Rice County, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
67,917
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,181/yr
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
25,295
0.5% year-over-year change

Rice County population

How many people live in Rice County

Rice County is home to 67,917 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.6% of Rice County locals are male, and 48.4% are female.

Total population
67,917
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.6%
35,081
Female
48.4%
32,836
Value Percent YoY change
Male 35,081 51.6% 1.4%
Female 32,836 48.4% 0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Rice County is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 18% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.1% of the population, while another 23.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
18%
25 to 44
24.1%
45 to 64
23.8%
Over 65
16.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 11,937 17.6% 0.5%
15 to 24 12,203 18% -1.5%
25 to 44 16,341 24.1% 2.0%
45 to 64 16,132 23.8% 0.7%
Over 65 11,304 16.6% 2.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Rice County, 89.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79.5% of locals are Caucasian, 6.8% are African American and 2.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.8%
Non-citizens
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 60,903 89.7% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,267 4.8% 19.1%
Non-citizens 3,747 5.5% -5.2%
Racial breakdown
White
79.5%
Black or African American
6.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.5%
Other
4.4%
Value Percent
White 53,994 79.5%
Black or African American 4,589 6.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 349 0.5%
Asian 1,545 2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 26 0%
Two or more races 4,396 6.5%
Other 3,018 4.4%

Households in Rice County

A peek inside Rice County households

Rice County has 23,493 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 65.1% are families, while the remaining 34.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
23,493
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
8,198
Family households
15,295
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,198 34.9% 2.3%
Family households 15,295 65.1% -0.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Rice County

The housing landscape of Rice County

Rice County's housing consists of 25,295 units, with 70.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
25,295
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 17,925 70.9%
1 unit, attached 1,576 6.2%
2 units 476 1.9%
3 or 4 units 749 3%
5 to 9 units 583 2.3%
10 to 19 units 1,026 4.1%
20 to 49 units 966 3.8%
50 or more units 924 3.6%
Mobile home 1,063 4.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 7 0%
Homes built since 2020
428
52.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rice County

In Rice County, the median construction year is 1978. About 17.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,499 17.8% -4.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,302 5.2% 15.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,756 6.9% -5.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,950 7.7% -7.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,924 15.5% 3.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,151 8.5% -5.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,999 11.9% 1.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,482 17.7% 0.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,804 7.1% 13.5%
Built in 2020 or later 428 1.7% 52.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Rice County occupancy rates

Out of the 23,493 occupied housing units in Rice County, 76.3% are owner-occupied, while 23.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
23,493
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,575
Owner occupied
17,918
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,575 23.7% -1.0%
Owner occupied 17,918 76.3% 1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
7.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Rice County housing costs

Housing costs in Rice County come to a median of $1,244 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,083.

Median housing costs per month
$1,244/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Rice County
$1,083/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Rice County

Rice County education at a glance

About 36.4% of the population in Rice County went to high school, while 25% pursued college studies. Another 9.6% earned an associate degree and 16.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,603 3% 19.1%
High school diploma 19,444 36.4% 1.2%
College diploma 13,367 25% -3.2%
Associate degree 5,135 9.6% 0.4%
Bachelor's degree 8,631 16.2% 4.0%
Graduate degree 5,181 9.7% 3.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Rice County

How much people earn in Rice County

The average annual household income in Rice County was $104,276 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,181, reflecting a +0.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rice County
$104,276/year
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rice County
$83,181/year
0.5% year-over-year change

Rice County income by age

In Rice County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $87,275. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $103,177 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,861, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $61,458 in earnings. Overall, 90.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,861 -5.9%
25 - 44 $87,275 -3.0%
45 - 64 $103,177 -0.5%
Over 65 $61,458 4.7%
Above poverty level
53,616
Below poverty level
5,857
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 53,616 90.2% 0.1%
Below poverty level 5,857 9.8% 10.0%

Employment in Rice County

Workforce and job types in Rice County

The job market in Rice County is powered by 33,751 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 63.1% are employed by private companies, and 12.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
33,751
0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
24,062
Blue collar
9,689
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 24,062 71.3% 0.1%
Blue collar 9,689 28.7% 1.4%
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
63.1%
Governmental workers
12.4%
Not for profit companies
14.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,311 9.8% 0.3%
Private companies 21,310 63.1% 0.6%
Governmental workers 4,177 12.4% -1.5%
Not for profit companies 4,953 14.7% 1.8%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
-0.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rice County stands at 4.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Rice County

How people get around in Rice County

In Rice County, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
-3.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 25,541 77.1% -1.2%
Taxicab 76 0.2% 10.1%
Bus or trolleybus 101 0.3% -12.9%
Motorcycle 32 0.1% -31.9%
Bicycle 367 1.1% 97.3%
Walk 2,605 7.9% 17.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Rice County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
55018 969 408 $83,854 $122,711
55019 2,305 814 $117,381 $148,290
55021 30,908 11,424 $68,820 $91,283
55046 6,145 2,126 $95,912 $112,258
55052 2,114 840 $82,760 $104,150
55053 995 341 $101,406 $117,301
55057 25,650 8,113 $92,622 $114,620
55087 327 125 $92,344 $103,190
55088 1,812 650 $132,917 $147,937
55946 3,395 1,313 $85,781 $98,842

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FAQs about Rice County demographics 

What is the total population of Rice County?

Rice County has a total population of 67,917 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rice County?

The gender ratio in Rice County is as follows:
  • 51.6% males (35,081 residents)
  • 48.4% females (32,836 residents)

What is the median age in Rice County?

The median age in Rice County is 37.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rice County?

The age distribution in Rice County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (11,937 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18% (12,203 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.1% (16,341 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.8% (16,132 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.6% (11,304 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rice County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rice County is as follows:
  • White: 79.5% (53,994 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.8% (4,589 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (349 residents)
  • Asian: 2.3% (1,545 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (26 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.5% (4,396 residents)
  • Other: 4.4% (3,018 residents)

What percentage of the population in Rice County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.7% of the population in Rice County.

How many housing units are there in Rice County?

There are 25,295 housing units in Rice County, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Rice County and what is the average household size?

Rice County has a total of 23,493 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rice County?

Rice County has a median household income of $83,181, representing a +0.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rice County?

The employment rate is 95.4% in Rice County, with a workforce of 33,751 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.3% (24,062 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.7% (9,689 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (3,311 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.1% (21,310 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.4% (4,177 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.7% (4,953 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025