County Crime & Safety
Pierce County, WI, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. According to recent FBI data, the violent crime rate is approximately 1.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime stands at about 10.5 per 1,000. The county relies on proactive law enforcement strategies and community reporting, with over 700 total offenses reported in 2022. Most incidents involve theft and burglary, with minimal occurrences of violent crimes. Safety initiatives and neighborhood watch programs contribute to its reputation as a safe community.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Pierce County, WI, had a population of approximately 42,212. The median age was 39.5 years, with 50.1% male and 49.9% female residents. The racial makeup was predominantly White (94.5%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (2.4%), Asian (0.8%), Black or African American (0.6%), and Native American (0.4%). About 1.3% identified as two or more races.
Education, Employment and Housing
Pierce County, WI, features seven public school districts, including Prescott and River Falls, with a combined high school graduation rate of about 95%. Approximately 31% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county has 14 elementary, 4 middle, and 4 high schools, with average standardized test scores following state averages. St. Croix Valley Technical College offers adult education programs. School safety initiatives include resource officers and annual drills. Educational programs focus on STEM and technical skills, enhancing student opportunities and maintaining a positive learning environment.
As of 2022, Pierce County, WI, boasts an employment rate of approximately 65.3%. The largest industries include Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance (23.4%), and Manufacturing (15.7%). Most workers are employed in management, business, science, and arts occupations (33%). About 77.2% of residents commute outside the county for work, with an average commute time of 26.7 minutes. The Twin Cities metropolitan area serves as a major employment location for many commuters.
Pierce County, WI has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with a median home value near $276,000 in 2023—a 6% increase over the previous year. Median gross rent is approximately $950 per month. Single-family homes are the predominant housing type, with some multi-family units in towns like River Falls and Prescott. Popular neighborhoods include Ellsworth and Spring Valley. Property taxes average 1.6% of assessed home values. The market remains moderately competitive, with homes often selling within 20-30 days.
Elections
Pierce County, WI, has approximately 26,000 residents with around 18,500 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include federal, state, county, and municipal races, held at 24 polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, turnout was 88%, with 54% voting Republican and 44% Democrat. The county clerk’s office administers elections, addressing issues like voter ID and absentee ballots. Local concerns include rural broadband, school funding, and agricultural policy. The Republican and Democratic parties have active local chapters. For detailed voter registration and polling info, refer to: https://www.co.pierce.wi.us.
Popular names
- Patrick Smith
- Michael Johnson
- James Anderson
- James Johnson
- Jeff Hall
- Mark Anderson
- Mark Johnson
- Mary Johnson
- Steven Johnson
- Brian Johnson
- Jeff Hamilton
- Jennifer Johnson
- Matthew Johnson
- David Johnson
- David Olson
- Douglas Johnson
- Eric Johnson
- Lori Larson
- Michael Miller
- Scott Johnson
- Amber Johnson
- Diane Johnson
- Jacob Johnson
- James Larson
- Kevin Peterson
- Michael Baker
- Nicole Johnson
- Patrick Walsh
- Thomas Anderson
- Amy Anderson
- Amy Nelson
- Bradley Johnson
- Carol Peterson
- Daniel Johnson
- Erik Olson
- Jeffrey Johnson
- Jessica Johnson
- Jessica Olson
- Karen Johnson
- Keith Johnson
- Kevin Johnson
- Kyle Johnson
- Lewis Roberts
- Mary Anderson
- Michael Larson
- Michael Peterson
- Nicholas Johnson
- Patricia Johnson
- Richard Anderson
- Richard Johnson
- Robert Johnson
- Ryan Anderson
- Susan Anderson
- Thomas Peterson
- Adam Berg
- Andrew Johnson
- Andrew Peterson
- Ashley Langer
- Ashley Nelson
- Carol Johnson
Other Counties in Wisconsin
- Adams
- Ashland
- Barron
- Bayfield
- Brown
- Buffalo
- Burnett
- Calumet
- Chippewa
- Clark
- Columbia
- Crawford
- Dane
- Dodge
- Door
- Douglas
- Dunn
- Eau Claire
- Florence
- Fond Du Lac
- Forest
- Grant
- Green
- Green Lake
- Iowa
- Iron
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Juneau
- Kenosha
- Kewaunee
- La Crosse
- Lafayette
- Langlade
- Lincoln
- Manitowoc
- Marathon
- Marinette
- Marquette
- Menominee
- Milwaukee
- Monroe
- Oconto
- Oneida
- Outagamie
- Ozaukee
- Pepin
- Polk
- Portage
- Price