countyscore
49.3
County Score
Health 88.5Soil Quality 87.2Income & Jobs 86.6

County Report Card

About Rice County, Minnesota

Consistent with National Standards

Rice County holds a composite score of 49.3, placing it nearly at the national median of 50.0. While it tracks closely with the country at large, it sits slightly below the Minnesota state average.

Bridging Rural and Metro Standards

The county's overall score of 49.3 is lower than the Minnesota average of 55.8. High income and health metrics are offset by environmental risks and housing costs that are typical of the region.

Exceptional Health and Income Levels

Rice County shines with a Health Score of 88.5 and a robust Income Score of 86.6. Residents enjoy a high median household income of $82,792, significantly higher than many neighboring agricultural counties.

Cost and Environmental Risk Pressures

Affordability is a hurdle, as the Cost Score of 17.9 reflects a higher median home value of $298,500. Additionally, the Risk Score of 24.6 indicates a need for better preparation against natural or environmental hazards.

Great for High-Earning Professionals

Rice County suits professionals who prioritize access to top-tier healthcare and high earning potential. While housing costs are steeper, the strong health infrastructure justifies the investment for many families.

Score breakdown

Tax40.3Cost17.9Safety51.5Health88.5Schools49.3Income86.6Risk24.6Water64.8Weather48
🏛40.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠17.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼86.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤88.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡24.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧64.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨87.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱80.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Steele County
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49.6
Scott County
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45.8
Dakota County
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43
Le Sueur County
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Waseca County
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Dodge County
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Deep Dives

Rice County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Rice County

via CrimeByCounty

Rice County Outperforms National Safety

Rice County maintains a high safety score of 98.3, outperforming the national safety profile. Its total crime rate of 1,088.6 per 100K is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Strong Standing in Minnesota

Rice ranks slightly safer than the state average safety score of 98.2. Its total crime rate also sits comfortably below the Minnesota average of 1,123.5 per 100K.

Regional Safety Comparisons

With a lower crime rate than Scott County, Rice stands out as a relatively secure regional hub. Four reporting agencies provide a consistent and reliable look at local public safety.

A Breakdown of Local Incidents

Violent crime in Rice County is just 125.1 per 100K, which is lower than the state average of 153.0. Property crime accounts for 963.5 incidents per 100K, less than half the national average.

Staying Vigilant in Rice County

Low violent crime rates provide peace of mind, but property theft still occurs occasionally. Secure your entry points and join local watch programs to maintain the county's high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Rice County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Districts Serving Rice County Students

Rice County features a robust educational system with 36 public schools spread across 10 different districts. The landscape includes 11 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 11 high schools, supporting a total of 8,395 students. The county also offers a specialized mix of alternative and special education facilities.

Investment and Academic Growth Potential

Local schools invest $9,922 per student, which is higher than the Minnesota average of $8,463 but below the national $13,000 benchmark. The current graduation rate of 81.1% trails the state average of 86.6%, indicating a focus area for local districts. However, the county maintains a respectable school score of 55.2, keeping it competitive with state peers.

Northfield and Faribault Lead the Way

The Northfield Public School District and Faribault Public School District are the primary providers, serving 3,857 and 3,312 students respectively. Charter schools play a notable role here, with 4 institutions representing 11.1% of the total school count. These options provide families with a variety of pedagogical approaches within the public system.

A Blend of Town and Rural Learning

The county's schools are primarily located in 'Town' settings, with 27 schools fitting this description and 9 classified as rural. Northfield Senior High is the largest school with 1,246 students, offering a traditional large-campus experience. Conversely, the average school size across the county is 262 students, ensuring many smaller learning environments exist.

Relocate to a Dynamic Education Hub

Rice County offers a unique mix of large high-performing high schools and innovative charter options. For buyers prioritizing education, the Northfield and Faribault areas provide diverse housing near major school campuses. Start your home search here to join a community that heavily invests in its public education infrastructure.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Rice County

via WeatherByCounty

Wetter Than the National Median

Rice County averages 44.5°F and receives a significant 35.5 inches of precipitation annually. This rainfall total is higher than the national average and much higher than its western neighbors.

