Rhode IslandPop. 83,250Smaller cities
Is Cranston a Good Place to Live? Cranston, Rhode Island: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Cranston ranks #209 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #102 of 524 smaller cities and #4 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (89 per 100,000, #44 of 444), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Cranston by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Cranston's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Cranston?
Cranston's cost of living index is 101.8, 2% above the US level of 100 and #770 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,375/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $457,533, 11% below the typical Rhode Island home ($511,233).
| Measure | Cranston | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 101.8#770 of 1,308 | 102.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $457,533#740 of 1,187 | $511,233 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,109/mo#760 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $378,300#732 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,375/mo#610 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18.3%#275 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Cranston housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Cranston is in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro.
Rhode Island housing market →Is Cranston safe?
Cranston recorded 89 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 73% below the US rate of 328 and 39% below Rhode Island's 144. That ranks #104 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #44 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cranston Police Department. Property crime runs 890 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Cranston | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 89#104 of 1,085 | 144 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 890#171 of 1,085 | 911 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Cranston?
The median household in Cranston earns $90,206, 8% above the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Rhode Island ($83,504). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Cranston | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $90,206#456 of 1,312 | $83,504 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.5%#705 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 10.2%#519 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Cranston?
The median resident of Cranston is 39.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 36.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #569 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Cranston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 39.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 36.4%#569 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 67.6% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Cranston's schools and health?
Cranston's 23 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Rhode Island 83.3%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $18,766 spent per pupil. 31.2% of adults are obese and 10.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Cranston | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 85%#705 of 1,063 | 83.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.4#206 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $18,766#281 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 31.2%#472 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.7%#555 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.7%#563 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8%#372 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,765 students are enrolled in Cranston's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Cranston?
The average commute in Cranston is 24.3 minutes (Rhode Island 26.3); 1.2% of workers take transit and 13% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Cranston scores 13.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #187 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.9°F and winters 32.6°F, with 47.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Cranston | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.3 min#721 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 7%#835 of 1,312 | 8.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72.7% | 71.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.2% | 2.1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.1% | 3.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 13% | 11.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.8#187 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38.3 | 22.1 | 4 |
| Feb | 40.5 | 23.5 | 3.4 |
| Mar | 47.7 | 30.2 | 4.9 |
| Apr | 58.9 | 39.6 | 4.3 |
| May | 68.9 | 49.2 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 77.7 | 58.8 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 83.6 | 65.2 | 2.9 |
| Aug | 82.2 | 63.9 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 74.8 | 56.5 | 4.2 |
| Oct | 63.8 | 45.1 | 4.2 |
| Nov | 53.2 | 35.8 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 43.4 | 27.6 | 4.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Providence.
| Measure | Cranston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 52.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 32.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 47.5 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Providence.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Cranston?
Providence County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Providence County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
| Measure | Cranston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.11%#299 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Providence County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Providence County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.008% | 73% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.083% | 53% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0031% | 53% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0023% | 24% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Cranston compare with similar-size cities?
Cranston is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #102 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 83,250.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston, RIPop. 83,250 | #209 | 64.2 | $90,206 | $1,375/mo | 89 | 24.3 min |
| Farmington Hills, MIPop. 83,515 | #159 | 65.8 | $104,836 | $1,551/mo | 144 | 24.7 min |
| The Villages, FLPop. 83,498 | #684 | 55.3 | $77,622 | $1,397/mo | no data | 21.2 min |
| Frederick, MDPop. 83,395 | #236 | 63.5 | $97,069 | $1,764/mo | 390 | 30 min |
| Layton, UTPop. 83,286 | #304 | 62.0 | $102,480 | $1,538/mo | 141 | 22.9 min |
| Warner Robins, GAPop. 82,990 | #764 | 53.9 | $66,970 | $1,212/mo | 513 | 22.2 min |
| Longview, TXPop. 82,923 | #941 | 51.1 | $63,340 | $1,101/mo | 346 | 20.7 min |
| Gastonia, NCPop. 82,884 | #1128 | 47.3 | $64,059 | $1,204/mo | 889 | 26.8 min |
| Buena Park, CAPop. 82,871 | #643 | 55.9 | $110,550 | $2,206/mo | 281 | 28.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Cranston compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
Cranston ranks #4 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 64.2 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 8% above the Rhode Island median. Violent crime is 39% below the statewide rate. Homes are 11% below the typical Rhode Island home.
