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Rice Lake

Rice Lake

Located in Barron County

$276,567 Average Value
$164 Average Price per Sq Ft
64 Homes For Sale

Outdoor enthusiasts are right at home in Rice Lake

With daily views of its namesake, along with scenic rivers and tree-lined, small-town streetscapes, it’s easy to understand why Rice Like is a popular tourist destination in the northwestern corner of Wisconsin. But there's more, says Cherie Jenkins, a Realtor with Jenkins Realty, Inc. “I’ve lived here all my life, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” she says. “Small towns aren’t for everyone, but this one is hard not to love with its location, scenery and easy-going people.”

With year-round events, including festivals, fairs, circuses and rodeos, there’s always something going on. The city is an outdoor athlete’s haven with sports parks and trails surrounding the lake. The 104-mile Wild Rivers State Trail passes through as the state's longest such route for all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, skiers, cyclists and pedestrians. Beyond the city, the famous Northwoods region is known for its forests, streams and rivers. “It may sound cliché, but Rice Lake really does have a lot to offer, Jenkins says."There are plenty of ways to be entertained here that you won’t find in similar-sized towns. Plus, we’re an hour from Eau Claire and two hours from the Twin Cities.”

Rice Lake is located in the heart of Wisconsin.
Rice Lake is located in the heart of Wisconsin.
The Wild Rivers State Trail is an atv and snowmobile trail that passes through Rice Lake.
The Wild Rivers State Trail is an atv and snowmobile trail that passes through Rice Lake.
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Manufacturing, retail and healthcare lead the way in Rice Lake

Rice Lake is the shopping, educational and medical hub for the surrounding communities of Cameron, Chetek, Shell Lake and Cumberland. Leading industries include manufacturing, retail and healthcare. The city’s largest employers include Rice Lake Weighing Systems and Marshfield Medical Center. New businesses include Allram Lumber Company and Northwoods Cycle.

Marshfield Medical center is one of the largest employers in Rice Lake.
Marshfield Medical center is one of the largest employers in Rice Lake.
Rice Lake bike enthusiasts frequent Northwoods Cycle for gear and repairs.
Rice Lake bike enthusiasts frequent Northwoods Cycle for gear and repairs.
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New homes are available inside and outside the city limits

“Because the job market is strong, housing sells well in Rice Lake,” says Jenkins. “We’re blessed with a healthy inventory of homes of varying sizes and ages, so no matter what you want, you can probably find it.” The median home price is $265,000, compared to the higher national median. Century-old cottages sell from $60,000 to $200,000, while homes in new subdivisions have recently sold from $260,000 to $400,000. Lakefront retreats with acreage can sell for as much as $800,000.

There are rows of new duplex townhomes on Sherwood Dr.
There are rows of new duplex townhomes on Sherwood Dr.
Residents in Rice Lake have a variety of home styles to choose from.
Residents in Rice Lake have a variety of home styles to choose from.
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Eye-catching parks and well-appointed sports complexes

Veterans Memorial Park overlooks Rice Lake with its War Memorial and a Civil War monument. The bandshell anchors Music in the Park in August, while the World Harvest Picnic and Celebration brings hundreds of people each summer. Lakefront Park is a greenway dotted with sculptures by local artists and massive oak trees. Sports complexes provide soccer, baseball and football fields. Rice Lake Hockey Arena is home to youth hockey leagues and summer camp programs.

Visit the WWII memorial at Veterans Memorial Park.
Visit the WWII memorial at Veterans Memorial Park.
Wooly the Mammoth is a unique sculpture near Indian Mounds Park on Rice Lake.
Wooly the Mammoth is a unique sculpture near Indian Mounds Park on Rice Lake.
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Highly rated Rice Lake Area School District

Rice Lake Area School District is graded B-plus by Niche and receives A grades for its teachers, clubs and activities. Rice Lake High students are encouraged to pursue career pathways that provide collaborative work/study opportunities with local businesses. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire at Barron County is one of the closest public universities. According to U.S. News & World Report, it is among the top undergraduate research universities in the nation.

