Rice Lake, WI
Population 9,030 · Wisconsin
About Rice Lake, WI
Rice Lake is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 9,030 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,040 per year, which is 27% 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 Rice Lake features a median home value of $178,100, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rice Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $834, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,173 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (2,186 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (1,758 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rice Lake shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rice Lake have an average one-way commute time of 13.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.9% of Rice Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.5% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rice Lake, WI
Compared to national averages, Rice Lake has a median household income of $55,040 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $178,100, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $834 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Rice Lake's income is 24% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 13% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Rice Lake, WI?
Rice Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $178,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $834/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 13.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,040) that falls below the national average. However, Rice Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rice Lake has a population of 9,030 with a median age of 36.3 years. Compare Rice Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Rice Lake
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windsor | 8,992 | $115,111 | $399,900 | Compare |
| Plymouth | 8,913 | $67,784 | $194,900 | Compare |
| Merrill | 9,224 | $49,947 | $113,200 | Compare |
| McFarland | 9,230 | $93,810 | $363,400 | Compare |
| Shawano | 9,236 | $56,457 | $127,200 | Compare |
| Altoona | 8,750 | $80,126 | $220,900 | Compare |
| St. Francis | 9,318 | $58,490 | $207,200 | Compare |
| Monona | 8,604 | $87,784 | $390,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rice Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rice Lake
What is the population of Rice Lake, WI?
The population of Rice Lake, WI is 9,030 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Rice Lake?
The median household income in Rice Lake, WI is $55,040 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rice Lake?
The median home value in Rice Lake, WI is $178,100, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rice Lake?
The median monthly rent in Rice Lake, WI is $834, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rice Lake?
The unemployment rate in Rice Lake, WI is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rice Lake, WI a good place to live?
Rice Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,030 and a median age of 36.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rice Lake, WI?
25.9% of residents in Rice Lake 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 Rice Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rice Lake, WI: median home value is $178,100 (27% below national), median rent is $834/month, and median household income is $55,040. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rice Lake?
The poverty rate in Rice Lake, WI is 10.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rice Lake, WI?
Rice Lake's population is 2.5% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.