Rice County MN Homes for Sale

Looking to buy or sell a home in Rice County, Minnesota? Help-U-Sell Heritage Real Estate has served southern Minnesota homeowners for decades with a low flat-fee listing model that saves sellers thousands compared to the traditional 6% commission. From historic Victorians in downtown Northfield to turn-key suburban builds in Lonsdale and affordable move-in-ready homes in Faribault, our team helps Rice County buyers and sellers keep more of their equity.

Homes FOr Sale in Rice County

Living in Rice County, Minnesota

ice County sits on the I-35 corridor just 14 miles north of Owatonna and roughly 50 miles south of the Twin Cities — making it one of the most convenient commuter counties in the region. Home to about 67,000 residents, the county seat is Faribault, with Northfield (population ~20,800) anchoring the northern edge along with fast-growing Lonsdale, Dundas, and Morristown.

Northfield is famous for its two nationally ranked liberal arts colleges — Carleton College and St. Olaf College — which together contribute nearly $290 million to the local economy and give the city its distinctive mix of historic charm and intellectual energy. Downtown Northfield is a walkable National Register district, and Defeat of Jesse James Days every September draws visitors from across the Midwest to commemorate the famous 1876 bank raid.

Faribault offers a very different feel: affordable Main Street character, the 160-year-old Faribault Woolen Mill, Shattuck-St. Mary’s private boarding school, and the Alexander Faribault House. Outdoor amenities include Carleton’s Cowling Arboretum, River Bend Nature Center, and Sakatah Lake State Park to the west. Lonsdale has become a popular bedroom community for Twin Cities professionals who want acreage, lower taxes, and an easy I-35 commute.

Rice County Real Estate Market

Schools in Faribault, Northfield & Rice County

Rice County is served by two flagship public districts. Faribault Public Schools (ISD 656) operates Faribault High School, two middle schools, and several elementary options, with a strong career-and-technical education program. Northfield Public Schools (ISD 659) is consistently ranked among the top districts in southern Minnesota, with Northfield High School drawing on the cultural resources of Carleton and St. Olaf. Families also choose Tri-City United, Shattuck-St. Mary’s (private, PreK–12, with elite hockey and soccer academies), and a growing homeschool community throughout the county.

Frequently Asked Questions — Rice County Real Estate

  • How different are Northfield and Faribault home prices, and why?
    • Northfield’s median sale price typically runs 50–70% higher than Faribault’s. The gap reflects Northfield’s walkable downtown, two top-tier colleges, stronger school rankings, and more historic housing stock. Faribault offers substantially better entry-level and move-up value, especially for buyers who don’t need daily proximity to the college campuses.
  • Can I commute from Rice County to the Twin Cities or Rochester?
    • Yes, easily. I-35 puts Faribault and Lonsdale roughly 45–55 minutes from downtown Minneapolis or MSP Airport. Rochester is about 55 miles east via Highway 60 and US-14 — about an hour’s drive. Many Rice County residents commute to Mayo Clinic, U.S. Bank, or Target corporate without issue.
  • Are there acreage or hobby farm properties available?
    • Regularly. Parcels of 5–40 acres come to market in the townships around Morristown, Dundas, and the rural stretches between Faribault and Kenyon. Ask us to set up a property alert if hobby-farm acreage is a priority.
  • How much can I actually save selling my Rice County home with Help-U-Sell Heritage?
    • On a $350,000 sale, the traditional 6% commission costs about $21,000. Our flat-fee listing program keeps a significant share of that in your pocket. Call us for a specific quote based on your home — we’ll walk you through the numbers before you list.

Buy or Sell Your Rice County Home with Help-U-Sell Heritage

Ready to talk with a local expert who actually lives and works the Rice County market?
– Office: 507-451-6000
– Debra Schmidt, Broker/Owner: 507-390-4030
– License: MN DRE #20367097

Browse current Homes For Sale in Rice County or get a free home valuation