countyscore
54.7
County Score
Cost of Living 73.2Disaster Risk 71.5Safety 64.6

County Report Card

About Rice County, Kansas

A Resilient National Performer

Rice County scores 54.7, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced and steady quality of life compared to the rest of the country.

Strong Central Kansas Standing

The county beats the state average of 49.5, signaling it is a reliable choice within Kansas. It maintains a healthy balance between costs and community services.

Affordable Housing and Safe Living

Affordability is a major strength with a Cost Score of 73.2 and median rents of $717. The county also manages environmental hazards well, earning a 71.5 Risk Score.

Water and Tax Hurdles

A low Water Score of 14.4 is the county's primary challenge for the future. The Tax Score of 10.8 also reflects a 1.551% effective rate that is higher than some national peers.

Best for Growing Families

Rice County is perfectly suited for families looking for a low-cost, low-risk environment. It provides a solid foundation with good safety metrics and median home values of $105,500.

Score breakdown

Tax10.8Cost73.2Safety64.6Health57.9Schools64.2Income50.6Risk71.5Water14.4Weather46.7
🏛10.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡64.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧14.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Reno County
Kansas
34.7
Ellsworth County
Kansas
52.5
Barton County
Kansas
42.2
McPherson County
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Stafford County
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Pratt County
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Saline County
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Harvey County
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Deep Dives

Rice County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Rice County

via TaxByCounty

Rice County essentially matches national average

Rice County's effective tax rate of 1.551% sits just 2 basis points above the national median of 1.549%, placing the county at the 50th percentile nationwide. This means Rice residents pay a property tax burden almost exactly average compared to the rest of America.

Nearly aligned with Kansas average

At 1.551%, Rice County's effective rate closely tracks the Kansas state average of 1.549%, making it one of the most representative counties in the state. The median property tax of $1,636 sits $307 below the statewide median of $1,943.

Among region's lowest-taxed counties

Rice's 1.551% rate ranks second-lowest in this group, trailing only Pottawatomie County (1.110%) and substantially below Pawnee (1.789%), Pratt (1.763%), and Reno (1.744%). South-central Kansas residents benefit from Rice's favorable position.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Rice County home valued at $105,500 generates approximately $1,636 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,935; without one, it drops to $1,236.

Review your assessment today

Many Kansas homeowners pay more than they should due to outdated assessments. If your property tax seems high relative to comparable homes, filing an appeal with your county assessor's office could reduce your burden—and the process is free.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rice County

via CostByCounty

Rice balances incomes and affordability well

Rice County residents spend 13.4% of their $63,947 median household income on rent, below Kansas's state average of 14.7% and comfortably under the national 30% affordability threshold. Though incomes trail the national median by 14%, Rice delivers better-than-average housing affordability.

Above-average affordability in Kansas

Rice County ranks among the more affordable counties in Kansas, with a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average by 1.3 percentage points. Its $717 monthly rent sits below the state median of $787, signaling strong housing value.

Low-cost alternative to regional peers

Rice County's $717 rent undercuts most neighbors, from Pawnee ($806) to Reno ($857), and ties with Republic County's affordability. Owner costs of $742 are moderate, positioning Rice as a solid value for both renters and homebuyers.

Balanced rental and ownership costs

Rice County renters spend $717 monthly while homeowners pay $742, a modest difference reflecting balanced housing options for both cohorts. With a median home value of $105,500, both pathways consume roughly 13-14% of household income.

Rice offers solid middle-ground value

Rice County delivers above-average affordability with moderate incomes, making it an excellent choice for families earning around $64,000 who want housing costs below the state average. It's more affordable than Pawnee or Pratt, yet slightly pricier than Republic.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rice County

via IncomeByCounty

Rice trails national income standards

Rice County's median household income of $63,947 falls approximately $10,800 short of the national median of $74,755, consistent with broader rural Kansas income patterns. This gap places the county slightly below the national middle range.

Slightly below Kansas average

Rice County's $63,947 median household income sits just below Kansas's state average of $64,428, placing it near the state median. Per capita income of $32,742 trails the state average of $34,748, suggesting income concentration among fewer working households.

Solid middle ground regionally

Rice County's $63,947 income exceeds Reno ($60,498), Phillips ($61,235), and Republic ($53,611) but trails Rawlins ($65,000), Pawnee ($63,625), and Pratt ($64,348). The county holds steady in the regional middle tier.

Strong housing affordability advantage

Rice County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% represents one of the most favorable in this group, allocating just over one-eighth of household income to housing. Median home values of $105,500 align well with annual household earnings, supporting accessible homeownership.

