Rhode Island
Rhode Island ranks #14 of 50 US states in 2026 with a composite score of 70.2/100 and a B+ grade. Its strongest category is Safety (86/100) and its weakest is Growth (34/100).
How Does Rhode Island Rank For...
Weights vary by lifestyle. Families prioritize education & safety; retirees prioritize fiscal health & healthcare. See methodology →
Top Strengths
Areas to Watch
Category Breakdown
12-Month Composite Trend
IllustrativeCities in Rhode Island
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | Cumberland Hill | A+ | 65.8 | 8,638 | $131,006 | — | — |
| 71 | Kingston | A+ | 64.9 | 6,953 | $82,143 | — | 99 |
| 80 | Wakefield-Peace Dale | A+ | 64.4 | 9,812 | $111,200 | — | — |
| 100 | Melville | A+ | 63.8 | 1,840 | $103,393 | — | — |
| 116 | Greenville | A | 63.1 | 8,586 | $94,567 | — | 91.6 |
| 133 | Westerly | A | 62.3 | 18,528 | $82,333 | 77 | — |
| 137 | Tiverton | A | 62.2 | 8,151 | $91,493 | 74.2 | — |
| 156 | Warwick | A | 61.6 | 82,997 | $86,193 | 70.8 | 100.9 |
| 162 | Cranston | A | 61.3 | 82,640 | $92,795 | 117.6 | 100.9 |
| 179 | Valley Falls | A | 60.9 | 12,370 | $93,653 | — | — |
| 186 | Hope Valley | A | 60.7 | 2,147 | $98,481 | — | — |
| 204 | Newport East | B+ | 60.1 | 11,262 | $86,310 | — | — |
| 215 | Pascoag | B+ | 59.8 | 4,081 | $101,359 | — | — |
| 224 | East Providence | B+ | 59.7 | 46,970 | $79,660 | 94.3 | 100.9 |
| 267 | Narragansett Pier | B+ | 58.5 | 3,080 | $79,683 | — | — |
| 326 | Newport | B+ | 57.2 | 25,029 | $83,562 | 207.7 | 97.4 |
| 514 | Pawtucket | C+ | 52.7 | 75,312 | $63,499 | 298.3 | 100.9 |
| 523 | Providence | C+ | 52.5 | 190,791 | $65,206 | 312.3 | 100.9 |
| 654 | Woonsocket | C | 49.6 | 43,074 | $58,614 | 432.8 | 100.9 |
| 752 | Central Falls | C | 46.9 | 22,481 | $45,921 | 430.5 | — |
Best Cities in Rhode Island for...
| # | City | Families Score | 🎓 Education | 🛡️ Safety | 🏠 Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kingston | 69.6 | 85.7 | 86.1 | 58.6 |
| 2 | Westerly | 68.8 | 87.1 | 94.1 | 54.9 |
| 3 | Cumberland Hill | 68.6 | 85.7 | 86.1 | 58.2 |
| 4 | Greenville | 68.6 | 85.7 | 86.1 | 63.9 |
| 5 | Wakefield-Peace Dale | 68.1 | 85.7 | 86.1 | 53.3 |
More Northeast States
Rhode Island Rankings Overview
Rhode Island earns an overall grade of B+ with a composite score of 70.2 out of 100, ranking #14 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Safety (86/100) while its biggest challenge is Growth (34/100).
Economy & Employment in Rhode Island
With an unemployment rate of 4.3% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Rhode Island performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $81,800, which ranks above the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's violent crime rate of 154 per 100,000 residents places it in the top half of states for public safety. This makes it one of the safest states in America.
Health & Education in Rhode Island
Rhode Island ranks #13 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #8 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates. Life expectancy in Rhode Island is 79 years, and the high school graduation rate is 84%.
Taxes & Fiscal Health in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's total tax burden is 10.08% of personal income, which is above the national average of 8.74%. The top marginal income tax rate is 5.99%. The effective property tax rate is 1.39% and the combined state and local sales tax rate is 7%.
Housing & Affordability in Rhode Island
The median home price in Rhode Island is $487,000, compared to the national average of $394,620. The cost of living index is 101 (where 100 equals the national average), roughly in line with national costs. The price-to-income ratio is 6.0x.
Environment in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a median air quality index of 35 (EPA AirData), better than the national average. 12% of the state's electricity comes from renewable sources. The FEMA natural disaster risk score is 2.4 (below average risk).
Growth & Migration in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's population growth rate is +0.5% year over year. The net domestic migration rate is -0.3 per 1,000 residents. 96% of households have broadband internet access, among the best-connected states.
Best Cities in Rhode Island
The top-ranked cities in Rhode Island based on our composite scoring are Cumberland Hill, Kingston, and Wakefield-Peace Dale. These cities score highest across economy, safety, health, and affordability metrics among the cities we track in Rhode Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rhode Island's overall ranking?
Rhode Island ranks #14 out of 50 states with a composite score of 70.2/100 and a grade of B+.
Is Rhode Island a good place to live?
Rhode Island ranks among the top-performing states in America with a composite score of 70.2/100. Its strengths in areas like economic opportunity and public safety make it an attractive place to live for many residents.
What is the crime rate in Rhode Island?
The violent crime rate in Rhode Island is 154 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Rhode Island's economy compare?
Rhode Island's median household income is $81,800 with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is above the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Rhode Island?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Rhode Island are Cumberland Hill, Kingston, and Wakefield-Peace Dale.
How does Rhode Island rank for families?
Rhode Island ranks #10 of 50 states for families with a score of 81.5/100. This is a top-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing education, safety, housing.
How does Rhode Island rank for retirees?
Rhode Island ranks #15 of 50 states for retirees with a score of 68.5/100. This is a mid-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing health, fiscal, housing.
How does Rhode Island rank for remote workers?
Rhode Island ranks #22 of 50 states for remote workers with a score of 56.3/100. This is a mid-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing housing, economy, outdoor.