RANK #300 / 996 · POP 657,984 · RI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.6%
Providence County, Rhode Island, is distinguished by its blend of historic charm and urban amenities, with the city of Providence serving as its cultural and economic center. Federal Hill, known for its Italian-American heritage, offers a distinct culinary scene and a strong sense of community. The county is situated in eastern Rhode Island, at the mouth of the Providence River and near Narragansett Bay. Commuting within the county and to nearby cities like Boston is facilitated by public transportation options, including buses and commuter rail. Residents can access numerous parks and green spaces for outdoor recreation, such as Roger Williams Park, which features extensive trails, a zoo, and botanical gardens.
Life in Providence County offers a mix of urban and suburban experiences, attracting young professionals and families. The presence of institutions like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design contributes to a lively educational and artistic environment. The economy is shifting towards sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology. Recent developments indicate a focus on increasing housing options and investing in infrastructure to support growing industries, including ocean technology and life sciences.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.5x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Revolution Wind Farm
Ørsted and Global Infrastructure Partners' Skyborn Renewables
|
$1,500M | Under Construction |
|
Fields Point Natural Gas Liquefaction Facility Expansion
National Grid
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Iron Mine Solar Project
Green Development, LLC
|
$49M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Providence County has a Boom Town Index score of 70/100, ranking #300 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.2% and a median household income of $72,579, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Providence County is $310,500 with median rent at $1,161/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2337, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.2%. Home values changed +1.4% in the past 12 months.