CountyScore

Rice County

Minnesota · MN

#73 in Minnesota
66.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Rice County, Minnesota

Solid National Performance

Rice County's composite score of 66.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 33rd percentile nationally. While not at the highest tier, the county delivers measurably better livability than most U.S. counties.

Slightly Below Minnesota Standard

Rice County's score of 66.5 trails Minnesota's state average of 70.9, positioning it in the lower-middle tier among the state's counties. The gap suggests the county faces some challenges relative to its peers across the state.

Health and Tax Efficiency Standout

Rice County's Health Score of 79.7 is among the state's strongest, paired with a Tax Score of 75.0 and the lowest effective tax rate of 0.971%. These advantages make the county attractive to those prioritizing healthcare access and tax savings.

Housing Costs and Risk Factor In

Median home values of $298,500 and gross rent of $1,046/month represent substantial cost barriers compared to rural Minnesota peers. A Risk Score of 24.6, the lowest in this cohort, signals noteworthy vulnerability to economic or environmental disruptions.

For Health-Conscious, Tax-Aware Buyers

Rice County appeals to professionals and established households valuing exceptional healthcare and tax efficiency, with higher incomes ($82,792 median) to offset housing costs. It's best suited for those willing to pay more for superior health outcomes.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax75Cost68.1SafetyComing SoonHealth79.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.4Risk24.6WaterComing Soon
🏛75
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡24.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Rice County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Seminole County
Georgia
66.5
Median income: $49,559
Monroe County
Illinois
66.5
Median income: $101,635
White County
Illinois
66.5
Median income: $53,097
Cass County
Iowa
66.5
Median income: $61,657
Crawford County
Iowa
66.5
Median income: $65,039

Deep Dives

Rice County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Rice County

via TaxByCounty

Rice County taxes above national median

Rice County's effective property tax rate of 0.971% ranks slightly below the national median rate, but its median tax bill of $2,899 exceeds the national median of $2,690. This reflects Rice County's higher median home values of $298,500—above the U.S. average of $281,900.

Slightly below Minnesota state average

Rice County's 0.971% effective rate is nearly identical to Minnesota's statewide average of 0.968%, placing it squarely in the middle of Minnesota's 87 counties. Median taxes of $2,899 run 34% above the state average of $2,168, driven by higher property values.

Competitive with southern Minnesota peers

Rice County's 0.971% rate is nearly identical to the state average and lower than Sibley County's 1.099% and Renville County's 1.016%. The county sits among the state's more moderately-taxed regions despite robust home values.

Median Rice home generates $2,899 annual tax

The median home in Rice County is valued at $298,500; at the county's 0.971% effective rate, that homeowner pays approximately $2,899 in annual property taxes. Mortgage holders see this figure climb to $3,007 due to escrow arrangements.

Assessment appeals can lower your Rice County bill

Even in a moderately-taxed county like Rice, many homeowners are paying taxes on inflated assessments. Contact your county assessor to request a reassessment if your property tax burden seems misaligned with neighborhood comparables.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rice County

via CostByCounty

Rice County Rents Rise with Incomes

Rice County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% sits above Minnesota's 14.5% average and the national benchmark, despite a median household income of $82,792—notably higher than the national median. Median rent of $1,046 per month substantially exceeds Minnesota's $915 average, signaling a college-town affordability premium.

Mid-Pack Affordability in Minnesota

Rice County ranks in the middle tier of Minnesota counties for rental affordability, pressured upward by proximity to Mankato and its role as an educational hub. The 15.2% rent-to-income ratio reflects demand from students and workers drawn to the area's employers and institutions.

Costlier Than Southwest Minnesota

Rice County's $1,046 rent significantly exceeds nearby rural counties like Renville ($760), Rock ($745), and Sibley ($858), positioning it closer to metro-area pricing. Homebuyers face a similar premium, with median home values of $298,500 far outpacing Renville's $151,900 and Rock's $201,600.

Higher Incomes Fund Higher Housing Costs

Rice County renters pay $1,046 monthly while homeowners spend $1,399, consuming 15.2% and 16.9% of income respectively at the $82,792 median household level. The higher income here absorbs what would be affordability strain in lower-wage counties, though both tenure groups pay well above state medians.

