Median Income
$41,625
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$21,500
92% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.7%
89% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$575
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
15.9%
342% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
55.7%
349% higher than US avg
How Rice Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population232
Median Age33.8 yrs
Density394/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 11%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
F
Median Income$41,625
Per Capita$14,213
Unemployment15.9%
Poverty55.7%
County GDP$249M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$21,500
Rent$575
Ownership58.0%
Zillow$213,779
Housing Units94
Rent Burden17.0%
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured22.0%
Smoking14.6%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Elevation1,447 ft (441 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.7%
High School+85.3%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score4.38
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute25 min
Broadband75.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Rice Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rice Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Rice Lake has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rice Lake is $41,625, 45% below the national average of $75,149. At 15.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 55.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rice Lake is $21,500, 92% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
3.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Rice Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches, including 51.6 inches of snow.
Rice Lake has a population of 232 with a density of 394 people per square mile, spread across 10.5 square miles. The median age is 33.8 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (11.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 78.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
232
Total Population
2023 Census
33.8yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rice Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rice Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rice Lake is $41,625, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $14,213 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,103, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 15.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 55.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 122 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 12.7% of workers work from home.
Income: Rice Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,625 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $14,213 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,103 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 15.9% |
| 342% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 55.7% |
| 349% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 122 |
| County GDP | $249M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,733 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 12.71% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.7% |
The median home value in Rice Lake is $21,500, 92% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $213,779, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $575 (51% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 94 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $2,733 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 17.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $21,500 |
| 92% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $213,779 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $575 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.0% |
| Housing Units | 94 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,733 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 12.71% |
In Rice Lake, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 31.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 22.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,414. 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rice Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.0% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.0% |
| Uninsured | 22.0% |
| 156% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,414 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 51.2% |
| Premature Death | 19,800/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Rice Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 51.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,447 feet.
Temperature
5°F Jan (-15°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 38.8°F |
| 28% below US avg |
| January Average | 5°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,447 ft (441 m) |
| Area | 10.5 sq mi (27.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 394/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.3883°N, 95.5244°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mahnomen County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bemidji Regional (BJI)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.64"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 97.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
280 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 fatalities, 73 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2016 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2005 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 1996 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1996 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1983 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1981 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (131,401 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
131,401 |
79 km |
| 2003 |
REINER 36 |
67,641 |
73 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
66,422 |
75 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
43,533 |
87 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
37,840 |
60 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
32,693 |
64 km |
| 1987 |
SANDY LAKE |
26,617 |
62 km |
| 1998 |
RL3 |
14,882 |
80 km |
| 2018 |
2018 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
13,170 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
67 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,690 |
64 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
8,025 |
84 km |
| 2016 |
2016 HIGHWAY 1 RXB |
7,744 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
RL 005 UNIT 8 AND 9 |
6,352 |
63 km |
| 2003 |
HICKORY ONE |
6,152 |
65 km |
| 2007 |
HWYONEBURN |
6,124 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
RED LAKE 468 |
6,076 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
RL 203 GOODS |
5,555 |
62 km |
| 2012 |
HWY 1 2012 |
5,491 |
84 km |
| 2000 |
RL205 |
5,239 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Rice Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 5°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Rice Lake. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $770 |
| Toddler | $705 |
| Preschool | $657 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Lake
What is the population of Rice Lake?
Rice Lake has a population of 232 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 394 people per square mile, spread across 10.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Rice Lake expensive to live in?
Rice Lake has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $41,625, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $21,500 (92% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Rice Lake?
Rice Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 5°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches, with 51.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Rice Lake?
The job market in Rice Lake faces challenges, with unemployment at 15.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,103. There are 122 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 12.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rice Lake?
The median home value in Rice Lake is $21,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $213,779. For renters, the median monthly rent is $575. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,733.
How are the schools in Rice Lake?
Schools in Rice Lake have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 3.7% of adults in Rice Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.3% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rice Lake?
The obesity rate in Rice Lake is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 31.0% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 22.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,414.
What is transportation like in Rice Lake?
The average commute in Rice Lake is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rice Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rice Lake is 11.2% White. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability. 78.0% have health insurance coverage.