Rice County, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,350
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,925/yr
-0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,384
0.0% year-over-year change

Rice County population

How many people live in Rice County

Rice County is home to 9,350 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.8% of Rice County locals are male, and 48.2% are female.

Total population
9,350
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.8%
4,845
Female
48.2%
4,505
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,845 51.8% -0.1%
Female 4,505 48.2% -0.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Rice County is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.9% are children under 15, then 16.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.3% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.9%
15 to 24
16.2%
25 to 44
22.3%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
19%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,764 18.9% -1.7%
15 to 24 1,515 16.2% 0.7%
25 to 44 2,081 22.3% 2.6%
45 to 64 2,213 23.7% -0.5%
Over 65 1,777 19% -3.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Rice County, 94.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 13.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.2%
Non-citizens
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,817 94.3% -1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 299 3.2% -9.4%
Non-citizens 234 2.5% 96.6%
Racial breakdown
White
78.9%
Black or African American
1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.8%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.9%
Other
4.6%
Value Percent
White 7,379 78.9%
Black or African American 169 1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 70 0.8%
Asian 3 0%
Two or more races 1,302 13.9%
Other 427 4.6%

Households in Rice County

A peek inside Rice County households

Rice County has 3,714 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.4% are families, while the remaining 36.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,714
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,359
Family households
2,355
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,359 36.6% 1.9%
Family households 2,355 63.4% -0.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Rice County

The housing landscape of Rice County

Rice County's housing consists of 4,384 units, with 87.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,384
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,817 87.1%
1 unit, attached 26 0.6%
2 units 248 5.7%
3 or 4 units 47 1.1%
5 to 9 units 15 0.3%
10 to 19 units 35 0.8%
20 to 49 units 30 0.7%
50 or more units 39 0.9%
Mobile home 127 2.9%
Homes built since 2020
46
21.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rice County

In Rice County, the median construction year is 1953. About 34.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,508 34.4% 12.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 468 10.7% -11.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 662 15.1% -0.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 307 7% -19.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 653 14.9% -10.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 247 5.6% 6.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 147 3.4% -23.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 171 3.9% 51.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 175 4% 6.1%
Built in 2020 or later 46 1% 21.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Rice County occupancy rates

Out of the 3,714 occupied housing units in Rice County, 77.4% are owner-occupied, while 22.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,714
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
839
Owner occupied
2,875
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 839 22.6% -0.7%
Owner occupied 2,875 77.4% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
15.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Rice County housing costs

Housing costs in Rice County come to a median of $747 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $753.

Median housing costs per month
$747/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Rice County
$753/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Rice County

Rice County education at a glance

About 34.4% of the population in Rice County went to high school, while 28.2% pursued college studies. Another 11.7% earned an associate degree and 15% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 211 3% 106.9%
High school diploma 2,463 34.4% 0.3%
College diploma 2,021 28.2% -5.7%
Associate degree 837 11.7% -10.6%
Bachelor's degree 1,072 15% 2.5%
Graduate degree 556 7.8% 9.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Rice County

How much people earn in Rice County

The average annual household income in Rice County was $81,167 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,925, reflecting a -0% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rice County
$81,167/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rice County
$63,925/year
-0.0% year-over-year change

Rice County income by age

In Rice County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $64,388. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,842 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $45,000, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,593 in earnings. Overall, 92.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $45,000 1.9%
25 - 44 $64,388 -9.1%
45 - 64 $71,842 3.3%
Over 65 $42,593 2.0%
Above poverty level
7,955
Below poverty level
673
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,955 92.2% -0.3%
Below poverty level 673 7.8% 5.2%

Employment in Rice County

Workforce and job types in Rice County

The job market in Rice County is powered by 4,516 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.9% run their own businesses, 61.5% are employed by private companies, and 17.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,516
1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
3,178
Blue collar
1,338
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,178 70.4% 3.2%
Blue collar 1,338 29.6% -1.9%
Employer type
Self employees
12.9%
Private companies
61.5%
Governmental workers
17.2%
Not for profit companies
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 583 12.9% 10.8%
Private companies 2,779 61.5% 3.3%
Governmental workers 776 17.2% -6.5%
Not for profit companies 378 8.4% -4.8%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
34.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rice County stands at 4.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Rice County

How people get around in Rice County

Commuting methods vary: 86.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,887 86.8% 0.8%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0% -33.3%
Motorcycle 2 0% 0.0%
Bicycle 15 0.3% -55.9%
Walk 280 6.2% 8.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Rice County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
67491 379 181 $60,750 $73,054
67512 148 72 $95,000 $94,510
67524 618 288 $63,333 $68,485
67546 2,601 952 $76,739 $90,045
67554 4,048 1,686 $64,125 $71,851
67573 158 53 $61,964 $114,879
67579 3,102 1,090 $65,294 $99,584
67427 323 165 $49,250 $60,473
67444 623 266 $58,889 $94,202
67457 618 220 $89,167 $97,556

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FAQs about Rice County demographics 

What is the total population of Rice County?

Rice County has a total population of 9,350 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rice County?

The gender ratio in Rice County is as follows:
  • 51.8% males (4,845 residents)
  • 48.2% females (4,505 residents)

What is the median age in Rice County?

The median age in Rice County is 38.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rice County?

The age distribution in Rice County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.9% (1,764 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.2% (1,515 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.3% (2,081 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (2,213 residents)
  • Over 65: 19% (1,777 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rice County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rice County is as follows:
  • White: 78.9% (7,379 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.8% (169 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.8% (70 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (3 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.9% (1,302 residents)
  • Other: 4.6% (427 residents)

What percentage of the population in Rice County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.3% of the population in Rice County.

How many housing units are there in Rice County?

There are 4,384 housing units in Rice County, reflecting a 0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Rice County and what is the average household size?

Rice County has a total of 3,714 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rice County?

Rice County has a median household income of $63,925, representing a -0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rice County?

The employment rate is 95.6% in Rice County, with a workforce of 4,516 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.4% (3,178 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.6% (1,338 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.9% (583 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.5% (2,779 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.2% (776 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.4% (378 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025