Is Rice Lake Safe, Pros and cons of living in Rice Lake
Rice Lake, Wisconsin, offers a blend of small-town charm and access to various amenities, making it an appealing option for those seeking a change of pace. The city is situated in Barron County, known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for individuals considering a move to Rice Lake, covering essential aspects of daily life.
Understanding the cost of living, safety, job market, and educational landscape is crucial when evaluating any new community. Rice Lake presents a unique profile in these areas, with specific characteristics that may align with different lifestyle preferences and financial considerations. This article delves into these factors to offer a clear picture of what life in Rice Lake entails.
Is it Safe to Live in Rice Lake?
Rice Lake demonstrates a mixed but generally favorable safety profile. The city’s overall crime rate is reported to be lower than the national average. Specifically, violent crimes in Rice Lake are significantly below the national average (according to AreaVibes). This suggests a relatively secure environment for residents.
However, property crime rates in Rice Lake are higher than the national average (according to CityRating.com). While violent crime is less of a concern, residents should remain aware of property crime trends. The FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program data indicates that Rice Lake has a lower crime rate than 39% of U.S. cities (according to AreaVibes).
Violent Crime Statistics
Violent crime rates in Rice Lake are notably lower than the national average. As reported by CityRating.com, the city’s violent crime rate was 33.87% lower than the national average in 2019. Another source indicates that violent crimes in Rice Lake are 32% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes).
Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Rice Lake is approximately 1 in 409 per year (according to DoorProfit). This statistic further supports the notion that violent offenses are not a predominant issue in the community.
Property Crime Trends
Conversely, property crime rates in Rice Lake present a different picture. The city’s property crime rate was higher than the national average by 60.83% in 2019 (according to CityRating.com). Additionally, one source suggests that property crime is 29% lower than the national average (according to DoorProfit).
Despite the higher-than-average property crime rates, the overall crime rate in Rice Lake is considered moderate. The FBI UCR and local law enforcement data show a crime index of 113 for zip code 54868, which is 13% above the national average (according to DoorProfit). This localized data may reflect variations within the city.
Cost of Living in Rice Lake
The cost of living in Rice Lake is generally considered to be higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses. However, it is significantly lower than the state average for Wisconsin. This can present a unique financial landscape for new residents.
Monthly expenses for a single person in Rice Lake are estimated at $2,723, and for a family of four, it’s approximately $5,997 (according to Salary.com). These figures reflect an increase from the previous year, indicating a dynamic cost of living.
Housing Costs
Housing is a significant factor in Rice Lake’s cost of living. The median home value in Rice Lake was approximately $171,262 (according to Livability.com). More recent data indicates that the average Rice Lake house price was $273K last month, with a significant year-over-year increase of 65.2% (according to Redfin).
The median home price in Rice Lake is considerably lower than the national median of $393,134 (according to BestNeighborhood.org). Within Wisconsin, Rice Lake’s home prices are also less expensive than the state’s average of $260,575 (according to BestNeighborhood.org).
Rental Market
For those considering renting, the market in Rice Lake offers various options. The average rent for all property types in Rice Lake, WI, is $1,050 per month (according to Zillow). This is reported to be 47.5% lower than the national average rent of $2,000 (according to Zillow).
A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,050 per month, while a two-bedroom averages $950 per month. Three-bedroom apartments are typically priced around $1,200 per month (according to Zillow). Houses for rent in Rice Lake range from $850 to $1,200, with an average of $1,050 (according to Zillow).
Average Salary and Income
The average annual salary in Rice Lake is approximately $38,000, or $18.27 per hour (according to Zippia). The median household income in Rice Lake was reported as $52,417 (according to World Population Review). This median income reflects a decrease from the previous year.
The per capita income in Rice Lake is around $42,328 (according to World Population Review). This figure is notably higher than the per capita income in Barron County and Wisconsin (according to Census Reporter). However, the poverty rate in Rice Lake stands at 12.93% (according to World Population Review).
Job Market and Major Employers
Rice Lake’s job market is supported by a range of industries, with manufacturing and healthcare playing significant roles. The city and surrounding Barron County have a diverse economic base.
Key employers in the Rice Lake area include Jennie-O Turkey Store, Rice Lake Weighing Systems, St. Croix Casino, Superior Silica Sands, Mayo Health Systems, and Lakeview Medical Center (according to Momentum West). Retail giants like Walmart also have a significant presence (according to Indeed.com).
Employment Opportunities
The manufacturing sector is a substantial contributor to employment in Rice Lake, with companies such as Parker Hannifin and Quanex operating in the area (according to Indeed.com). Healthcare services are also a major employer, with Lakeview Medical Center being a key institution (according to Zippia).
The average salary for an average job in Rice Lake is $38,000 per year (according to Zippia). However, specific roles can offer higher compensation. For instance, some jobs in Rice Lake pay more than the state average, including LPNs, teachers, and police officers (according to ZipRecruiter).