Capitalize on housing affordability

With housing costs controlled at 13.4% of income, Rice County residents enjoy meaningful capacity for savings and investment. Establish automatic contributions to retirement accounts, build emergency savings, and explore homeownership opportunities to convert affordable housing into long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rice County

via CrimeByCounty

Rice County Safety Score Hits 98.7

With a total crime rate of 826.2 per 100K, Rice County is much safer than the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a high safety score of 98.7 out of 100.

Outperforming the State Safety Average

Rice County’s safety score of 98.7 exceeds the Kansas average of 98.0 across seven different reporting agencies. This multi-agency data confirms a consistently safe environment for residents.

Rice County vs Regional Neighbors

Rice County’s crime rate of 826.2 per 100K is significantly lower than Reno County’s rate of 2,123.4. This makes Rice County a much safer alternative to its neighboring regional hub.

Violent vs Property Crime Facts

The property crime rate is 646.1 per 100K, while violent crime is 180.1. While violence is rare, property-related incidents remain the primary focus for local law enforcement.

Simple Security for Rice County

Homeowners should prioritize lighting and secure locks to prevent property crime. Community vigilance is the most effective way to maintain the county's impressive safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Rice County

via HealthByCounty

Rice matches U.S. longevity, faces wellness challenges

Rice County residents live to 75.3 years, essentially matching the U.S. average of 75.4 years. However, 15.1% report poor or fair health, suggesting chronic disease and wellness concerns persist despite average lifespan.

Below-state-average life expectancy

Rice County's 75.3-year life expectancy trails Kansas's state average of 75.4 years, though its 10.7% uninsured rate beats the state average of 11.5%. Coverage access is relatively good despite slightly lagging health outcomes.

Moderate provider access across disciplines

Rice County has 53 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—adequate but below best-in-region standards—and 76 mental health providers per 100,000, below most neighbors. Provider supply could be stronger for a county its size.

One in ten Rice residents uninsured

With 10.7% uninsured, Rice County means roughly 1 in 10 residents lack health coverage. Limited mental health provider availability suggests those seeking behavioral health care may face waits or travel outside the county.

Close the coverage gap this year

Rice County residents can enroll in marketplace plans at healthcare.gov or apply for Kansas Medicaid to gain health security. Getting covered now prevents financial strain from unexpected illness and connects you to local care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Rice County

via SchoolsByCounty

High-Quality Schools Across Four Districts

Rice County manages 11 public schools across four districts, serving a total of 1,492 students. The network is well-distributed with four elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools. This infrastructure ensures that families across the county have local access to every level of education.

Top-Tier School Scores and High Investment

Rice County earns an impressive 60.7 school score, well above the state average of 57.2. This success is backed by a generous $10,973 per-pupil expenditure, significantly higher than the state's $9,009 benchmark. The graduation rate of 87.4% aligns closely with national standards, reflecting a strong return on investment.

Lyons and Sterling Anchor the County

The Lyons district is the largest, educating 737 students across four schools. Sterling follows with a high-performing system, while the Little River and Chase-Raymond districts serve smaller populations of 284 and 145 students respectively. All 11 schools are traditional public institutions with no charter schools in the county.

Small Town Values and Rural Settings

Rice County offers a mix of seven rural and four town schools, with an average size of 136 students. Sterling Grade School is the largest campus at 260 students, while many other schools provide even smaller, more focused settings. This low average enrollment ensures high levels of student-teacher interaction across the county.

Secure Your Future Near Top-Rated Schools

With a school score of 60.7, Rice County is one of the strongest educational performers in the region. Real estate in the Sterling and Lyons districts offers families proximity to well-funded schools with high academic marks. Consider the local school's per-pupil investment as a leading indicator of community health when buying a home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rice County

via RiskByCounty

Rice County sits just below state average

Rice County's composite risk score of 28.53 falls just below Kansas's state average of 29.89, earning a Very Low national risk rating. The county's overall disaster exposure remains low compared to most U.S. counties.

Middle-low risk among Kansas counties

Rice ranks slightly below the state average, driven primarily by tornado exposure at 62.75 and wildfire exposure at 76.84. These two hazards exceed state norms, while flood and earthquake risks remain minimal.

Safer than Pratt, riskier than Rawlins

Rice's composite score of 28.53 sits between Rawlins County (4.83) and Pratt County (54.83), and is nearly identical to nearby Pawnee (31.62). The county occupies a middle-ground position within its regional peer group.

Tornado and wildfire are the main concerns

Wildfire dominates at 76.84 and tornado risk is substantial at 62.75—both above the county's composite average. Flood exposure is moderate at 22.17, and earthquake risk is negligible at 20.77.

