Best counties to live in Rhode Island
More counties in the United States experienced population growth in the last year, according to the latest Census data, even as pandemic-related moving trends begin to normalize.
Counties in the South continued to experience growth, particularly in Florida, where 96% of its 67 counties gained new residents. Polk County, Florida, a suburb of Orlando, added the most, with 26,000 people moving there in 2023.
Meanwhile, counties in the Midwest and Northeast continued to lose population, but at slower rates than the year before. Some of the biggest losses were in counties home to large cities, including Cook County, Illinois (home of Chicago) and the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens in New York.
Many counties are experiencing growth due to their job opportunities, education, or relatively affordable housing costs. Others are favored for their historic or well-designed downtowns or access to cultural opportunities.
Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to live in Rhode Island using rankings from Niche. Niche ranks counties by various factors including public schools, educational attainment, cost of living, and housing.
Keep reading to see if your county made the list.
#5. Providence County, Rhode Island
– Overall Rank: 1,131
– Population: 657,984
– Median household income: $72,579
– Median home value: $310,500 (56% own)
– Median rent: $1,161 (44% rent)
– Top public schools: Classical High School (grade A), Community School (grade A), North Cumberland Middle School (grade A)
– Top private schools: The Wheeler School (grade A+), Lincoln School (grade A+), Moses Brown School (grade A+)
– Top places: Cumberland Hill (grade A), Lincoln (grade A), College Hill (grade A)
About
Providence County anchors Rhode Island with a blend of historic significance and modern vitality. Centered around the city of Providence, it reflects a legacy of industry, education, and cultural diversity shaped by centuries of growth. Its neighborhoods, institutions, and landmarks create a strong sense of place that ties residents to both history and progress.
The county also offers balance through its natural and community spaces. Parks, rivers, and coastal access provide outdoor connections, while local traditions and events sustain civic life. Together, these elements make Providence County a dynamic region where heritage and opportunity thrive side by side.
Where is Providence County?
Providence County sits in northern Rhode Island, bordered by Massachusetts to the north and Bristol County to the east. It stretches about 30 miles from north to south and 20 miles east to west, making it the state’s largest county. Providence, the county seat and state capital, lies along the Providence River at the head of Narragansett Bay.
The county includes cities such as Pawtucket, Cranston, and Woonsocket, each contributing to its urban character. It is located about 50 miles south of Boston and 180 miles northeast of New York City, with strong regional ties. The landscape blends urban hubs, suburban communities, and rural areas, shaped by rivers like the Blackstone and Woonasquatucket.
#4. Kent County, Rhode Island
– Overall Rank: 852
– Population: 170,168
– Median household income: $85,732
– Median home value: $306,000 (72% own)
– Median rent: $1,226 (28% rent)
– Top public schools: Frenchtown School (grade A), Meadowbrook Farms School (grade A), East Greenwich High School (grade A)
– Top private schools: Rocky Hill Country Day School (grade A+), Bishop Hendricken High School (grade A), Our Lady of Mercy School (grade A)
– Top places: East Greenwich (grade A+), West Greenwich (grade B+), Warwick (grade B)
About
Kent County reflects Rhode Island’s quieter character, shaped by its mix of suburban towns, mill villages, and open spaces. Once defined by textile and manufacturing industries, it now balances historic roots with a modern pace of living. Its communities carry a strong local identity, tied to both tradition and steady civic life.
The county’s rivers, forests, and coastal edges provide a natural backdrop that supports recreation and seasonal gatherings. Residents connect through local festivals, schools, and town-centered activities that strengthen community bonds. Kent County stands as a grounded region where heritage and daily life remain closely intertwined.
Where is Kent County?
Kent County is positioned in central Rhode Island, bordered by Providence County to the north and Washington County to the south. It spans about 20 miles from east to west and 15 miles from north to south, making it the second-most populous county in the state. The county seat, East Greenwich, lies along the western shore of Narragansett Bay.
Other key communities include Warwick, the largest city in the county, as well as West Warwick and Coventry further inland. Kent County is located roughly 15 miles south of Providence and about 70 miles southwest of Boston. Its geography combines coastal access, suburban development, and rural wooded areas that stretch toward the state’s western border.
#3. Newport County, Rhode Island
– Overall Rank: 210
– Population: 85,442
– Median household income: $96,319
– Median home value: $503,700 (67% own)
– Median rent: $1,544 (33% rent)
– Top public schools: Jamestown School-Lawn (grade A), Jamestown School-Melrose (grade A minus), Portsmouth Middle School (grade A minus)
– Top private schools: St. George’s School (grade A+), Portsmouth Abbey School (grade A+), The Pennfield School (grade A)
– Top places: Jamestown (grade A), Portsmouth (grade A), Middletown (grade A minus)
About
Newport County embodies Rhode Island’s coastal heritage, blending maritime traditions with a legacy of historic estates and cultural landmarks. Its communities reflect centuries of seafaring, trade, and tourism that continue to shape both daily life and regional identity. Anchored by the city of Newport, the county holds a distinct balance of historic preservation and modern coastal living.
