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Rhode Island

Rhode Island

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Demographics

Predominantly WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 49
Population1,095,371
Foreign Born6.8%
Population Density1,059people per mi²
Median Age40.5 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
ChangingSince 2000, this state has seen significant changes in racial and ethnic composition in a short time.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
C
Average

A livable area that tracks near national norms for affordability, walkability, and neighborhood health.

Quality of Life measures an area by evaluating factors like cost of living, nearby amenities, country club access, airport proximity, socioeconomic signals and neighborhood character. For large states, this is a general average — quality of life can vary dramatically between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities within the same state.

Cost of Living

118/100

18% above national average

A-
Affordability Ratio

82%

The Real Cost of Living in Rhode Island

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $20k$38k
Comfortable $72k$105k
Luxury $152k+$235k+
Elite (Top 5%) $178k+$277k+

Economics

Overall Economy Grade
B-
Good

Solid upper-middle-class performance. The area runs slightly ahead of national economic benchmarks.

Median HHI
$86k+6.1%
15% above US avg
Avg Net Worth
$391k
40% below US avg
WFH
11.4%
20% below US avg
Homeownership
63.3%
3% below US avg
Median Home
$369k
31% above US avg
Avg HH Debt
$22k
19% above US avg
Poverty Rate
10.9%
5% below US avg
Public Assistance
15.3%
31% above US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
54% above US avg
Median Rent
$1k
9% above US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
A-
Very Safe

Lower crime rates than 76% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
10.2
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
−29.4%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr−30.0%
Homicide
0.02 / 1k Residents75% below US avg
Robbery
0.18 / 1k Residents73% below US avg
Aggravated Assault
0.90 / 1k Residents67% below US avg

Property Crime

5yr−28.9%
Burglary
0.79 / 1k Residents71% below US avg
Larceny-Theft
6.90 / 1k Residents51% below US avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
1.03 / 1k Residents64% below US avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: D+8Leans Liberal
State Legislature of Rhode Island
Rhode Island Senate34D · 4R
Rhode Island House64D · 10R · 1I
Presidential Voting Trends for Rhode Island
Dem Rep
30%40%50%60%70%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B-
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
D+
Poor11.4% of income
Property Rights
D-
WeakIJ Grade D-
Firearm Rights
F
PoorFPC Grade F
Homeschooling
A-
GoodLow regulation

Energy independence: Importer (1% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
D-
RestrictedLimited
Gambling Laws
A
Broadly OpenCasinos · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
A+
Fully LegalRecreational

Homesteading

Growing Season211 daysstatewide average
Annual Rainfall55.4"statewide average
Elevation125 ftstatewide average

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
D
Vulnerable

Multiple tactical vulnerabilities. Population density, target proximity, or disaster risk are likely compounding. A retreat property and exit planning is required.

Best Places to Live

Cities

Largest Cities in Rhode Island

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-19T01:38:18.000Z

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