Discover the 3 Fastest-Growing Counties in Rhode Island

With only 1,214 square miles in surface area, Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States. Moreover, it measures only 48 miles long and has a width of 37 miles. Its total of five counties have a combined population of 1.096 million. In spite of its small size, Rhode Island’s population is almost twice that of Wyoming’s.

In effect, Rhode Island has the second highest population density in the nation, second only to New Jersey. With 1,074.3 people per square mile, this little state certainly isn’t short on residents. Although it only has five counties in total, you can discover the 3 fastest-growing counties in Rhode Island by reading the article below.

1. Providence County

The largest of the five counties, Providence is home to 670,962 residents. It has an area of 158 square miles, making the population density 1,636 people per square mile. Since 2010, this county’s population has grown at a rate of 7.07%. As a result, Providence County is the most populated county with the largest area and the fastest-growing population.

There are 31 towns and cities nestled within the 158 square miles of the county. Providence County was incorporated in 1703. At that time, it was comprised of five towns — Providence, Westerly, Greenwich, Kingstown, and Warwick. Today, there are more than six times that number of towns and cities. Here are the five largest.

• Providence has about 200,000 residents, eight colleges and universities, and a variety of great restaurants.
• Warwick is home to about 83,000 residents, The Roger Williams Park and Zoo, and the amazing Route 2 shopping destination.
• Cranston, with its 82,000 residents, has a rich history reaching back to the 1700s. It also has one of the country’s largest outdoor swimming pools.
• Pawtucket has about 75,000 residents, numerous historical sites, and amazing beaches.
• Woonsocket has a population of 43,000 residents, is home to Rhode Island’s highest point of Jerimoth Hill, and has the Museum of Work and Culture.

2. Newport County

With a population of 86,471 residents packed into a 39-square-mile space, Newport County has a population density of 848 people per square mile. It has fewer people than Kent County with its population of 171,623 and Washington County’s 130,697 population. Nevertheless, its population growth rate of 4.32% gives it the rank of the second-fastest growing county in Rhode Island.

There are only six towns and cities within this county along with some smaller villages. And, similar to Providence County, Newport County was also constituted in 1703. It originally had only four towns — Jamestown, Portsmouth, Newport, and New Shoreham. Here are the six current cities.

• Newport has 25,163 residents, was founded in 1639, and houses the oldest existing structure of worship in the state.
• Portsmouth is home to 17,871 people, was officially named in 1639, and is home to the Raytheon Missiles and Defense Division.
• Middletown, with 17,075 residents, was incorporated in 1743.
• Tiverton has 16,359 inhabitants, and it was incorporated in 1694.
• Jamestown may have a mere 5,551 residents, but since the town’s 1678 incorporation, it’s been filled with rich history and culture.
• Little Compton has only 3,616 residents. It was incorporated in 1682 and is filled with historical sites.

3. Kent County

Kent County has a population of 171,623 people in only 65 square miles. Consequently, its population density is 1,016 people per square mile. So, area-wise, it’s larger than Newport County, and its population is bigger as well. However, its growth rate is 3.29% compared to Newport County’s 4.32%, ranking it the third-fastest growing Rhode Island county.

This county has the fewest number of cities and towns as well. It was founded in 1750 and named after the town of Kent, England. Along with its several villages and one census-designated place, Kent County has one city and four towns.

• Warwick is the county’s only city. It was settled in 1642 and now is home to about 83,000 people.
• Coventry has 35,688 people within its town limits. In 1741, there were finally enough people to designate Coventry as a town.
• West Warwick’s population is about 31,000. The latest town in Kent County to be incorporated, it didn’t become a town until 1913.
• East Greenwich is the county seat of Kent County, and it has 14,312. It was incorporated in 1677.
• West Greenwich has a population of 6,528. It became a separate town from East Greenwich in 1741.

Rhode Island’s Other 2 Counties

Rhode Island has two other counties. First of all, Washington County has a population of 130,000 and 127 square miles. Established in 1729, its population density is 397 people per square mile. Washington County’s population growth rate since 2010 is 2.93%.

The second county, Bristol County, is a mere nine square miles, but it is home to 51,069 people. The population density of this county is a hefty 2,128 people per square mile. The population growth rate of Bristol County since 2010 is 2.39%.

Summary Table of Rhode Island’s Counties