Washington
Rhode Island

What stands out

Three things set Washington County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the uninsured rate is among the lowest in America (3.7%), the median home price is in the top 2% of American counties ($686K), and the median household income is in the top 4% of American counties ($99,510). Within Rhode Island it ranks 3rd of 5 counties for the uninsured rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Washington County, Rhode Island. 129,998 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -91).

Rhode Island has a graduated income tax reaching 5.99%, an estate tax with an exemption below $2 million, and taxes Social Security above income thresholds. The whole state is within an hour's drive, and Providence commuters reach Boston by train in under an hour. Home prices rose faster than most of New England after 2020; coastal flood exposure is significant.

Money

The typical household here brings in $99,510 a year, higher than 96% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $62,700. Unemployment runs 2.8%, lower than 74% of American counties. 11% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 24 minutes each way.

Rhode Island takes 3.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,906 a year.

Home

The median home costs $686K, pricier than 98% of American counties, about 3.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,341 a month. Property tax is 1.10% of home value, roughly $4,815 a year on that median home, higher than 67% of American counties. 77% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.0 per 1,000 residents, lower than 92% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 23 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 80.4 years, longer than 93% of American counties. There are 339 active physicians in the county, about 26.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 3.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.46 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 95% of American counties. 95% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 17 points. 74% of eligible voters turned out. Under Rhode Island law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 52°F, highs near 60 and lows near 43, colder than 68% of American counties. About 42 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 75 out of 100, riskier than 75% of American counties; the county has had 25 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 247 Mbps down, faster than 73% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 6 breweries, 15 museums.