A closer look at Wisconsin's population loss: Pierce County

Due to job growth in the mining and lumber industries, the population of Pierce County grew steadily during the decades of 19th century.  But like other Wisconsin counties that experienced this pattern of economic development, its population began to decline at the start of the 20th century.  For Pierce County, it took nearly 70 years to reverse this trend and surpass its previous peak.  From this point, its population continued to increase into the first decade of the 21st century.  The most recent U.S. census estimate shows a very slight drop of 20 residents since the 2010 census. 

Since 1875, Pierce County has been home to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, although under a series of different names:

• 1875-1951.  River Falls Normal School
• 1951-1964.  Wisconsin State College at River Falls
• 1964-1971.  Wisconsin State University-River Falls
• 1971-            University of Wisconsin-River Falls

According to the UW System fall headcount, the number of students at UW-River Falls has declined significantly since the start of the 2010-2011 academic year.

• 6902 in September 2010
• 5958 in September 2015

Source:  Wikipedia + U.S. Census Bureau (2015)

Source:  U.S. Census Bureau

As of July 1, 2014, 12.5% of Pierce County's population is 65 and over, significantly above the state average of 15.2%.   Its 0-to-4 demographic is 5.3% compared to Wisconsin's 5.9%.  

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A closer look at Manitowoc County.  (4/20/2016)
A closer look at Lincoln County.  (4/19/2016)
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Dane County: Wisconsin's population growth engine. (3/27/2016)
 U.S. Census Bureau population estimates: Nearly half of Wisconsin counties lose population.  (3/27/2016)
Wisconsin population projections, 2010-2040: Top 10 counties by % decline and growth.  (5/14/2015)
Top 10 Wisconsin Counties by Percentage of Population Growth, Loss (2010-2014).  (3/27/2015)
Wisconsin counties:  Population 65 and older.  (10/24/2014)
Wisconsin trivia: What was Wisconsin's 2nd-largest city in 1910?  (/9/1/2014)
Dane County tallies 39% of state's population growth since 2010.  (3/27/2014)
2012 U.S. Census population estimates: More gains than losses among Wisconsin's largest communities.  (5/28/2013)