Rice County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Rice County, Kansas has a population of approximately 9,427 residents. The racial makeup includes 89.2% White, 2.1% African American, 1.1% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 3.9% from other races, with 3% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals make up around 8.3% of the population. The county seat, Lyons, is the largest city. Rice County covers an area of 728 square miles, with a population density of about 13 residents per square mile.

As of the latest data, Rice County, KS, features a median home value around $73,000. Rent averages approximately $600 per month. The county has a mix of owner-occupied (74%) and rental (26%) properties. Housing units total around 4,000, with a vacancy rate of approximately 15%. The homeownership rate is higher than the national average, reflecting a predominantly settled, rural community. For updated and specific information, it's advisable to consult local real estate resources or government data.

For Rice County, KS, election information, you can typically find detailed data on the official Rice County website or the Kansas Secretary of State's site. As of the most recent elections:

• 2022 General Election:

  • U.S. Senate: Jerry Moran (R) - 62.8%, Mark Holland (D) - 34.9%
  • U.S. House (4th District): Ron Estes (R) - 71.1%, Bob Hernandez (D) - 28.9%
  • Governor: Laura Kelly (D) - 50.1%, Derek Schmidt (R) - 47.7%

• Local Offices:

  • County Commission (District 1): John "Jody" Johnson (R)
  • Sheriff: Bryant Evans (R)

The numbers above are approximations; for precise values, refer to official sources or the Rice County Clerk's office. Candidates for local offices vary per election cycle. Always check for the most up-to-date and detailed information before voting.

As of recent data, Rice County, Kansas has a relatively low educational attainment compared to state and national averages. Approximately 87.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold at least a high school diploma, which is slightly below the national average of 88.9%. For bachelor's degree attainment, around 17.9% of residents in Rice County hold a bachelor's degree or higher, whereas the national average is about 33.1%, and the Kansas state average is approximately 32.6%. These figures indicate that while a majority of the county's population has completed high school, higher education levels fall significantly short of both state and national averages. Efforts in improving access to higher education may bridge this gap over time.

Rice County, Kansas has a diverse employment sector. As of the most recent data, the labor force is approximately 5,000 individuals, with an unemployment rate of around 3.2%. Key industries include agriculture, manufacturing, and education.

1. Agriculture: Rice County is heavily reliant on agriculture, with many residents working in farming and related services. The local agricultural sector employs around 30% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of 1.3%.

2. Manufacturing: Manufacturing also plays a vital role, contributing to 12% of the county’s employment, compared to the national average of 8.5%.

3. Education and Health Services: This sector employs about 15% of the workforce, slightly below the national average of 23%.

4. Retail Trade: Retail trade employs approximately 10% of the workforce, which is consistent with the national average.

Compared to the state of Kansas, Rice County has a higher concentration of employment in agriculture and manufacturing but fewer opportunities in sectors like professional services and technology.

As of recent data, Rice County, Kansas has a median household income of approximately $51,000. Comparatively, the median household income for the state of Kansas is around $61,000, while the national median is about $68,700. This indicates that Rice County’s median household income is below both the state and national averages, reflecting economic conditions that may affect local living standards and economic opportunities.

Rice County's income levels highlight potential areas for economic development and investment to bridge the income gap with broader state and national trends.

As of the most recent data available, Rice County, Kansas, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The crime rate statistics for Rice County are as follows:

Summary:

• Violent Crimes: 2.5 per 1,000 residents
• Property Crimes: 10.3 per 1,000 residents
• Larceny-Theft: 7.8 per 1,000 residents
• Burglary: 2.1 per 1,000 residents
• Motor Vehicle Theft: 0.5 per 1,000 residents

Rice County has lower violent and property crime rates compared to Kansas' state averages, reflecting its general safety and lower incidence of crime. Please verify with local law enforcement or recent reports for the most up-to-date statistics.