Median Income
$103,482
38% higher than US avg
Home Value
$237,600
16% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.8%
6% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,529
31% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.5%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.9%
93% lower than US avg
How Rice Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,998
Median Age31.3 yrs
Density351/mi²
Male / Female54% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$103,482
Per Capita$36,628
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty0.9%
County GDP$2,398M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$237,600
Rent$1,529
Ownership87.9%
Zillow$343,877
Housing Units670
Rent Burden21.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property792/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary144/100K
Health
Obesity38.5%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking13.4%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.1 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,065 ft (325 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.8%
High School+96.7%
Graduate+9.2%
School Score6.05
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute24 min
Broadband93.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Rice a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rice receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Rice stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rice is $103,482, which is significantly higher than the national average / 38% above $75,149. This places Rice among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 0.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rice is $237,600, 16% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,529 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rice is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 792 per 100,000, 60% below the national average.
Education
31.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Rice has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Rice has a population of 1,998 with a density of 351 people per square mile, spread across 5.7 square miles. The median age is 31.3 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.5% female and 53.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.9%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 3.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 5.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.3yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Rice is $103,482, which is 38% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,628. The average weekly wage is $1,076, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,063 business establishments, including 56 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 9.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $103,482 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,628 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,076 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,499 |
| Gini Index | 0.393 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.9% |
| 93% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,063 |
| County GDP | $2,398M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 56 |
| Healthcare | 119 |
| Retail | 117 |
| Manufacturing | 68 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,076 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.4% |
The median home value in Rice is $237,600, 16% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $343,877, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,529 (31% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $905 for a one-bedroom to $1,187 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 670 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2003. The average annual property tax is $4,076 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $237,600 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $343,877 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,529 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $899 |
| 1 Bedroom | $905 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,187 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,534 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,991 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.1% |
| Housing Units | 670 |
| Median Year Built | 2003 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,076 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.72% |
In Rice, 38.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 19.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,607. The dentist ratio is 1:2,962. 65.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rice vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.5% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.6% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.3% |
| Short Sleep | 28.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,607 |
| Dentists | 1:2,962 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,467 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 67.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,370/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 119 |
Rice has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 792 per 100,000, 60% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 576, burglary at 144, vehicle theft at 72 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rice receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Rice vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 791.9/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| Burglary | 144.0/100K |
| Theft | 576.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 72.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 195 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Rice has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 30.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,065 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.6°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,065 ft (325 m) |
| Area | 5.7 sq mi (14.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 351/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.7586°N, 94.2429°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Benton County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.1"
21% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
103 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
364 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 178 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
26 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
54 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
51 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
46 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
54 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
50 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
51 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
50 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
45 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
55 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
54 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
54 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
49 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
52 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
58 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
53 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
48 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
54 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
36 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
54 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Rice has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Rice. 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 | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $945 |
| Preschool | $891 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice
What is the population of Rice?
Rice has a population of 1,998 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 351 people per square mile, spread across 5.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.5% female and 53.5% male.
Is Rice expensive to live in?
Rice 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 $103,482, 38% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $237,600 (16% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,529 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rice safe?
Rice is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 792 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rice receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rice?
Rice has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Rice?
The job market in Rice is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,076. There are 1,063 business establishments in the area, including 56 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 9.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rice?
The median home value in Rice is $237,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $343,877. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,529. Fair market rent is $905 for a 1-bedroom and $1,187 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,076.
How are the schools in Rice?
Schools in Rice score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.8% of adults in Rice hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. 9.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rice?
The obesity rate in Rice is 38.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 19.6% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,607.
What is transportation like in Rice?
The average commute in Rice is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rice?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rice is 93.9% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 3.9% of the population are military veterans. 5.0% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
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