Cities and Towns in Pierce County, North Dakota
Founded in 1887, Pierce County is one of 53 counties in the state of North Dakota. The city of Rugby is the county seat. With FIPS code of 69, Pierce County has a population of 3,953 and area of 1,018 square miles (2,637 km²).
List of all cities in Pierce County, ND alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Balta, ND | 58313 | 701 |
Orrin, ND | 58368 | 701 |
Pleasant Lake, ND | 58368 | 701 |
Rugby, ND | 58368 | 701 |
Silva, ND | 58368 | 701 |
Wolford, ND | 58385 | 701 |
Major Cities and Towns in Pierce County, North Dakota
Rugby
Overview
- Area: Approximately 2.40 square miles
- Population: 2,867 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 58368
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.3589° N, 99.9936° W
Location and History
Rugby, the county seat of Pierce County, is located in north-central North Dakota. The city was founded in 1886 and named after Rugby, England, as part of the Northern Pacific Railroad’s expansion through the region. Rugby’s central location in the state contributed to its nickname, “The Geographical Center of North America,” a claim that is commemorated by a monument located in the city. The town grew rapidly after the arrival of the railroad, serving as a hub for agriculture and trade. Over time, Rugby became an important center for education, healthcare, and government services in Pierce County. Rugby has maintained its small-town charm while also embracing modern development and amenities, making it an attractive place to live and visit.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rugby is served by the Rugby Public School District, which includes an elementary, middle, and high school, offering a wide variety of educational programs. Rugby High School is well-known for its athletics and extracurricular activities. The city’s most famous landmark is the Geographical Center of North America Monument, a large stone marker located in Centennial Park. Additionally, the Prairie Village Museum showcases the area’s pioneer history through historic buildings and exhibits. Rugby’s surrounding natural beauty offers recreational opportunities, with nearby parks and the Sheyenne River providing spaces for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating.
Balta
Overview
- Area: Approximately 0.25 square miles
- Population: 40 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 58313
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.3597° N, 99.4894° W
Location and History
Balta is a small town located in the southern part of Pierce County, approximately 10 miles southeast of Rugby. The community was founded in the early 1900s, with agriculture playing a key role in its development. It was named after the Balta family, who were among the first settlers in the area. Balta’s growth was facilitated by its proximity to nearby railroads, making it an important stop for goods and services. Though its population has declined over the years, Balta remains a quiet, rural community with a strong connection to its agricultural roots. Its location within Pierce County places it in an area known for fertile farmland and farming traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
While there is no longer a dedicated school in Balta, students attend schools in nearby Rugby. The town’s primary landmark is the Balta Community Center, which serves as a hub for local events and activities. Balta is also known for its quiet, rural atmosphere, which is ideal for those seeking a slower-paced lifestyle. Nearby attractions include the beautiful North Dakota countryside, which offers ample opportunities for farming, outdoor recreation, and wildlife observation.
Goodridge
Overview
- Area: Approximately 0.30 square miles
- Population: 55 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 58372
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.1483° N, 99.8014° W
Location and History
Goodridge is a small town located in the western part of Pierce County, established in the early 1900s. Like many other small communities in North Dakota, Goodridge grew around agricultural development. The town was named after an early settler, and its development was shaped by farming and railroad activity. Goodridge is situated on flat, fertile land ideal for farming, and much of its local economy has been tied to agriculture. Over the years, the population has remained small, and the town has retained its rural charm. Goodridge offers a peaceful, slower-paced lifestyle, typical of many small towns in North Dakota.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Students in Goodridge attend schools in nearby Rugby, as there are no dedicated public schools in the town. The Goodridge Community Center is a key local landmark and serves as the site for various social events, meetings, and celebrations. While the town itself is quiet, it is surrounded by rural farmland, which offers opportunities for outdoor activities like farming, birdwatching, and nature walks. The town is a quiet, rural escape from the larger cities in the region, providing a tight-knit community with easy access to North Dakota’s wide-open spaces.
Rugby Township
Overview
- Area: Approximately 35 square miles
- Population: 800 (2020 estimate)
- ZIP Code: 58368 (shared with Rugby)
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.3° N, 99.9° W
Location and History
Rugby Township surrounds the city of Rugby, acting as a rural extension of the county seat. The township was settled in the late 1800s as agricultural families began homesteading in the fertile plains of Pierce County. Over the years, the area has remained largely rural, with farming as the primary occupation for most residents. The township is named after the nearby city, reflecting the historical importance of Rugby as a trade and transportation hub. As part of the larger Rugby community, Rugby Township offers easy access to the city’s schools, healthcare services, and recreational opportunities while maintaining the open space and peace of rural life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Residents of Rugby Township are part of the Rugby Public School District, with students attending schools in the city of Rugby. One of the township’s primary landmarks is the agricultural landscape itself, with numerous farms dotting the plains, contributing to the area’s rural character. Rugby Township is also close to the Geographical Center of North America Monument in Rugby, offering a unique historical landmark for visitors and residents alike. The township provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, and farming-related activities.
Orrin
Overview
- Area: Approximately 0.25 square miles
- Population: 27 (2020 census)
- ZIP Code: 58335
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.1786° N, 99.5472° W
Location and History
Orrin is a small unincorporated community located in the southern part of Pierce County. Founded in the early 1900s, Orrin was originally a farming and railroad town, with agriculture serving as the backbone of its economy. The town was named after an early settler or railroad official, and it grew steadily in the first half of the 20th century. However, like many small rural communities, Orrin has seen a decline in population as farming practices have changed and younger generations have moved to larger cities for employment opportunities. Despite this, Orrin remains an important part of the local agricultural landscape and continues to serve the surrounding rural areas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Orrin is part of the Rugby Public School District, with children attending school in Rugby. The community’s landmark is its peaceful, rural setting, offering open fields and wide skies that define much of Pierce County. Orrin does not have many commercial amenities, but its surrounding farmland provides a rich area for agriculture and outdoor recreation, such as birdwatching, farming activities, and peaceful rural walks. While the town has a small population, it retains its historical roots in agriculture and remains an integral part of Pierce County’s rural fabric.