Rice Lake High School serves grades 9-12.
Rice Lake High School serves grades 9-12.
Rice Lake is home to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire-Barron County.
Rice Lake is home to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire-Barron County.
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A revitalized downtown increases accessibility

In 2023, Rice Lake’s Main Street unveiled $3 million of improvements and a new look for downtown. The renovations better accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic and welcome shoppers with easy parking and gathering spaces. Benches, outdoor sculptures, planters and mini green spaces offer points of interest. Breweries, restaurants, coffee shops and cafes are easier to access and more visible with slower traffic. Longstanding cultural attractions include Red Barn Theater, the Barron County Fair and the Rice Lake Curling Club.

Rice Lake's Main Street is a stretch of shops and restaurants that has undergone changes throughout the years.
Rice Lake's Main Street is a stretch of shops and restaurants that has undergone changes throughout the years.
Rice Lake is home to the Barron County Fair and the Barron County Pro Rodeo.
Rice Lake is home to the Barron County Fair and the Barron County Pro Rodeo.
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Mild summers and snowy winters define the climate in Rice Lake

While summers are relatively short in northwest Wisconsin, residents enjoy mild temperatures rarely exceeding 88 degrees. Winter sports match well with the common weather of the season, helping Rice Lake to serve as a 12-month destination. According to FBI data, reported rates of violent crimes in Rice Lake since 2020 have been slightly higher than the national and state average, while property crimes for the same period have been mostly lower than both averages.

Getting around Rice Lake

Car travel is the primary form of transportation. Public transportation is limited to privately run shuttle bus and taxi services. Rice Lake is 60 miles north of Eau Claire via U.S. Highway 53. U.S. Highway 48 bisects the city east-west, stretching across the state. Minneapolis/Saint Paul is 100 miles southwest. The closest commercial airport is Eau Claire Airport, 56 miles south.

Sarah Albiston
Written By
Sarah Albiston
Tyler McNair
Photography Contributed By
Tyler McNair
EB Fox
Video By
EB Fox

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Dennis Falkenberg, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
2,212
Number of Homes for Sale
64
Median Year Built
2004
Months of Supply
3.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,989
On par with the national average
1,932
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,000
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,393
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
18,730

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 17
    Open Sun 1PM - 3PM

    119 E Saint Patrick St, Rice Lake, WI 54868

    $240,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,110 Sq Ft
    • 119 E Saint Patrick St

    Still renting?? Now you can own!! This cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home in Rice Lake is now available. New roof in 2023, new siding in 2024, carpet replaced in 2024/2025, and a new furnace installed in 2021, so you can move in knowing the pricey upgrades have already been done. The oversized primary bedroom offers lots of natural lighting and walks out to your private deck overlooking the

    Agent Photo
    Dawn Bell
    Realty ONE Group Choice
    (534) 344-7834
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  • Saturday, May 16
    Open Sat 1PM - 4PM

    2065 22 1 2 Ave, Rice Lake, WI 54868

    $375,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 963 Sq Ft
    • 2065 22 1 2 Ave
    • New 10 days ago

    Million-dollar view awaits you! Spectacular panorama of the lake. Imagine watching the 4th of July fireworks from your patio without leaving the comfort of your home. The peace and calm of fishing off your own dock. Enjoy watching the ice races in the winter from the warmth of your living room. The seller will be leaving the dock and boat lift. Spacious living room. Beautiful flower bed in the

    Cathy Hansen Associated Realty LLC

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Rice Lake Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
6
Median Rent
$975
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,350
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$1,425
Median Condo Rent
$750
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$950

Demographics

Total Population
9,214
Median Age
42
Population under 18
23.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$48,879
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$67,774

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.9%
College Graduates
26.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.3%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
32''
Average Winter Low Temperature
2°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
35''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bikeability®

50 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walkability®

20 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Rice Lake
Dennis Falkenberg
CB Brenizer/Chippewa
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