Riceville, IA
Population 795 · Iowa
About Riceville, IA
Riceville is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 795 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,434 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Riceville features a median home value of $92,100, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Riceville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,016, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 428 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (255 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (128 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Riceville shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Riceville have an average one-way commute time of 36.2 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
18.9% of Riceville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 6.8% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Riceville, IA
Compared to national averages, Riceville has a median household income of $47,434 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $92,100, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,016 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Riceville's income is 30% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 30% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Riceville, IA?
Riceville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $92,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,016/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,434) that falls below the national average. However, Riceville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Riceville has a population of 795 with a median age of 36.3 years. Compare Riceville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Riceville
What is the population of Riceville, IA?
The population of Riceville, IA is 795 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Riceville?
The median household income in Riceville, IA is $47,434 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Riceville?
The median home value in Riceville, IA is $92,100, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Riceville?
The median monthly rent in Riceville, IA is $1,016, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Riceville?
The unemployment rate in Riceville, IA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Riceville, IA a good place to live?
Riceville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 795 and a median age of 36.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Riceville, IA?
18.9% of residents in Riceville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Riceville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Riceville, IA: median home value is $92,100 (62% below national), median rent is $1,016/month, and median household income is $47,434. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Riceville?
The poverty rate in Riceville, IA is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Riceville, IA?
Riceville's population is 6.8% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.