About the Rice Area Community

Rice is a continuously growing community in Benton County, Minnesota, with approximately 610 residents and a character that is unmistakably small-town. Yet for a city of relatively modest population, Rice has accomplished something special: it has built a diversified business and industrial base that supports employment levels reaching roughly one and a half times the city's own population. That balance of community intimacy and economic vitality is what makes Rice such a distinctive place to live and work.

Our guiding phrase says it best: "Rice - a past with pride and a future with promise." The community has everything that businesses, industry, and residents desire for prosperity and growth, all wrapped in the friendly, neighborly atmosphere of Central Minnesota. Located within Minnesota's Growth Corridor, just north of St. Cloud, Rice continues to attract people who want the open space and slower pace of country living without sacrificing access to a thriving regional economy.

Steady, Thoughtful Growth

The population of Rice has grown steadily over the years, and that growth has been guided rather than left to chance. As a Minnesota Star City, Rice has planned carefully for development and is prepared to support and assist both existing businesses and prospective new ones. This designation reflects a community that takes its future seriously - one that has done the work of zoning, planning, and preparing so that growth strengthens the area rather than straining it.

Newcomers often remark on how welcoming Rice feels. Part of that welcome is practical: new residents are invited to pick up a Chamber Welcome Packet with community information, details about local businesses, and helpful resources for settling in. It is a small gesture that reflects a larger truth about Rice - this is a place where people genuinely want their neighbors to feel at home.

Partners in Growth and Development

Rice is ready to work with business and industry as partners in the growth and development of the community. That partnership is supported by an effective economic development team. The Rice Economic Development Coordinator, a responsive city government, and the Rice Loan and Economic Development Committee join forces to help new businesses get started and to support those already operating here. Prospective employers find a community eager to collaborate, with local leaders who understand that a strong business climate benefits everyone.

For organizations exploring relocation or expansion, Minnesota offers robust statewide support as well. Resources from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development complement the local incentives and assistance available right here in Rice, giving businesses a clear path from interest to investment.

A Diversified Local Economy

One of the quiet strengths of Rice is the variety of its economic base. Rather than depending on a single employer or industry, the area supports a broad mix of enterprises - from agriculture and manufacturing to construction, retail, professional services, and the trades. This diversity provides stability, opportunity, and a range of jobs for residents drawn from a multi-county labor pool. You can explore the full range of member enterprises on our business directory, and learn more about the workforce and location benefits on our economic advantages page.

A Place to Belong

What truly sets Rice apart, however, is not measured in statistics. It is the feeling of belonging that residents describe again and again. Children grow up knowing their neighbors. Families gather at community events, churches, and the ballfields. The lakes and trails of the surrounding countryside are minutes away, and the amenities of a regional city are close enough for a quick errand or a special evening out. To get a fuller sense of daily life here, visit our quality of life page or read about the churches and organizations that knit the community together.

For demographic details about the area, the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts offers official population and household data for Benton County communities. But to really understand Rice, the best approach is simply to visit. We think you will quickly see why so many people are proud to call this growing Central Minnesota community home.