Prioritize storm and fire coverage

Rice County residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes robust tornado and wildfire protection, with attention to roof and structural coverage. Maintain defensible space around your property and review your emergency shelter options as tornado preparedness is essential in this region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rice County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm, sun-soaked interior climate

Rice County's annual average temperature of 55.5°F is higher than the national median. It receives 28.5 inches of precipitation, making it slightly drier than the eastern United States.

Exceeding state temperature norms

The average annual temperature of 55.5°F is nearly a degree higher than the Kansas average of 54.8°F. Precipitation is slightly lower than the state mark, totaling 28.5 inches compared to 30.3.

Hotter summers than eastern neighbors

Rice County's July average of 80.6°F is higher than Pottawatomie's 79.0°F. It also sees 64 extreme heat days, significantly more than Republic County's 50 days.

The highest July averages

July is intense here, with an average temperature of 80.6°F. Winters are manageable, featuring 10.8 inches of snow and a December-February average of 32.7°F.

Prioritize high-heat summer resilience

With 64 days exceeding 90°F and very hot Julys, residents should invest in sun protection and efficient cooling. The low 10.8-inch snowfall means winter weather is less of a daily disruption.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rice County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Tones in Rice County

Rice County reports an average soil pH of 6.40, placing it slightly below the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.80. This mildly acidic profile is well-suited for many legumes and grasses. It represents a transition point between the more alkaline soils of the west and the acidic soils of the east.

Balanced Sandy Loam Characteristics

The soil is composed of 48.8% sand, 34.6% silt, and 16.6% clay. This mixture provides a good balance of easy workability from the sand and nutrient holding from the silt and clay. It is a flexible soil type that responds well to various farming and gardening techniques.

Moderate Water Capacity

Organic matter in Rice County is 1.81%, trailing the state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity is 0.158 in/in, which is also below the Kansas average of 0.180. With an overall soil score of 53.2, these soils are solid but benefit from practices that increase moisture retention.

Predicting Drainage Patterns

Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the near 50% sand content suggests that water moves through the soil relatively quickly. This can be a benefit during wet years by preventing standing water in fields. However, in dry years, the moderate water capacity means irrigation may be needed sooner.

Ready for Harvest in Zone 6b

Rice County sits in Hardiness Zone 6b, offering a generous window for growing warm-weather crops. The sandy-loam texture is perfect for garden staples like peppers, squash, and tomatoes. Focus on adding organic mulch to help your soil retain its moisture during the peak of summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rice County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Conditions for Central Kansas Lawns

Rice County earns a lawn difficulty score of 59.8, matching the state average and offering a reliable environment for homeowners. In USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, lawns enjoy a long growing season but must be managed for high-heat endurance. It is a productive region for those willing to keep a close eye on soil moisture.

Managing High Heat and Limited Rain

Annual precipitation is slightly below the ideal at 28.5 inches, while the county faces 64 extreme heat days. This combination, paired with 4,230 growing degree days, can quickly dry out turf during the peak of summer. Regular irrigation is necessary to supplement the rainfall and keep the grass from entering heat-induced dormancy.

Perfect pH but Sandy Soil Texture

The soil pH in Rice County is a near-ideal 6.40, making it excellent for turf grass health. However, the soil is quite sandy at 48.8%, with only 16.6% clay, meaning it drains faster than typical Kansas silt. Adding organic amendments is a smart move to help your soil hold onto water and fertilizers longer.

Stable Conditions Following a Dry Year

Current reports show 0.0% of the county is in drought, a welcome change after 13 weeks of drought over the past year. Because sandy soil loses moisture quickly, it is important to use high-efficiency irrigation to prevent waste. Aerating your lawn once a year can help ensure that water reaches the root zone rather than running off.

Timing Your Planting in Rice County

Heat-tolerant grasses like Tall Fescue are recommended to handle the 64 annual days of 90°F weather. The spring planting window opens early on April 15, giving you a head start before the summer heat. Be sure your lawn is prepared for winter before the first frost arrives around October 23.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rice County's county score?
Rice County, Kansas has a composite county score of 54.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Rice County rank among counties in Kansas?
Rice County ranks #38 among all counties in Kansas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Rice County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Rice County is $1,636, with an effective tax rate of 1.55%. This earns Rice County a tax score of 10.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rice County?
The median household income in Rice County, Kansas is $63,947 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rice County earns an income score of 50.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rice County, Kansas a good place to live?
Rice County scores 54.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Rice County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Rice County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.