[3] It was named for Henry Mower Rice, a fur trader who became instrumental in creation of the Minnesota Territory and its subsequent growth and development.

The North Fork of the Zumbro River rises in south-central Rice County, and flows eastward into Goodhue County on its way to discharge into the Mississippi east of Kellogg.

The county terrain consists of low, rolling hills, entirely devoted to agriculture, and dotted with lakes.

[5] The county slopes to the east and north; its highest point is near its SE corner, at 1,263 ft (385 m) ASL.

The North Fork of the Zumbro River has its headwaters in the county's southeastern part.

There were 20,061 housing units at an average density of 40.4 per square mile (15.6/km2).

23.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.