Rice County

Rice County Demographics

Rice County, KS, has a population of approximately 9,660 people. The median age is 41.4 years, with 24.7% under 18 and 19.8% over 65. Gender distribution is 49.7% male and 50.3% female. In terms of race and ethnicity, 86.7% are White (non-Hispanic), 10.3% Hispanic, 0.6% Black, and 0.4% Asian.

Rice County Crime & Safety

Rice County in Kansas reports a crime rate of approximately 2,200 per 100,000 residents. While violent crime rate is considerably low at about 100 instances, property crimes are more prevalent with a rate of around 2,000 per 100,000 residents. The county sheriff's office maintains transparency in crime reportage which aids in keeping the community informed. Active involvement and safety initiatives by the community have contributed to a steady decline in overall crime rates.

Rice County Housing & Property

Rice County, KS features a housing market with affordable options, with a homeownership rate of 74.3%. The median home value stands at around $75,000, making it ideal for first-time buyers. Median rent is relatively low at about $650. Growth in property values has been steady over recent years. The housing stock primarily consists of single-family dwellings, making up nearly 80% of residences, while apartments and townhomes are the remainder. Property taxes in Rice County average about 1.79% annually.

Employment in Rice County

Rice County, Kansas, has an employment rate of 91.8%. Major industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting (23%), manufacturing (15%), and educational services (10%). The county sees a considerable percentage of the population commuting from outside, for employment. Although job growth currently hovers around 0.9%, predicted future job growth over the next decade is 26%. The majority of workers in Rice County enjoy short commutes with 75% traveling less than 30 minutes to their place of employment.

Education in Rice County

Rice County, KS has several reputable public schools that serve its community, with graduation rates significantly improving over the years. The prevalence of educational programs like STEM, ensures comprehensive growth for students. While most of the adult population holds at least a high school diploma, the county has been striving to increase the percentage of adults with bachelor's degrees. This Midwestern county is also committed to student's safety and welfare. Efforts are being made to strengthen adult education, with multiple people gaining new skills and qualifications every year.

Rice County Elections

Rice County, KS, hosts elections for local, state and federal offices, managed under the Rice County Clerk's office. This county has a smaller population with several thousand registered voters. Turnouts can vary, but typically reflect statewide trends. Politically, it includes a mix of Democratic, Republican, and independent voters. The voting process is facilitated at multiple polling locations throughout the county.

Average Income Rate in Rice County

In Rice County, Kansas, the median household income is approximately $50,000, which is less than the national median of $68,700. The county registers a poverty rate of about 12.8%. When it comes to gender-based income disparity, women earn 80% of what men do. People working in the healthcare sector generally have the highest earnings in the county.

Rice County Healthcare

Rice County, KS is served by the Rice County District Hospital, which offers a range of medical services. The county has a notable health insurance coverage, with most residents covered by their employer's plans. However, detailed statistics such as life expectancy, diabetes rate, regular screenings rate, and total healthcare professionals are not readily available. Life expectancy and disease incidence rates will typically align with Kansas state averages, and healthcare costs are influenced by a variety of factors.

Rice County Transportation

Rice County, KS is strategically accessible with numerous miles of roads for easy travel and transportation, including the US Route 56 highway. The county heavily relies on cars, with a high rate of car ownership and an average commute time. Rice County is also served by several transport services including ride-shares and taxi services. Public transportation options, however, are limited. The county strives to ensure safety with routine road maintenance and law enforcement supervision. The county's transportation budget remains significant to support infrastructure and safety measures.

Rice County Environmental Data & Climate Data

Rice County, KS experiences average temperatures of around 56°F and approximately 30 inches of annual rainfall. The area enjoys a good Air Quality Index (AQI) of 50, suggesting a lower level of air pollution. The county has a high clean water access rate of 95%. Rice County also showcases a commitment to sustainability, with a recycling rate of around 25%. The community is actively exploring renewable energy options, with several solar and wind installations in place. The risk of natural hazards is relatively low, with about a 5% annual risk of tornadoes.