The shoreline, harbors, and islands create a setting where recreation, sailing, and festivals are central to community life. Smaller towns contribute rural charm and local traditions, deepening the county’s diverse character. Newport County remains a place where history, ocean landscapes, and community ties converge in enduring ways.
Where is Newport County?
Newport County is located in southeastern Rhode Island, bordered by Bristol County to the north and Washington County to the west. It includes Aquidneck Island, several smaller islands in Narragansett Bay, and part of the mainland along the Sakonnet River. The county seat, Newport, lies on the southern end of Aquidneck Island along the Atlantic coast.
The county’s towns include Middletown and Portsmouth on Aquidneck Island, Tiverton on the eastern shore of the Sakonnet River, and Little Compton near Massachusetts. Newport County sits about 30 miles southeast of Providence and 70 miles south of Boston. Its landscape is shaped by bays, harbors, and coastal bluffs, giving it a strong maritime identity.
#2. Washington County, Rhode Island
– Overall Rank: 190
– Population: 129,998
– Median household income: $99,510
– Median home value: $436,000 (77% own)
– Median rent: $1,284 (23% rent)
– Top public schools: Wickford Middle School (grade A), Hamilton School (grade A), Kingston Hill Academy (grade A)
– Top private schools: The Prout School (grade A minus), Quest Montessori School (grade A+), Monsignor Matthew Clarke Catholic Regional School (grade A)
– Top places: South Kingstown (grade A), Kingston (grade A), North Kingstown (grade A)
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About
Washington County reflects Rhode Island’s southern coastal spirit, marked by beaches, farmland, and small towns with deep historical roots. Once defined by fishing, farming, and early settlement, it now balances tradition with a thriving seasonal economy. Its communities maintain a strong sense of place, shaped by both heritage and connection to the land.
The county’s shoreline and villages provide spaces for recreation, festivals, and family-centered gatherings. Residents and visitors alike engage in coastal life, from boating to local markets, that strengthen ties across generations. Washington County endures as a region where natural beauty and community traditions remain closely bound.
Where is Washington County?
Washington County is situated in the southern part of Rhode Island, bordered by Kent County to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. It spans roughly 30 miles from north to south and 20 miles from east to west, making it the largest county in the state by area. The county seat, South Kingstown, lies near the southern coastline along Point Judith.
Other towns in the county include Narragansett on the coast, Westerly at the southwestern corner near Connecticut, and Charlestown along the central shoreline. Washington County is located about 35 miles south of Providence and 95 miles southwest of Boston. Its geography features beaches, coastal ponds, and rural inland areas, giving it both a seaside and countryside character.
#1. Bristol County, Rhode Island
– Overall Rank: 103
– Population: 50,658
– Median household income: $105,875
– Median home value: $443,700 (73% own)
– Median rent: $1,264 (27% rent)
– Top public schools: Barrington High School (grade A+), Barrington Middle School (grade A), Nayatt School (grade A)
– Top private schools: St. Andrew’s School (grade A+), Barrington Christian Academy (grade A), St. Luke Elementary School (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Barrington (grade A+), Bristol (grade A minus), Warren (grade B+)
About
Bristol County carries a deep maritime heritage, shaped by shipbuilding, trade, and its historic ties to Narragansett Bay. Its towns reflect a blend of colonial-era character and modern community life, with landmarks and traditions rooted in centuries of seafaring history. The county’s small size fosters close-knit connections and a strong local identity.
Waterfront views, harbors, and green spaces frame the daily rhythm of life, offering both recreation and reflection. Annual celebrations, including long-standing patriotic traditions, highlight the county’s enduring civic pride. Bristol County stands as a distinct Rhode Island region where history, community, and the sea remain inseparably linked.
Where is Bristol County?
Bristol County is located in the eastern part of Rhode Island, bordered by Massachusetts to the north and east and Narragansett Bay to the west. It is the smallest county in the state, covering only about 25 square miles in total area. The county seat, Bristol, is positioned on a peninsula extending into Narragansett Bay.
Other towns in the county include Warren to the north and Barrington to the northwest, both situated along the bay’s shoreline. Bristol County lies about 15 miles southeast of Providence and around 55 miles south of Boston. Its geography is defined by coastal waters, peninsulas, and harbors, giving it a strong maritime setting.
This story features data reporting and writing by Elena Cox and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.
By Stacker
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