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
Housing cost is the defining feature of Rice County: the median home is valued at $105,500. Rice County is a county in Kansas with a population of 9,389. It ranks #42 among counties in Kansas by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $63,947 — below the US median of $78,538. Only 5.1% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $105,500, with typical rent around $717.
24.3% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.2%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 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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Part of Kansas
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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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Statewide data for Kansas
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.