Rice County Public RecordsKansas

Rice County, KS, has approximately 6,700 registered voters as of 2024. The county holds general, primary, and local elections, with the 2020 presidential election favoring Republicans (73%) over Democrats (25%). Major polling locations include Lyons, Sterling, and Little River. Key local issues are school funding and rural healthcare. Elections are administered by the Rice County Clerk’s office, ensuring compliance with Kansas law. The Republican Party dominates, though there’s a moderate Democratic presence. Voter turnout frequently exceeds 65%, reflecting strong civic engagement.

As of the 2020 Census, Rice County, KS, had a population of approximately 9,427. The median age was about 41 years. Gender distribution was nearly even, with 50.1% male and 49.9% female. The racial composition was predominantly White (90.9%), with smaller populations of Hispanic or Latino (8.0%), Black or African American (1.3%), Native American (0.6%), Asian (0.6%), and other races or multiracial individuals (2.1%).

Rice County, KS, serves students through 8 public schools, including Sterling High School and Lyons High School. The average public school graduation rate is around 95%, above the state average. Approximately 20% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores are consistently above 80/100, reflecting strong security measures. The county offers diverse programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and vocational training through partnerships with local colleges. Adult education options include GED and workforce development courses, supporting lifelong learning for residents.

As of 2022, Rice County, KS had an employment rate of approximately 59.7%. The leading employment sectors are Education, Health Care, and Social Assistance (22%), followed by Manufacturing (16%), and Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting (12%). Major occupation types include Management, Business & Science (29%), Sales & Office (19%), and Production & Transportation (18%). About 83% of residents commute by car, with a mean travel time to work of 18 minutes, and most are employed within the county.

Rice County, KS, has a homeownership rate of around 73%, with a median home value of approximately $94,000 in 2022. Median gross rent is about $685. Housing types are mainly single-family homes and some small apartments, especially in Lyons and Sterling neighborhoods. The market has seen stable prices with slight increases, reflecting modest demand. Property taxes average $1,400 annually. Rural areas dominate, with tightly-knit neighborhoods in towns and expansive farmland elsewhere.

Rice County, KS, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported a total of 102 criminal incidents, including 8 violent crimes and 94 property crimes, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. With a population of around 9,400, the violent crime rate stands at 0.85 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 10 per 1,000. Local law enforcement emphasizes prompt reporting and community involvement, contributing to a stable safety climate. Overall, Rice County is considered a safe and secure place to live and work.