Faribault
RANK #596 / 996 NAT · #15 / 18 MN · POP 67,152
1YR FORECAST: +1.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +21%
Rice County, Minnesota, is often recognized for Northfield, a town known for successfully repelling the infamous James-Younger Gang's bank robbery in 1876. Located in the south-central part of Minnesota, the county is approximately 30 minutes south of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, with Interstate 35 providing a direct commute. The Cannon River flows through the county, contributing to a landscape of low, rolling hills and numerous lakes. Outdoor recreation is accessible with 12 county parks, including the Cannon River Wilderness Area, offering hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing.
Life in Rice County blends agricultural roots with educational opportunities. Faribault, the county seat, and Northfield are home to several colleges and academies, including Carleton and St. Olaf. The county's economy is supported by a diverse workforce, with many residents commuting within the county or to the nearby metropolitan area. Recent economic developments show a focus on attracting and retaining businesses in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and green industries, with incentives offered for private development.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.0x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Archer Datacenters Faribault Campus
Archer Datacenters
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
North Fork Wind Farm
EDP Renewables
|
$280M | Proposed |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (Multiple Projects)
Various
|
$50M | Operating/Under Construction |
|
I-35/County Road 9 Interchange
Rice County/Minnesota Department of Transportation
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
County Road 20 Project (Cannon City Boulevard Phase I)
Rice County
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Twin Oaks Housing Project
Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Rice County Habitat for Humanity, Three Rivers Community Action
|
$50M | Under Construction/Partially Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Rice County scores 40/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#596). Median household income is $78,214 and job growth is running at +2.5%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Rice County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $279,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.28, with rents averaging $1,021/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Rice County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.5% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.5% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +3.2% over the past 12 months.
In significant numbers — 5.13% of Rice County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.