Cities and Towns in Pierce County, Nebraska
Founded in 1856, Pierce County is one of 93 counties in the state of Nebraska. Historically, Pierce County was formed from Izard County, McNeale County, and unorganized territory. The city of Pierce is the county seat. With FIPS code of 139, Pierce County has a population of 7,313 and area of 574 square miles (1,487 km²).
List of all cities in Pierce County, NE alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Foster, NE | 68765 | 402 |
Hadar, NE | 68738 | 402 |
McLean, NE | 68747 | 402 |
Osmond, NE | 68765 | 402 |
Pierce, NE | 68767 | 402 |
Plainview, NE | 68769 | 402 |
Major Cities and Towns in Pierce County, Nebraska
Pierce
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.07 square miles
- Population: 1,800+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68767
- Latitude: 42.4522° N
- Longitude: 97.5303° W
Location and History:
Pierce, the county seat of Pierce County, is located in northeastern Nebraska, about 100 miles northwest of Omaha. Founded in 1856, Pierce grew rapidly with the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s, becoming a vital hub for agriculture and trade in the region. Named after Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, the town prospered due to its position along key transportation routes. Agriculture has always been the primary industry in Pierce, with a focus on corn, soybeans, and cattle ranching. As the town evolved, it became a regional center for education, healthcare, and retail. Today, Pierce retains much of its small-town charm while offering modern amenities to its residents. The town’s close-knit community is evident in its local events and cultural gatherings, and its proximity to larger cities like Norfolk ensures residents have access to both rural serenity and urban conveniences.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Pierce is served by the Pierce Public Schools district, which includes Pierce High School, one of the central educational institutions in the town. The school offers a strong academic curriculum along with extracurricular opportunities in athletics, music, and the arts. Pierce is also home to Northeast Community College’s Pierce Center, which offers higher education and vocational training to local students. Notable landmarks in Pierce include the historic Pierce County Courthouse, a stunning example of early 20th-century architecture, and the downtown district, which features a number of well-preserved historic buildings. Other local attractions include the Pierce City Park, which is popular for outdoor activities such as picnicking, walking, and youth sports. The town’s proximity to the Boone County Wildlife Management Area provides opportunities for hunting, fishing, and birdwatching, while the annual Pierce County Fair draws visitors from around the region.
Osmond
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.80 square miles
- Population: 900+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68765
- Latitude: 42.5623° N
- Longitude: 97.5128° W
Location and History:
Osmond is a small city located in the northeastern part of Pierce County, approximately 12 miles south of the Missouri River. The town was founded in 1871 and named after an early settler, Osmond S. Clark. Like many towns in Nebraska, Osmond’s early economy was rooted in agriculture, particularly grain and livestock farming. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s helped stimulate growth, and the town became a thriving community with businesses, schools, and churches. Osmond grew steadily throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and today it serves as a rural community with a focus on farming, especially corn and soybean production. The town has experienced population shifts, as many rural Nebraskans have moved to larger cities for work, but Osmond retains its rural charm and close-knit community atmosphere. The town’s economy continues to be driven by agriculture and local services, and its peaceful, small-town atmosphere makes it a pleasant place to live.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Osmond is served by the Osmond Community Schools district, which provides education from elementary through high school. The district is known for its strong academic standards and competitive athletic programs, with a particular focus on community involvement in extracurricular activities. Notable landmarks in Osmond include the Osmond Public Library, a vital resource for residents and a gathering spot for community events. The town is also home to the Osmond Heritage Park, a historical site featuring several preserved buildings and artifacts from the town’s past. Local recreational opportunities include parks, walking trails, and sports fields. The town is also known for its annual events, such as the Osmond Summer Festival, which celebrates the community’s history with food, music, and games. While small, Osmond’s rich history and active community make it a welcoming place for families and visitors alike.
Bristow
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.23 square miles
- Population: 200+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68719
- Latitude: 42.6921° N
- Longitude: 97.6819° W
Location and History:
Bristow is a very small village located in the southwestern part of Pierce County, Nebraska. It was established in the late 19th century and is named after the nearby Bristow family, who were early settlers in the region. The town grew as a result of the expansion of the railroad network across Nebraska, which facilitated the shipping of agricultural goods such as grain and livestock. However, as transportation infrastructure improved and farming technology advanced, the population of Bristow began to decrease, and many rural Nebraskans moved to larger towns and cities. Today, Bristow is a quiet, rural community with an emphasis on agriculture, especially cattle and crop farming. The town retains a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere and serves as a place for residents to enjoy the beauty of the Nebraska prairie and engage in outdoor activities.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Bristow does not have its own school, but students attend schools in the nearby towns of Pierce or other neighboring communities within the Pierce County School District. These schools offer a range of educational services, from elementary through high school, and provide opportunities for extracurricular involvement. While Bristow has a limited number of commercial establishments, it does have several historic homes and buildings that reflect its agricultural and pioneer past. The Bristow Community Center serves as the town’s primary meeting place, hosting local events and gatherings. The surrounding area provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, and birdwatching. Bristow is a town that exemplifies rural Nebraska life, offering peace and tranquility for those who appreciate small-town living.
Foster
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.34 square miles
- Population: 50+ (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 68738
- Latitude: 42.4265° N
- Longitude: 97.3474° W
Location and History:
Foster is a very small village located in the northern part of Pierce County, Nebraska. It was established in the early 1900s and named after one of the founding settlers, William Foster. Foster’s history is closely tied to the growth of agriculture in the area, particularly grain farming. Like many rural Nebraska communities, Foster grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to the expansion of the railroad and the settlement of farmland. However, over the decades, as rural populations decreased and more people moved to larger cities, Foster’s population remained small. Today, Foster is a quiet, peaceful town with a few homes, farms, and a sense of nostalgia for its past. Its economy continues to be driven by local farming, and the village remains a testament to rural Nebraska life.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Foster, due to its small size, does not have a school of its own, and students attend schools in nearby towns, including Pierce. The Pierce Public Schools district offers a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students. In terms of landmarks, Foster is primarily residential and agricultural, with a few remaining historical buildings that reflect its 20th-century roots. The Foster Community Center is a focal point for local events, where residents gather for seasonal celebrations, picnics, and social activities. Although small, Foster’s rural setting offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, and nature walks. Its quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal place for those seeking a slower pace of life in the heart of Nebraska’s agricultural region.