RANK #51 / 996 · POP 129,998 · RI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.4%
Washington County, often called South County by locals, is Rhode Island's largest county by land area, encompassing coastal towns like Narragansett and Westerly. Narragansett is particularly known for The Towers, an architectural landmark that serves as a centerpiece for the town. The county offers extensive outdoor recreation, including numerous state beaches such as East Matunuck and Misquamicut, and large natural spaces like Burlingame State Park and the Arcadia Management Area, which is the largest contiguous public land parcel in Rhode Island. Commuting to Providence is feasible, with Amtrak stations in Kingston and Westerly providing rail options. The community feel varies from bustling coastal areas to quieter inland towns.
Life in Washington County is characterized by access to highly-rated public schools and a generally safe environment. The presence of the University of Rhode Island in Kingston contributes to a lively atmosphere in that village. The economy is supported by diverse sectors, including a significant marine economy, with Washington County producing a substantial portion of the state's marine economy's gross domestic product. There is also ongoing investment in infrastructure and energy sectors, alongside efforts to bolster tourism and support local businesses.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.4x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Battery Storage Project
Unknown
|
$205M | Planned |
|
Statewide Broadband Expansion (BEAD Program & Capital Projects Funds)
Rhode Island Commerce Corporation / Various ISPs
|
$161M | Under Construction |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (Multiple Projects)
Various (e.g., Standard Solar, Brown University, AES Clean Energy, Nautilus Solar)
|
$81M | Operating/Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Washington County has a Boom Town Index score of 95/100, ranking #51 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +3.4% and a median household income of $99,510, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Washington County is $436,000 with median rent at $1,284/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2282, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +3.4%. Home values changed +5.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.78% of Washington County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.