Unemployment Rate
Unemployment data for specific cities like Rice Lake is not always readily available from national sources. However, statewide data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides context. As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in Wisconsin was 3.5% (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
This indicates a generally stable job market within the state. For the most precise and current local unemployment figures, consulting local economic development agencies would be beneficial.
Climate in Rice Lake
Rice Lake experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm and wet, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy. The weather can vary significantly throughout the year.
The average temperature in Rice Lake ranges from 6°F to 80°F annually, rarely dropping below -16°F or exceeding 88°F (according to Weather Spark). The region sees an average annual rainfall of 31 inches and snowfall of 54 inches (according to Livability.com).
Seasonal Temperatures
The warm season in Rice Lake lasts approximately from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures typically above 69°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 80°F and lows of 60°F (according to Weather Spark).
Conversely, the cold season spans from late November to early March. During this period, average daily high temperatures remain below 34°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 6°F and highs of 23°F (according to Weather Spark).
Precipitation Patterns
Rice Lake experiences a notable amount of precipitation throughout the year, contributing to its warm and wet summers. The average annual rainfall is around 31 inches (according to Livability.com).
Winters are characterized by significant snowfall, averaging about 54 inches annually (according to Livability.com). The combination of rain and snow means residents should be prepared for varied weather conditions across the seasons.
Education in Rice Lake
The Rice Lake area is served by the Rice Lake Area School District, which generally receives positive reviews. The district is considered above average, with a strong emphasis on providing a solid educational foundation for its students.
The district serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. It maintains a student-teacher ratio of approximately 12 to 1, aiming for personalized attention for students (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that about 40% of students are proficient in math and 44% in reading (according to Niche).
School District Performance
Rice Lake Area School District holds an overall Niche grade of B+ (according to Niche). This rating reflects a combination of factors including academic performance, teacher quality, and student life. The district has a total of 2,177 students across its various schools (according to Niche).
Individual schools within the district also receive good ratings. For instance, Rice Lake High School has an overall grade of B+ and is ranked highly within Barron County for public high schools and for athletes (according to Niche).
Student Achievement
According to state test scores, 40% of students in the Rice Lake Area School District are proficient in math, and 44% are proficient in reading (according to Niche). While these figures indicate room for growth, they are within a comparable range for many school districts.
Rice Lake High School specifically shows 34% proficiency in math and 39% in reading based on state test scores (according to Niche). The district strives to support student success through various programs and dedicated teaching staff.
Demographics of Rice Lake
Rice Lake is a city with a population of approximately 9,030 residents (according to World Population Review). The demographic makeup is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups. The median age in Rice Lake is 36 years.
The population has seen a slight decline in recent years, with a decrease of about -1.51% since the most recent census. This trend suggests a stable, rather than rapidly growing, community (according to World Population Review).
Population Composition
In Rice Lake, White residents constitute the largest portion of the population, making up 89.13% (according to World Population Review). Other racial groups, including Black or African American, Asian, Native American, and those of two or more races, represent smaller percentages. Hispanic residents make up about 5.04% of the population (according to World Population Review).
Gender distribution shows a slight majority of males, with 51.1% of locals being male and 48.9% female (according to World Population Review). For every 100 females, there are approximately 104.6 males (according to World Population Review).
Age and Household Structure
The median age in Rice Lake is 36 years, with a relatively even distribution across age groups. Approximately 19.8% of the population are children under 15, and 14.3% are between 15 and 24 years old. Adults aged 25 to 44 comprise 26.5% of the population, with another 19.8% in the 45 to 64 bracket. Those aged 65 and older make up about 19.7% (according to World Population Review).
Rice Lake has approximately 3,979 households, with an average of two members per household (according to World Population Review). Of these, 52.3% are family households, while 47.7% are non-family households, such as individuals living alone or with roommates (according to World Population Review).
Pros and Cons of Living in Rice Lake
Rice Lake offers a distinct lifestyle with both advantages and disadvantages that potential residents should consider. The city provides a slower pace of life, which appeals to many, but also presents challenges in certain areas.
The natural beauty and recreational opportunities are significant draws, while the cost of living and job market dynamics require careful consideration. Understanding these aspects can help individuals make an informed decision about relocating to Rice Lake.
Advantages of Rice Lake
The cost of housing in Rice Lake is notably more affordable than the national and state averages, making homeownership more accessible (according to Redfin, BestNeighborhood.org). The city also boasts a lower violent crime rate compared to the national average, contributing to a sense of security (according to AreaVibes, CityRating.com).
Residents can enjoy access to numerous bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, fostering a sense of community and offering leisure activities (according to Niche). The presence of above-average public schools further enhances its appeal for families (according to Niche).
Disadvantages of Rice Lake
One of the primary drawbacks is the higher-than-average property crime rate (according to CityRating.com). While violent crime is low, property-related incidents may be more frequent than in other areas.
Some residents note limited job opportunities and the need to travel for certain amenities, including specialized medical appointments and entertainment (according to Niche reviews). The cost of living, while lower than the state average, is noted as being higher than the national average by some sources (according to Salary.com).