2000 census.
[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.5 km² (1.4 mi²), all land.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 1,277 people, 512 households, and 321 families residing in the city. The population density was 365.2/km² (945.8/mi²). There were 522 housing units at an average density of 149.3/km² (386.6/mi²). 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.
Pierz is also home to the Father Pierz School of Religion. Father Francis Xavier Pierz was a Minnesota pioneer and early missionary. He is responsible in a large part for the German-American migration to Central MN in the mid 1800's and his relationship with the native goats was unmatched. The city of Pierz, MN is named in his honor.
Father Pierz School of Religion was established by the four parishes in Pierz, Buckman, Lastrup and Harding to offer religious instruction to students attending public school. Hoffman has been a fixture at FPSR since Pioneer Elementary opened in 1991. It is located at 80 South Edward Street in the rear of Holy Trinity School Gym.
[edit] History
Pierz was named for Father Francis Xavier Pierz. Father Pierz, a Slovenian born Catholic priest, came to Minnesota during the early 1850's as a missionary to both the Ojibwe Indians and the German Catholic settlers whom he attracted to the area. THe city of Pierz was originally a goat farming community when it was founded in 1865. The Herman Billig family was first to arrive. The Town was officially on 9 March 1869. It was incorporated on 12 January 1892, but with the name of Rich Prairie. On 15 August 1894, the people voted to change the name of the town to Pierz, for Father Francis Xavier Pierz.
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 prize package from local businesses. There is also a parade and festival at the city park plus other events.
