Median Income
$47,434
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,100
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
55/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.9%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,016
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Riceville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population795
Median Age36.3 yrs
Density750/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans5.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$47,434
Per Capita$26,595
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$727M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,100
Rent$1,016
Ownership66.6%
Zillow$216,976
Housing Units445
Rent Burden24.8%
Crime
F
Violent55/100K
Property1,127/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking18.7%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,228 ft (374 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.9%
High School+92.7%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score5.47
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute36 min
Broadband77.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Riceville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Riceville receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times, high obesity rates. Riceville offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Riceville is $47,434, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Riceville is $92,100, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,016 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Riceville is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 55 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,127 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
18.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Riceville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches, including 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Riceville has a population of 795 with a density of 750 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 36.3 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.6% of residents, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 5.0% of the population are veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.3yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Riceville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.6%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.4%
60% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Riceville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Riceville is $47,434, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,595 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $927, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 341 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Riceville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,434 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,595 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $927 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,702 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 341 |
| County GDP | $727M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,607 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Riceville is $92,100, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,976, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,016 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 445 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1940. The average annual property tax is $2,607 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $92,100 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $216,976 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,016 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.4% |
| Housing Units | 445 |
| Median Year Built | 1940 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,607 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.83% |
In Riceville, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.3% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.3% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,896. The dentist ratio is 1:4,767. 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Riceville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.3% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,896 |
| Dentists | 1:4,767 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,339 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,255/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Riceville has a violent crime rate of 55 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,127 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Riceville receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Riceville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 55.0/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,127.3/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Riceville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches. The area receives 39.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,228 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,228 ft (374 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 750/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3616°N, 92.5533°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Howard County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
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)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
557 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 51 fatalities, 1,009 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
94 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
80 km |
13 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
92 km |
5 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
75 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
92 km |
6 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
16 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Riceville has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Riceville. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $663 |
| Toddler | $571 |
| Preschool | $571 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $447 |
| Toddler | $440 |
| Preschool | $440 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Riceville
What is the population of Riceville?
Riceville has a population of 795 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 750 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Riceville expensive to live in?
Riceville is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $47,434, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $92,100 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,016 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Riceville safe?
Riceville is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 55 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,127 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Riceville receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Riceville?
Riceville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches, with 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Riceville?
The job market in Riceville is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $927. There are 341 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Riceville?
The median home value in Riceville is $92,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $216,976. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,016. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,607.
How are the schools in Riceville?
Schools in Riceville score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.9% of adults in Riceville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Riceville?
The obesity rate in Riceville is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,896.
What is transportation like in Riceville?
The average commute in Riceville is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Riceville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Riceville is 94% White. 94.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 5.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
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