One of Minnesota's Wettest Counties

With 35.5 inches of precipitation, Rice is much wetter than the state average of 30.0 inches. Its 44.5°F temperature is also warmer than the 42.8°F state average.

More Rain Than the Region

Rice receives about 7 inches more precipitation annually than Pope County. It is slightly cooler than Ramsey County but shares a similar snowy profile at 43.3 inches.

Consistent Snow and Rain

Winter brings 43.3 inches of snow and a 14.0°F January average. Summer features a 71.3°F July average and 9 days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Focus on Moisture Control

Given the 35.5 inches of rain and snow, homeowners should prioritize gutter maintenance and basement waterproofing. Efficient heating is required for the 17.6°F average winter temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rice County

via SoilByCounty

Rice County's Balanced Soil Profile

Rice County maintains a soil pH of 6.40, nearly matching the national median of 6.5. This level is slightly more acidic than the Renville average but remains above the state average of 6.21. It provides an excellent chemical balance for most regional vegetation.

Silty Textures for Better Workability

The soil contains 41.0% silt, 32.2% sand, and 21.3% clay. This distribution creates a workable soil that resists the heavy compaction often found in higher-clay areas. The composition ensures that air and water move effectively to reach plant roots.

High Capacity for Water Retention

The soil features an organic matter content of 7.60%, which is robust compared to the 2.0% national benchmark. An available water capacity of 0.206 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.199. This means the land stays productive even during shorter dry spells.

Superior Agricultural Potential

With a high soil score of 87.2, Rice County vastly exceeds the Minnesota average of 73.0. This score reflects a high functional quality for both farming and gardening. While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the overall soil health supports intensive land use.

Gardening Success in Zone 4b

Rice County falls into Hardiness Zone 4b, supporting everything from orchard fruits to perennials. The high-quality soil makes it one of the best spots in the state for a productive home garden. Start planting your favorite cold-hardy varieties this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rice County

via LawnByCounty

Rice County Boasts Elite Lawn Conditions

Rice County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 80.7, making it one of the easiest places in Minnesota to maintain a yard. This score far exceeds both the state average of 63.9 and the national median of 50.0. Gardeners in this Zone 4b area benefit from highly favorable natural conditions.

Ideal Rainfall Supports Lush Greenery

The county receives 35.5 inches of annual precipitation, which perfectly fits the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy lawns. With 2,529 growing degree days, the climate provides ample warmth for consistent growth. The moderate July average of 71.3 degrees prevents the frequent scorching seen in southern states.

Optimized Soil Chemistry for Turfgrass

A soil pH of 6.40 places Rice County right in the sweet spot for nutrient uptake in grass. The soil consists of 21.3% clay and 32.2% sand, offering a mix that retains moisture while allowing for necessary drainage. Most homeowners find they need very few soil amendments to keep grass healthy.

Excellent Drought Resilience This Year

Rice County shows remarkable resilience with only three weeks spent in drought over the last year. Currently, 0% of the county is in any drought category, meaning natural rainfall is doing the heavy lifting. You can skip the heavy irrigation for now and focus on routine maintenance.

Spring Seeding Success in Rice County

Hardy Zone 4b mixes like Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are top choices here. Plan your planting for early May, once the spring frost risk passes on May 5. This timing allows the lawn to establish strong roots before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rice County's county score?
Rice County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 49.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Rice County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Rice County ranks #64 among all counties in Minnesota on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Rice County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Rice County is $2,899, with an effective tax rate of 0.97%. This earns Rice County a tax score of 40.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rice County?
The median household income in Rice County, Minnesota is $82,792 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rice County earns an income score of 86.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rice County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Rice County scores 49.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Rice County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Rice County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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