| City | Rank in RI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westerly, RIPop. 18,411 | #1 | 70.6 | $95,207 | $1,260/mo | 26 |
| Cumberland Hill, RIPop. 8,648 | #2 | 67.3 | $130,506 | $1,310/mo | no data |
| Warwick, RIPop. 83,175 | #3 | 66.5 | $88,708 | $1,363/mo | 87 |
| Cranston, RIPop. 83,250 | #4 | 64.2 | $90,206 | $1,375/mo | 89 |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #5 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data |
| Tiverton, RIPop. 8,091 | #6 | 64.0 | $99,158 | $1,342/mo | county/metro |
| East Providence, RIPop. 47,281 | #7 | 63.0 | $75,912 | $1,288/mo | 74 |
| Newport, RIPop. 24,874 | #8 | 62.7 | $86,313 | $1,698/mo | 194 |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale, RIPop. 9,302 | #9 | 62.5 | $106,551 | $1,258/mo | no data |
| Pascoag, RIPop. 4,410 | #10 | 59.7 | $121,369 | $1,319/mo | no data |
| Greenville, RIPop. 8,296 | #11 | 59.3 | $97,234 | $1,264/mo | no data |
| Newport East, RIPop. 11,069 | #12 | 58.7 | $89,028 | $1,876/mo | no data |
| Melville, RIPop. 1,631 | #13 | 58.2 | $102,266 | $2,724/mo | no data |
| Valley Falls, RIPop. 12,657 | #14 | 57.9 | $92,901 | $1,362/mo | no data |
| Hope Valley, RIPop. 2,297 | #15 | 57.5 | $101,932 | — | no data |
| Pawtucket, RIPop. 75,893 | #16 | 57.3 | $68,310 | $1,208/mo | 224 |
| Providence, RIPop. 191,767 | #17 | 56.4 | $68,119 | $1,408/mo | 287 |
| Narragansett Pier, RIPop. 3,167 | #18 | 53.6 | $82,192 | $1,649/mo | no data |
| Woonsocket, RIPop. 43,521 | #19 | 51.2 | $61,059 | $1,161/mo | 371 |
| Central Falls, RIPop. 22,701 | #20 | 51.2 | $49,285 | $1,200/mo | 273 |
All 20 Rhode Island cities we track, by overall score. Rhode Island statewide: median income $83,504, violent crime 144.1 per 100,000.
How is Cranston's score calculated?
Cranston scores 64.2 out of 100, #209 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Rhode Island's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Cranston. Similar-size median 55.5.
56.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Cranston's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
94.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Cranston. Similar-size median 58.9.
60.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Cranston's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
67.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Cranston's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
64.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Cranston. Similar-size median 56.1.
60.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Cranston. Similar-size median 42.4.
43.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Cranston. Similar-size median 50.0.
47.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Cranston's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
67.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
71.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Cranston's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Cranston has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Cranston
Is Cranston, RI a good place to live?
Cranston ranks #209 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #102 of 524 smaller cities and #4 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (89 per 100,000, #44 of 444), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Cranston?
Cranston's cost of living index is 101.8, 2% above the US level of 100 and #770 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,375/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $457,533, 11% below the typical Rhode Island home ($511,233).
What is the crime rate in Cranston?
Cranston recorded 89 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 73% below the US rate of 328 and 39% below Rhode Island's 144. That ranks #104 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #44 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cranston Police Department. Property crime runs 890 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Cranston?
The median household in Cranston earns $90,206, 8% above the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Rhode Island ($83,504). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Cranston?
Median rent in Cranston is $1,375/mo (Census), #610 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,109/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Cranston?
The typical home value in Cranston is $457,533, up 1.4% in a year, against $511,233 for Rhode Island and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $378,300.
How are the public schools in Cranston?
Cranston's 23 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Rhode Island 83.3%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $18,766 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Cranston?
The average commute is 24.3 minutes, #721 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across Rhode Island. 7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Cranston?
Cranston averages 52.1°F over the year, 71.9°F in summer and 32.6°F in winter, with 47.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Cranston walkable?
Cranston scores 13.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #187 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Cranston at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Providence County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Cranston?
Providence County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Cranston?
Cranston has 83,250 residents. The median resident of Cranston is 39.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 36.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #569 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 67.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Cranston compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
Cranston ranks #4 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 64.2 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 8% above the Rhode Island median. Violent crime is 39% below the statewide rate. Homes are 11% below the typical Rhode Island home.
What cities are similar in size to Cranston?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Cranston's population of 83,250 are Farmington Hills, MI (#159 overall), The Villages, FL (#684 overall), Frederick, MD (#236 overall), Layton, UT (#304 overall), and Warner Robins, GA (#764 overall). Cranston is #209.