HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Rice County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Rice County, MN. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by jurisdiction - Commercial/Industrial 0.32492%, rates differ by school district and municipality
1st Due
May 15
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Rice County, Minnesota operates under the state's property tax system, where property taxes are the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county government operations, municipal services, and special districts. The county's property tax system is administered at the local level, with the Rice County Assessor's Office responsible for determining property values and the Rice County Treasurer handling tax collection and administration.

Property tax rates in Rice County vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions including school districts, municipalities, townships, and special taxing districts. For the 2025 tax year, commercial-industrial properties face a rate of 0.32492%, while seasonal residential recreational properties are taxed at 10.010%. Most residential homestead properties fall between these rates, with the actual effective rate depending on your property's classification, any applicable tax credits, and the specific combination of taxing districts where your property is located.

It's important to note that property tax rates can change annually based on budget decisions made by each taxing authority. Rice County's 2026 budget reflects an 8.51% increase in the county's property tax levy over 2025, though individual property owners' tax bills will vary based on assessment changes and available credits.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Rice County General0.32492%County operations, services, and administration (2025 rate for commercial-industrial)
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school funding, varies significantly by school district boundaries
Municipal/TownshipVaries by locationCity or township services, fire protection, road maintenance
Special DistrictsVaries by districtWatershed districts, library districts, hospital districts where applicable
State GeneralIncluded in totalState-mandated property tax component

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year (taxes payable in 2025). Residential homestead properties typically receive more favorable treatment than the commercial-industrial rate shown above. Seasonal recreational properties face the highest rates at 10.010%. Your actual total tax rate depends on the specific combination of taxing districts where your property is located within Rice County. Contact the Rice County Assessor's Office at (507) 444-7472 for your property's specific rate calculation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Rice County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
May 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Oct 15
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Rice County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's value or ownership outside the regular assessment cycle. The most common triggers for supplemental taxes include new construction or improvements that add value to a property, changes in property classification, or corrections to previous assessments discovered during the tax year.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year the change was in effect. For example, if you complete a home addition valued at $50,000 in July (halfway through the tax year), the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 value increase for the remaining six months of the tax year.

Property owners receive a separate supplemental tax bill in addition to their regular property tax statement. These supplemental taxes follow the same payment schedule as regular property taxes and are subject to the same penalty and interest charges if paid late. The Rice County Treasurer's Office will mail supplemental tax bills to the property owner of record, typically within 30-60 days of the assessment change being processed.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Homestead Property

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Market Value Exclusion: $413,800 (property under threshold, no exclusion needed)
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.2% (varies by taxing districts)
  • Annual Tax: $3,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $300

Example 2: $600,000 Homestead Property

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Market Value Credit Applied: Varies (application required)
  • Estimated Taxable Value: $580,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.4% (varies by taxing districts)
  • Annual Tax: $8,120
  • Monthly Escrow: $677

Example 3: $1,000,000 Homestead Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Market Value Credit Applied: Varies (application required)
  • Estimated Taxable Value: $950,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.6% (varies by taxing districts)
  • Annual Tax: $15,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,267

Important Notes: These examples use estimated tax rates as actual rates vary significantly by location within Rice County. Tax credits such as the Homestead Credit require annual application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Rice County Assessor's Office for precise calculations based on your property's specific location and circumstances.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Rice County require borrowers to establish an escrow account for property taxes, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your mortgage servicer collects monthly escrow payments along with your principal and interest, then pays your property taxes directly to Rice County when they become due. The escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12, often with an additional cushion to account for potential tax increases.

Rice County property taxes are due in two installments: the first half is due May 15th, and the second half is due October 15th. Your mortgage servicer will typically pay each installment a few days before the due date to ensure timely payment. If your property taxes increase from year to year, your lender may require you to make up any escrow shortage either through a lump sum payment or by increasing your monthly escrow contribution.

You can verify that your mortgage servicer has paid your Rice County property taxes by checking online through the Rice County Treasurer's website or by calling (507) 444-7470. If you discover your servicer has not made the required payments, contact them immediately, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring your property taxes are paid on time, even when using an escrow account.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Rice County property taxes due for 2025? A: The first half is due May 15, 2025, and the second half is due October 15, 2025. Payments received after these dates are subject to penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit, which requires annual application by December 15th. This credit limits how much your home's taxable value can increase year-over-year. Senior citizens may qualify for additional credits. Most credits require application - they are not automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your property's market value, but it does limit assessment increases and provides classification benefits for your primary residence. You must file annually by December 15th with the Rice County Assessor's Office to maintain this status.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Rice County offers online payment options through their official website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments typically include a convenience fee.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The penalty is typically 8% on the first half if paid after May 15th, and additional penalties apply for the second half if paid after October 15th.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Rice County Board of Appeal and Equalization, typically meeting in April. The deadline is usually April 30th for the current assessment year.

Q: What if I own property in multiple taxing districts? A: Your tax rate will reflect all applicable taxing jurisdictions where your property is located, including school district, municipality or township, county, and any special districts like watershed or library districts.

Q: Are senior citizens eligible for property tax relief? A: Yes, senior citizens may qualify for property tax deferral programs and additional credits. Applications for deferral must be filed by November 1st. Contact the Rice County Assessor's Office for specific eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
2025 Final Ind Ratesricecountymn.gov
02
Tax Doc
Board approves 2025 tax levyricecountymn.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property values and taxesricecountymn.gov
04
Tax Doc
Second half property tax payments due Oct. 15ricecountymn.gov
05
Tax Doc
Pay property taxesricecountymn.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Calendar for Property Ownersrevenue.state.mn.us
07
eo_mn.csvirs.gov
08
Buy a house | Northfield, MN - Official Websitenorthfieldmn.gov
09
Homestead Classificationrevenue.state.mn.us
10
News Flashricecountymn.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate