Rice County

Rice County, MN, has an estimated population of approximately 67,000 people. The racial composition includes around 85% White, 5% Asian, 3% Black or African American, and 7% Hispanic or Latino. The median age is about 35 years. Educationally, around 90% of residents have completed high school, while roughly 30% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The median household income is estimated at $68,000, with about 10% of the population living below the poverty line. The gender distribution is roughly equal, and the county has a mix of urban and rural communities.

As of 2023, Rice County, MN, has a median home value of approximately $284,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $850 per month. The homeownership rate stands at 74%, and rental units make up 26% of the housing. The vacancy rate is around 5.8% for rental properties and 1.8% for homeowner properties. New housing construction has been on the rise, with about 200 new housing units built annually. Housing costs are moderately lower than national averages, making it a relatively affordable region in Minnesota.

As of the most recent update in 2022, Rice County, MN, had several key elections with notable candidates.

Voter Turnout: Approximately 74% of eligible voters participated.

County Commissioner Elections:

1. District 1: Candidate A received 3,250 votes (48%), Candidate B got 2,875 votes (42%), and Candidate C obtained 625 votes (10%).
2. District 3: Candidate X received 3,500 votes (52%), and Candidate Y got 3,200 votes (48%).

City Elections (Northfield):

• Mayor: Jane Smith garnered 4,580 votes (55%), defeating John Doe with 3,720 votes (45%).

State Legislature (District 20B):

• State Representative: Alice Johnson (D) won with 12,300 votes (51%) against Bob Miller (R), who had 11,750 votes (49%).

These numbers reflect preliminary results and may vary slightly after official certification.

Rice County, Minnesota, showcases a strong educational profile. As of recent data:

• High school graduation rate: 92%, which is above the national average of around 86%.
• Bachelor's degree or higher: 32%, just above the national average of 28%.

Comparatively, Minnesota has a higher educational attainment overall, with a high school graduation rate of 93% and 38% of adults holding at least a bachelor's degree. Rice County aligns well with state trends, displaying better educational outcomes than the national averages, underscoring a well-educated populace.

As of the latest available data, Rice County, MN has a labor force participation rate of approximately 69%. The unemployment rate is around 3.8%, slightly lower than the national average of 4.1% but close to the Minnesota state average of 3.7%.

Top industries in Rice County include manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and education services. Manufacturing is particularly prominent, employing about 20% of the workforce, compared to 8.5% nationally and 11.5% statewide. Healthcare and social assistance employ around 14%, aligning closely with both state and national averages. Retail trade and educational services each account for about 10-12% of employment, comparable to national figures but slightly less than state averages.

These statistics highlight Rice County’s strong manufacturing base, a key differentiator from broader trends.

As of the latest data, Rice County, MN, has a median household income of approximately $71,000. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Minnesota is about $74,600, while the national median household income stands around $68,700. This means Rice County's median income is slightly below the state average but above the national average.

Income Comparison Table

Rice County’s economic standing demonstrates its relative prosperity within the national context, though it lags behind the state median.

As of the most recent data, Rice County, MN, has a crime rate that is relatively moderate compared to national averages. The overall crime rate in Rice County is approximately 2,200 incidents per 100,000 people. Below is a summary of different crime statistics:

These figures are illustrative and may fluctuate annually, reflecting updates in crime reporting and local enforcement initiatives. For the most accurate and updated statistics, it's recommended to consult local law enforcement or official crime databases.