Rice Lake, Barron County, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,030
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,417/yr
-4.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,137
-0.9% year-over-year change

Rice Lake population

How many people live in Rice Lake

Rice Lake is home to 9,030 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.1% of Rice Lake locals are male, and 48.9% are female.

Total population
9,030
0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.1%
4,617
Female
48.9%
4,413
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,617 51.1% -3.2%
Female 4,413 48.9% 3.6%
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 Lake is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.8% are children under 15, then 14.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.5% of the population, while another 19.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
36
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.8%
15 to 24
14.3%
25 to 44
26.5%
45 to 64
19.8%
Over 65
19.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,785 19.8% -1.8%
15 to 24 1,292 14.3% 5.7%
25 to 44 2,391 26.5% 1.1%
45 to 64 1,783 19.8% -3.3%
Over 65 1,779 19.7% -0.2%
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 Lake, 96.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.1% of locals are Caucasian, 2.6% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,741 96.8% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 143 1.6% 1.4%
Non-citizens 146 1.6% 15.9%
Racial breakdown
White
89.1%
Black or African American
2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5%
Other
2.7%
Value Percent
White 8,048 89.1%
Black or African American 231 2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 18 0.2%
Asian 41 0.4%
Two or more races 452 5%
Other 240 2.7%

Households in Rice Lake

A peek inside Rice Lake households

Rice Lake has 3,979 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.3% are families, while the remaining 47.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,979
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,897
Family households
2,082
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,897 47.7% 0.8%
Family households 2,082 52.3% 1.0%
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 Lake

The housing landscape of Rice Lake

Rice Lake's housing consists of 4,137 units, with 58.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.5% 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 1.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,137
-0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,405 58.1%
1 unit, attached 186 4.5%
2 units 308 7.4%
3 or 4 units 267 6.4%
5 to 9 units 235 5.7%
10 to 19 units 331 8%
20 to 49 units 195 4.7%
50 or more units 163 3.9%
Mobile home 47 1.1%
Homes built since 2020
32
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rice Lake

In Rice Lake, the median construction year is 1974. About 17% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 703 17% 20.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 281 6.8% 30.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 461 11.1% -23.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 292 7.1% -22.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 785 19% 5.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 389 9.4% -14.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 357 8.6% -1.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 440 10.6% 5.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 397 9.6% -4.8%
Built in 2020 or later 32 0.8% N/A
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 Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 3,979 occupied housing units in Rice Lake, 55.2% are owner-occupied, while 44.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,979
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,784
Owner occupied
2,195
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,784 44.8% 1.5%
Owner occupied 2,195 55.2% 0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
3.8%
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 Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Rice Lake come to a median of $882 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $856.

Median housing costs per month
$882/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 Lake
$856/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 Lake

Rice Lake education at a glance

About 41.8% of the population in Rice Lake went to high school, while 20.8% pursued college studies. Another 11.4% earned an associate degree and 15.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 173 2.5% 44.2%
High school diploma 2,928 41.8% 1.6%
College diploma 1,453 20.8% 2.5%
Associate degree 800 11.4% 2.3%
Bachelor's degree 1,076 15.4% -3.7%
Graduate degree 573 8.2% -10.3%
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 Lake

How much people earn in Rice Lake

The average annual household income in Rice Lake was $75,558 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,417, reflecting a -4.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rice Lake
$75,558/year
-3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rice Lake
$52,417/year
-4.8% year-over-year change

Rice Lake income by age

In Rice Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $63,617. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $80,724 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,050, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,639 in earnings. Overall, 87% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,050 -11.7%
25 - 44 $63,617 -1.8%
45 - 64 $80,724 11.0%
Over 65 $37,639 1.5%
Above poverty level
7,592
Below poverty level
1,132
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,592 87% -2.3%
Below poverty level 1,132 13% 28.8%

Average renter income in Rice Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Rice Lake, their median household income was $28,586 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,586
Rent-to-income ratio
35.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Rice Lake

Workforce and job types in Rice Lake

The job market in Rice Lake is powered by 4,487 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.2% run their own businesses, 66.1% are employed by private companies, and 15.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,487
3.5% year-over-year change
White collar
2,949
Blue collar
1,538
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,949 65.7% 0.3%
Blue collar 1,538 34.3% 10.5%
Employer type
Self employees
4.2%
Private companies
66.1%
Governmental workers
15.5%
Not for profit companies
14.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 189 4.2% -3.6%
Private companies 2,967 66.1% 3.3%
Governmental workers 697 15.5% -13.6%
Not for profit companies 634 14.1% 38.1%
Unemployment rate
3.2%
-14.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rice Lake stands at 3.2%, 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 Lake

How people get around in Rice Lake

Commuting methods vary: 92.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% 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 4,074 92.4% 2.3%
Bus or trolleybus 13 0.3% N/A
Walk 59 1.3% 18.0%
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 Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
54868 16,323 6,920 $64,318 $91,409

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FAQs about Rice Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Rice Lake?

Rice Lake has a total population of 9,030 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 0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rice Lake?

The gender ratio in Rice Lake is as follows:
  • 51.1% males (4,617 residents)
  • 48.9% females (4,413 residents)

What is the median age in Rice Lake?

The median age in Rice Lake is 36.

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

The age distribution in Rice Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.8% (1,785 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.3% (1,292 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.5% (2,391 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.8% (1,783 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.7% (1,779 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rice Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rice Lake is as follows:
  • White: 89.1% (8,048 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.6% (231 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (18 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (41 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5% (452 residents)
  • Other: 2.7% (240 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.8% of the population in Rice Lake.

How many housing units are there in Rice Lake?

There are 4,137 housing units in Rice Lake, reflecting a -0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rice Lake has a total of 3,979 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rice Lake?

Rice Lake has a median household income of $52,417, representing a -4.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.8% in Rice Lake, with a workforce of 4,487 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.7% (2,949 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.3% (1,538 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.2% (189 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.1% (2,967 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.5% (697 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.1% (634 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