Median Income
$64,063
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,600
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
501/100K
32% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.1%
79% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,210
4% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.8%
27% higher than US avg
How Rice Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,168
Median Age26.1 yrs
Density437/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 51%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$64,063
Per Capita$23,107
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty15.8%
County GDP$2,378M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,600
Rent$1,210
Ownership79.6%
Zillow$288,608
Housing Units359
Rent Burden25.2%
Crime
F
Violent501/100K
Property4,684/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured22.8%
Smoking16.8%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain42.1 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation454 ft (138 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.1%
High School+74.4%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score4.97
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 24%
Commute24 min
Broadband82.2%
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Is Rice a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rice receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate. Rice has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rice is $64,063, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. The poverty rate of 15.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rice is $89,600, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,210 per month. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 501 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,684 per 100,000, 139% above the national average.
Education
7.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Rice enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Rice has a population of 1,168 with a density of 437 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 26.1 years, 33% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58% female and 42% male. The city is predominantly White (51.2%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 14% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 72.1% of residents, while 27.9% speak Spanish. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 76.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.1yrs
Median Age
33% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
72.1%
8% below US avg
Spanish
27.9%
108% above US avg
The median household income in Rice is $64,063, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,107 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $966, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,010 business establishments, including 79 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 5.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,063 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,107 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $966 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,502 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,010 |
| County GDP | $2,378M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 79 |
| Healthcare | 122 |
| Retail | 147 |
| Manufacturing | 58 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,220 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.4% |
The median home value in Rice is $89,600, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $288,608, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,210 (4% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 359 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $7,220 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $89,600 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $288,608 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,210 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.4% |
| Housing Units | 359 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,220 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.06% |
In Rice, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 17.5% report binge drinking. 32.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 22.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,573. The dentist ratio is 1:2,732. 53.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rice vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.4% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.7% |
| Uninsured | 22.8% |
| 165% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,573 |
| Dentists | 1:2,732 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,325 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 49.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,374/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 122 |
Rice has a violent crime rate of 501 per 100,000 residents, 32% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,684 per 100,000, 139% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Rice receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rice vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 500.5/100K |
| 32% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,683.9/100K |
| 139% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 28 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rice enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 308 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 42.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 454 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 65.7°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 454 ft (138 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 437/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.2393°N, 96.4971°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Navarro County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dallas Love Field (DAL)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.1"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.96"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0459 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 5.8 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 2.87 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 71.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 27.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
87 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.1 on May 1, 2024.
| May 7, 2015 |
5 km N of Venus, Texas |
M4.0 |
63 km |
| Dec 8, 2013 |
0 km NNE of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.6 |
126 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
1 km NNW of Azle, Texas |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Jan 7, 2015 |
6 km NE of Irving, Texas |
M3.6 |
77 km |
| Jan 6, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Irving, Texas |
M3.5 |
76 km |
| Jun 24, 2012 |
3 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.5 |
79 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
3 km WNW of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.4 |
129 km |
| May 31, 1997 |
3 km ESE of Neylandville, Texas |
M3.4 |
116 km |
| May 19, 2018 |
8 km NW of Venus, Texas |
M3.4 |
68 km |
| Sep 30, 2012 |
4 km NW of Irving, Texas |
M3.4 |
81 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
5 km NNW of Grand Prairie, Texas |
M3.3 |
79 km |
| May 18, 2015 |
5 km N of Irving, Texas |
M3.3 |
82 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Irving, Texas |
M3.3 |
80 km |
| Jan 18, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Godley, Texas |
M3.3 |
94 km |
| Jun 15, 2012 |
5 km SSE of Briaroaks, Texas |
M3.3 |
77 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
7 km S of Mansfield, Texas |
M3.2 |
68 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
4 km N of Irving, Texas |
M3.2 |
80 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
7 km SSW of Mansfield, Texas |
M3.1 |
71 km |
| Jan 13, 2014 |
2 km ESE of Reno, Texas |
M3.1 |
126 km |
| Feb 27, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Irving, Texas |
M3.1 |
77 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
3 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Ike (2008, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
178 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
299 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 1 |
298 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
715 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 167 fatalities, 2,284 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 11, 1953 |
EF5 |
98 km |
114 |
| Apr 29, 2017 |
EF4 |
45 km |
2 |
| Dec 26, 2015 |
EF4 |
63 km |
10 |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
EF4 |
47 km |
3 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1973 |
EF4 |
85 km |
6 |
| Mar 31, 1959 |
EF4 |
81 km |
6 |
| Oct 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2017 |
EF3 |
61 km |
2 |
| Dec 26, 2015 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2015 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| May 15, 2013 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 2012 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2002 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2000 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Mar 28, 2000 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2000 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1984 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: C#491 (3,616 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
C#491 |
3,616 |
71 km |
| 2011 |
495 |
1,606 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
CEDAR RIDGE |
1,051 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
67°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Rice has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 46°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and July the driest (2.0").
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) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $827 |
| Toddler | $762 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $723 |
| Toddler | $684 |
| Preschool | $675 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice
What is the population of Rice?
Rice has a population of 1,168 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 437 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58% female and 42% male.
Is Rice expensive to live in?
Rice has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $64,063, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,600 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,210 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rice safe?
The violent crime rate in Rice is 501 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,684 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Rice receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rice?
Rice enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Rice?
The job market in Rice is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $966. There are 1,010 business establishments in the area, including 79 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 5.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rice?
The median home value in Rice is $89,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $288,608. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,210. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.6%. The average annual property tax is $7,220.
How are the schools in Rice?
Schools in Rice score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.1% of adults in Rice hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.4% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rice?
The obesity rate in Rice is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 32.4% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 22.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 53.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,573.
What is transportation like in Rice?
The average commute in Rice is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rice?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rice is 51.2% White, 14% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 72.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 27.9% speak Spanish. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 76.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