Rice County for Skilled Workers

If your income matches Rice County's $82,792 median—or exceeds it—the county's rental and ownership costs become manageable despite above-average ratios. Compare Rice to pricier metros like Scott County ($120,247 median income) or Sherburne County, and you'll see a middle path for professionals seeking college-town amenities without metro-level costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rice County

via IncomeByCounty

Rice County outearns the nation

Rice County's median household income of $82,792 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by nearly 11%—a strong position compared to most U.S. counties. The county ranks well above the typical American household's earning power.

Above-average Minnesota earners

At $82,792, Rice County surpasses Minnesota's state average of $75,757, placing it in the upper half of the state's counties. The per capita income of $38,276 also outpaces the state's average of $39,335.

Rice leads nearby rural counties

Rice County's $82,792 median income significantly outpaces Renville ($69,086), Rock ($70,698), and Roseau ($73,611) counties. Within its peer group, Rice represents the strongest earning potential and economic vitality.

Higher incomes, higher housing costs

Rice County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% creeps slightly above the ideal 15% threshold, reflecting higher home values ($298,500). The stronger median income helps offset these elevated housing costs, though affordability requires careful budgeting.

Leverage strong earnings for growth

Rice County's above-average income of $82,792 provides meaningful opportunity to invest beyond basic housing needs. Consider automating contributions to investment accounts or tax-advantaged retirement plans to capture long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Rice County

via HealthByCounty

Rice County's health exceeds national benchmarks

At 79.9 years, Rice County's life expectancy approaches the U.S. average of 80.3 years, placing residents in a favorable national position. Only 14.2% of Rice County residents report poor or fair health, below the national average of 15%, reflecting relatively strong population health outcomes. The county's healthcare infrastructure supports these positive metrics.

One of Minnesota's healthiest counties

Rice County's 79.9-year life expectancy exceeds Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 1.2 years, ranking it among the state's top-performing counties. At 6.1% uninsured, Rice County matches the state average nearly exactly, indicating good insurance coverage alignment. These metrics reflect stable healthcare access and community health investment.

Rice leads neighboring counties in provider supply

Rice County boasts 86 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well above Renville County (27 per 100K) and comparable to Rock County (93 per 100K). Mental health provider density is exceptional at 212 per 100K, enabling robust mental healthcare access for residents. This provider abundance directly supports Rice County's strong life expectancy outcomes.

Strong provider access underpins good health outcomes

With 86 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Rice County residents enjoy convenient access to preventive care and treatment. The 6.1% uninsured rate means the vast majority of residents can access care without financial barriers. Mental health services are particularly strong at 212 providers per 100K, supporting comprehensive behavioral health needs.

Maintain your health insurance coverage

Rice County's strong health outcomes partly reflect high insurance coverage rates—stay protected by renewing your policy before expiration. Visit MNsure.org to review your current plan or explore options if your coverage is changing. Consistent coverage ensures you can access Rice County's robust primary and mental healthcare providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rice County

via RiskByCounty

Rice County faces above-average risk

Rice County's composite risk score of 75.45 significantly exceeds the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating that still places it in higher-risk territory. The score reflects elevated exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and tornadoes.

Among Minnesota's riskier counties

At 75.45, Rice County's risk score substantially exceeds Minnesota's state average of 42.38, making it one of the state's more vulnerable areas. The county ranks well above most of its peers despite its Relatively Low overall rating.

Highest risk in this region

Rice County's risk profile (75.45) rivals neighboring Scott County (76.56) and far exceeds Sibley County (22.96) to the west. Among local counties, only St. Louis County (91.57) carries substantially greater disaster risk.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate

Tornadoes are Rice County's acute danger, with a risk score of 89.41—among the highest in Minnesota. Flooding ranks second at 77.45, making springtime and severe weather seasons particularly hazardous for county residents.

Don't skip flood and wind insurance

Rice County's elevated tornado and flood risks make supplemental coverage essential—standard homeowners policies exclude both. Homeowners in flood-prone areas should purchase NFIP flood insurance immediately, and all residents need windstorm riders for tornado protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.