Benton County · MN
Homes For Sale in Rice, MN
Rice is a small, quiet community along the Mississippi River in Benton County — a rural residential enclave of around 1,200 residents situated between St. Cloud and Little Falls on the US-10 corridor. What Rice offers is increasingly rare: genuinely spacious properties, riverfront and rural residential character, and a commute-accessible location that puts St. Cloud's employment base within 20–25 minutes. For buyers seeking large lots, natural setting, and true residential privacy without full rural isolation, Rice is a market worth knowing.
The community is served by the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, connecting Rice students to one of the region's most well-regarded school systems. That connection gives Rice families the benefit of an excellent school district while living in a quieter, more spacious community than Sauk Rapids proper. Mississippi River access — for fishing, kayaking, and simply enjoying the natural setting — is a genuine everyday amenity for Rice residents.
Schools & Education
Rice is part of the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, a consistently well-regarded K-12 system that has earned recognition statewide for academic quality and student outcomes. Rice Elementary School serves the youngest students locally, while middle and high school students attend Sauk Rapids-Rice schools that offer a full range of academic, athletic, and arts programming. The district's partnership with St. Cloud Technical & Community College provides dual-credit opportunities for high school students.
For higher education, St. Cloud State University and the broader post-secondary network around St. Cloud are within 25–30 minutes, keeping Rice residents connected to educational advancement opportunities.
Mississippi River & Natural Setting
Rice's most distinctive natural feature is its direct relationship with the Mississippi River. The river runs along the western edge of the community, providing fishing, wildlife viewing, boating, and natural scenery that residents access with ease. River-adjacent properties — some with direct water frontage — are part of the Rice real estate landscape, offering buyers the opportunity to live close to a significant natural waterway at prices well below what comparable river access would cost in more developed areas.
The rural agricultural landscape surrounding Rice adds to the sense of open space and natural character. Residents describe the community as genuinely peaceful — the kind of place where you can hear birds in the morning, see stars at night, and feel connected to the natural rhythms of Central Minnesota.
Real Estate Market
Rice's real estate market is defined by large lots, rural character, and genuine affordability. Single-family homes typically range from $180,000 to $290,000, with properties featuring generous acreage available at the higher end of that range. River-adjacent and water-view properties carry appropriate premiums but remain affordable in absolute terms.
For buyers seeking space, nature, and a quiet residential experience within commuting distance of St. Cloud, Rice delivers at price points that make the math work. Properties here tend to attract buyers who have specifically chosen to prioritize the natural setting over urban convenience — and who stay because the community delivers exactly what they came for.
Available Listings in Rice
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Rice's Mississippi River setting and Sauk Rapids-Rice schools are a compelling combination. Let me show you what's available in this quiet community.