Best Cities for Young Professionals in Rhode Island
Rhode Island ranks #30 of 50 for young professionals, with a young professionals score of 51.4. Cumberland Hill is its best city for young professionals at 63.7.
- Rhode Island, all states
- #30 of 50
- Population
- 8,648
Rhode Island for Young Professionals: The Full Picture
Rhode Island ranks #30 out of 50 for young professionals, landing in the middle of the pack. The state's economy scores 41/100, though with 4.5% unemployment and a median household income of $83,504. Modest population growth of 0.37% suggests a stable but not booming market.
For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. With a cost-of-living index of 102.3, expenses are near the national norm — what you earn is roughly what you keep. Growth metrics are moderate, so career advancement may depend more on specific industries than broad market expansion.
Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. Rhode Island's livability score of 48/100 is adequate — metro areas have decent options, though the state isn't known as a cultural hub. Transportation is car-dependent in most areas (score: 53/100), which is worth factoring into housing location decisions.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # City | Grade | Young Professionals score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Walkability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Cumberland Hill | A+ | 63.7 | 67.3 | 83 | — | 37 | 8,648 |
| 2Westerly | A+ | 62.2 | 70.6 | 63 | — | 46 | 18,411 |
| 3Kingston | A | 60.6 | 64.1 | 63 | — | 31 | 7,332 |
| 4Warwick | A | 59.8 | 66.5 | 58 | 50 | 63 | 83,175 |
| 5Cranston | A | 59.1 | 64.2 | 56 | 43 | 67 | 83,250 |
| 6Wakefield-Peace Dale | B+ | 59.1 | 62.5 | 62 | — | 50 | 9,302 |
| 7Tiverton | A | 58.7 | 64.0 | 64 | — | 46 | 8,091 |
| 8East Providence | A | 58.3 | 63.0 | 50 | 47 | 69 | 47,281 |
| 9Newport | B+ | 57.1 | 62.7 | 55 | 33 | 74 | 24,874 |
| 10Pascoag | B+ | 57.0 | 59.7 | 75 | — | 40 | 4,410 |
| 11Greenville | B+ | 55.4 | 59.3 | 54 | — | 46 | 8,296 |
| 12Valley Falls | B | 55.4 | 57.9 | 50 | — | 54 | 12,657 |
| 13Newport East | B | 54.3 | 58.7 | 47 | — | 57 | 11,069 |
| 14Pawtucket | B | 54.0 | 57.3 | 43 | 40 | 76 | 75,893 |
| 15Providence | B | 54.0 | 56.4 | 41 | 41 | 77 | 191,767 |
| 16Hope Valley | B | 53.3 | 57.5 | 58 | — | 34 | 2,297 |
| 17Narragansett Pier | C+ | 50.5 | 53.6 | 41 | — | 65 | 3,167 |
| 18Melville | B | 50.0 | 58.2 | 59 | — | 32 | 1,631 |
| 19Central Falls | C | 49.3 | 51.2 | 33 | 42 | 76 | 22,701 |
| 20Woonsocket | C | 48.1 | 51.2 | 37 | 39 | 62 | 43,521 |
City young professionals scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.
Compare: States with Similar Young Professionals Rankings
Also See: Rhode Island for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rhode Island a good state for young professionals?
Rhode Island ranks #30 out of 50 for young professionals with a persona-weighted score of 51.4/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (91/100) and its weakest is Growth (28/100).
What is the best city for young professionals in Rhode Island?
Cumberland Hill ranks #1 in Rhode Island for young professionals with a score of 63.7/100, followed by Westerly and Kingston.
What factors are most important for young professionals in Rhode Island?
Rankings weighted toward job market strength, economic growth, affordable living, transportation, and vibrant community life — the factors that attract ambitious young professionals.