Economic Advantages of Rice, Minnesota
Businesses considering Rice, Minnesota find a community that has deliberately positioned itself for growth. As a Minnesota Star City in the heart of the Growth Corridor, Rice offers three powerful advantages that together make a compelling case for locating or expanding here: a ready and capable workforce, excellent transportation accessibility, and dependable community and financial support. This page explores each in turn.
Work Readiness
One of the major strengths of the Rice area working force is the strong work ethic and the loyalty employees show to their employers. The local labor force is well educated and demonstrates a genuine desire to work - qualities that employers consistently rank among the most important factors in a successful operation. In an era when finding dependable, motivated workers can be a challenge, the Rice area stands out.
The city of Rice draws the majority of its workers from a three-county area encompassing Benton, Morrison, and Stearns counties. Surveys of the region show a large pool of available workers with experience across a wide variety of occupations. Across these three counties, only about five percent of people are not currently working, indicating a deep and active labor market that employers can tap into. The area is also lightly unionized, with roughly one in four workers covered by a union contract, giving businesses flexibility in how they structure their workforce.
Residents here are notably willing to travel for good work. The average commute in the area runs about 22 miles one way, which means employers in Rice can recruit from a broad geographic radius. And the workforce is well educated: approximately two out of three workers have completed some form of post-high-school education, providing the skills and adaptability that modern businesses require. For statewide labor market data and workforce programs, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is an excellent resource.
At a Glance: The Rice Area Labor Force
- Regional draw: Workers come from Benton, Morrison, and Stearns counties
- Availability: Approximately 5% of the regional population is not currently working
- Union coverage: Roughly one in four workers under a union contract (light unionization)
- Commute tolerance: Average one-way commute of about 22 miles
- Education: About two of every three workers have some post-high-school education
Accessibility
Location is one of Rice's most valuable assets. The community sits within easy reach of major transportation arteries, beginning with quick access to Interstates 94 and 494, which connect the area to the Twin Cities and beyond. The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is just about 90 minutes away, putting national and international travel within comfortable reach for businesses that need it.
Closer to home, local air commuter service is only about 20 minutes away in St. Cloud, making short regional trips convenient. Ground freight options are equally strong. Rice is served by intercity bus service and by local, regional, and national trucking carriers. The area also benefits from a busy freight rail mainline, a major corridor that handles roughly 22 freight trains per day - a significant advantage for businesses with shipping needs.
Looking ahead, the region has long aspired to expanded passenger rail through the Northstar Corridor commuter-rail vision, which would further strengthen the connection between Central Minnesota and the metro area. A complete overview of every transportation mode is available on our transportation page, and statewide highway and freight information is maintained by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Community and Financial Support
A great location and a strong workforce are only part of the equation. Businesses also need a community that wants them to succeed - and that is exactly what Rice provides. Local government, the Chamber of Commerce, and economic development volunteers actively work together to help businesses get established and grow. Through the Rice Loan and Economic Development Committee and the area's Economic Development Coordinator, prospective employers find guidance, encouragement, and practical assistance.
The region is also well served by financial institutions. Area banking partners offer a full range of services to support business and personal needs, including commercial lending, Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs, real-estate financing, personal loans, insurance, and trust services. This depth of financial infrastructure means businesses can find the capital and professional support they need close to home, without having to look to a distant metro area. For additional guidance on financing and growing a business, the U.S. Small Business Administration offers programs that local lenders participate in.
The Bottom Line for Business
When you combine a motivated, well-educated regional workforce, outstanding interstate and rail accessibility, and a community genuinely committed to helping businesses thrive, the result is a place where enterprises can put down roots with confidence. Rice has planned for growth, prepared its infrastructure, and built the partnerships that turn opportunity into success. To take the next step, browse our business directory, review the local infrastructure and utilities, or contact the Chamber to discuss how Rice can support your business goals.