Rice County, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 42nd-largest in Kansas
The population of Rice County, Kansas is 9,389 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 42nd-largest county in Kansas. The median household income is $63,947, the median home value is $105,500, and the median age is 39.0.
The population of Rice County has declined 8.2% since 2010 (10,116 → 9,284), a -0.61% annualized rate.
9,389
Population
-0.61%
Annual growth
13
People / sq mi
$63,947
Median Income
$105,500
Median Home Value
Rice County covers 726 sq mi of land at 12.9 people per square mile.
About Rice County, KS
Rice County is a county in Kansas with a population of 9,389. It ranks #42 among counties in Kansas by population. The median age is 39.0, in line with the national median. The population is 51.7% male and 48.3% female.
The median household income in Rice County is $63,947, below the US median of $74,580. 5.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $105,500, with monthly rent averaging $717. The homeownership rate of 77.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Rice County reflects 24.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.1 minutes each way.
Rice County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rice County had a population of 10,116 in 2010 and 9,284 in 2024, a -8.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 10,116 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.61%.
9,284
Population (2024)
10,116
Population (2010)
10,116
Peak (2010)
-0.61%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,116 |
| 2011 | 10,096 |
| 2012 | 9,988 |
| 2013 | 9,974 |
| 2014 | 9,972 |
| 2015 | 9,926 |
| 2016 | 9,773 |
| 2017 | 9,559 |
| 2018 | 9,453 |
| 2019 | 9,512 |
| 2020 | 9,385 |
| 2021 | 9,388 |
| 2022 | 9,387 |
| 2023 | 9,305 |
| 2024 | 9,284 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.5% |
| Black or African American | 1.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.0
Median Age
48.3%
Female
51.7%
Male
19.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 19.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,947$-8,692 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,776 |
| Per-capita income | $32,742 |
| Poverty rate | 5.1%-2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rice County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
5.9%
Carpool
76.6%
Public transit
5.2%
Work from home
22.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$105,500$-97,900 vs state
Median home value
$717
Median rent
77.1%
Homeownership rate
4,384
Total housing units
84.3%
Occupied
15.7%
Vacant
22.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.3%
With health insurance
92.0%
With broadband internet
29.6%
Foreign-born
9.1%
Veterans (18+)
14.8%
With a disability
91.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.9%
High School+
24.3%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rice County, Kansas has a population of 9,389 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 42nd-largest county in Kansas. Population density is 13 people per square mile.
The population of Rice County has declined 8.2% since 2010 (10,116 → 9,284), a -0.61% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rice County, Kansas is $63,947, with mean (average) household income of $78,776 and per-capita income of $32,742. 5.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rice County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (80.5%), Hispanic or Latino (2.9%), Black or African American (1.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rice County, Kansas is 39.0 years. Residents are 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
The median home value in Rice County is $105,500 and median monthly rent is $717. 77.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,384 total housing units, 15.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rice County, Kansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Wichita is among the largest cities associated with Rice County, Kansas, with a population of 396,488.
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Kansas
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.