Rice
Minnesota

What stands out

Against every county in America, Rice County is unusual in three ways: violent crime is in the bottom 3% of American counties (2.8 per 1,000), the share working from home is in the top 10% of American counties (13%), and life expectancy is in the top 10% of American counties (79.8 years). Within Minnesota it ranks 12th of 87 counties for violent crime, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Rice County, Minnesota. 67,152 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +85).

Minnesota has a graduated income tax that reaches 9.85%, taxes Social Security above income thresholds, and has an estate tax with a $3 million exemption. In exchange it ranks near the top in health outcomes, school results and household income, and the Twin Cities metro holds more Fortune 500 headquarters per capita than any other. Winters are long and cold.

Money

The typical household here brings in $78,214 a year, higher than 86% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $60,604. Unemployment runs 2.6%, lower than 80% of American counties. 13% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 19 minutes each way.

Minnesota takes 6.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $4,836 a year.

Home

The median home costs $352K, pricier than 79% of American counties, about 2.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,069 a month. Property tax is 0.99% of home value, roughly $2,770 a year on that median home, higher than 59% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 97% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 9 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 79.8 years, longer than 90% of American counties. There are 114 active physicians in the county, about 17.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.5 of 5 stars. 7.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.12 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 73% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 11 points. 73% of eligible voters turned out. Under Minnesota law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 46°F, highs near 57 and lows near 36, colder than 87% of American counties. About 34 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 71 out of 100, riskier than 72% of American counties; the county has had 14 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 215 Mbps down, faster than 57% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 3 museums.