Key Details

  • Rhode Island is known as "The Ocean State" because of its numerous waterways and extensive bays.
  • The state became the 13th to join the Union on May 29, 1790.
  • The total population of Rhode Island is approximately 1,052,567 as of the 2010 census.
  • Rhode Island is the smallest state in The U.S. by area, measuring 48 miles long and 37 miles wide.
  • It ranks 13th in the nation when it comes to the highest life expectancy. The average life expectancy of a Rhode Island resident is 78.2 years at birth.
  • Life expectancies for men and Women in Rhode Island vary significantly, with men living 75.5 years and women living 80.9 years.
  • 41.0% of Rhode Islanders over the age of 25 have a post-secondary degree, and 46.0% have a high school diploma. However, about 19.4% have a bachelor's degree.
  • The state has a Catholic population that is larger than that of other Christian denominations.

Rhode Island Population Demographics

Between 2010 and 2022, Rhode Island's population increased. Its largest annual population increase was 3.6% between 2019 and 2020. The state's largest decline was between 2021 and 2022, when the population dropped 0.3%. As of 2022, Rhode Island is home to over 1.09 million Islanders. The state has more women than men, with women making up about 51% of the population.

The Whites make up 71% of the entire population, the Hispanics or Latinos 16%, the African Americans approximately 8%, and the Asians roughly 4%. About 93.6% of Islanders are citizens.

One in eight Islanders are immigrants, which makes up 13% of Rhode Island's population. Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Portugal, Cabo Verde, and India are the top countries of origin for Immigrants.

Elections and Voting

Elections and voting in Rhode Island, are regulated and managed by the Rhode Island Board of Elections. The state provides a voter information center where Islanders can view and update their voter records, find a polling unit, find elected officials, and register to vote.

Rhode Island has steadily been Democratic since 1928, only voting Republic four times, twice for Eisenhower in 1952 and 1956, Nixon in 1972, and Reagan in 1984.

Rhode Island accepts mail voting, which allows registered voters to vote by mail without needing a specific reason by just applying for a mail ballot. Registered voters can also vote early and in person during a two-to-three-week period before the election day in locations designated by the city or town.

Housing, Income, and Employment

In Rhode Island, housing is considered affordable when it does not cost more than 30% of the gross income, or residents can become cost-burdened.

Despite the ease in the cost of housing, there is still a visible gap between wages and income needed to afford a median-priced home, even for skilled labor. The median household income is over $80,000, leaving the poverty rate below 11%. The highest median household income falls in the 45-64 age group.

In 2023, the state ranked 32nd in employment growth nationally and 5th among New England states. The unemployment rate in Rhode Island is low compared to other states, at 4.30% as of January 2024. The total employment in Rhode Island is over 480,000.

Rhode Island Crime Rates

In Rhode Island, there are 30.04 crimes per 1,000 residents in a typical year. In the state, your likelihood of becoming a victim of crime can range from 1 in 52 in the south to 1 in 23 in the southeast neighborhoods. The south of the state is thought to be the least dangerous. Rhode Island has 2.358 violent crimes for every 1,000 residents in a given year. In Rhode Island, there are 12.85 property crimes per 1,000 residents. In Rhode Island, the odds of becoming a victim of a property crime are 1 in 78.

How to Find people in Rhode Island

You can locate people using the Rhode Island White Pages People Directory or other comparable services. In these directories, you can look up someone using their name, phone number, address, or zip code.

Another option to obtain the necessary public information is through public records.

However, joining neighborhood meetup groups can be a great place to start if you're looking to meet new people in Rhode Island, especially in Providence.

Interesting Facts About Rhode Island

  • Rhode Island is the smallest state and is 425 times smaller than Alaska, the largest state.
  • It was previously named "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" until 2020.
  • The state is nicknamed "The Ocean State" because you can reach the ocean from anywhere in the state in less than an hour's drive.
  • Contrary to its name, Rhode Island is not an island; it is, however, comprised of many Islands.
  • Rhode Island is the second most densely populated state in the United States after New Jersey.