Rhode IslandPop. 24,874Towns
Is Newport a Good Place to Live? Newport, Rhode Island: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Newport ranks #275 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #46 of 234 towns and #8 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (62%, #151 of 153) and expensive homes ($746,900, #221 of 231).
Newport by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Newport'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 Newport?
Newport'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 $1,698/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $965,074, 89% above the typical Rhode Island home ($511,233).
| Measure | Newport | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 101.8#770 of 1,308 | 102.3 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $965,074#1112 of 1,187 | $511,233 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,073/mo#1044 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $746,900#1171 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,698/mo#873 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 8.7x#1244 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 23.6%#845 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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.
Newport 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. Newport is in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro.
Rhode Island housing market →Is Newport safe?
Newport recorded 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 41% below the US rate of 328 and 34% above Rhode Island's 144. That ranks #346 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #68 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Newport Police Department. Property crime runs 1,330 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Newport | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 194#346 of 1,085 | 144 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,330#371 of 1,085 | 911 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Newport?
The median household in Newport earns $86,313, 4% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above Rhode Island ($83,504). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 16.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Newport | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $86,313#516 of 1,312 | $83,504 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 16.5%#949 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.7%#1029 of 1,132 | +0.4% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Newport?
The median resident of Newport is 37.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 57.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #150 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Newport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 37.2 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 57.9%#150 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 49.8% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Newport's schools and health?
Newport's 3 public schools graduate 62% of students in four years (Rhode Island 83.3%), with 9.4 students per teacher and $27,134 spent per pupil. 28.3% of adults are obese and 9.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Newport | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 62%#1055 of 1,063 | 83.3% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 9.4#5 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $27,134#30 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 28.3%#283 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 9.2%#252 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 16.1%#434 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 6.7%#218 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 1,821 students are enrolled in Newport's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Newport?
The average commute in Newport is 18.9 minutes (Rhode Island 26.3); 2% of workers take transit and 18.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Newport scores 15.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #29 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.6°F and winters 33.4°F, with 42.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Newport | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 18.9 min#251 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 4.3%#446 of 1,312 | 8.6% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 57.5% | 71.3% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 2% | 2.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 12.4% | 3.4% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 1.7% | 0.7% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 18.5% | 11.6% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 15.1#29 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 | 38.1 | 24.1 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 39.7 | 25.1 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 45.7 | 30.8 | 4.6 |
| Apr | 55.5 | 39.3 | 3.8 |
| May | 65 | 48.5 | 3 |
| Jun | 73.9 | 57.8 | 3.4 |
| Jul | 79.6 | 64.1 | 2.9 |
| Aug | 78.8 | 63.6 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 72.3 | 57.1 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 62.3 | 46.8 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 52.5 | 37.9 | 3.8 |
| Dec | 43.8 | 29.9 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Newport State Airport.
| Measure | Newport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 51.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 69.6°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 33.4°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 42.2 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Newport State Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Newport?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Newport's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Newport County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.06% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | Newport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.06%#22 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Newport County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Newport County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0099% | 75% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0035% | 68% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.002% | 41% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.041% | 5% 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 Newport compare with similar-size cities?
Newport is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #46 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 24,874.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport, RIPop. 24,874 | #275 | 62.7 | $86,313 | $1,698/mo | 194 | 18.9 min |
| Hastings, NEPop. 25,008 | #602 | 56.7 | $64,048 | $858/mo | 239 | 13.8 min |
| Ardmore, OKPop. 24,877 | #1224 | 44.0 | $53,900 | $1,006/mo | 1,050 | 16.8 min |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #999 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 | 19 min |
| Terrytown, LAPop. 24,726 | #1304 | 36.0 | $51,718 | $1,135/mo | no data | 27.1 min |
| Middletown, DEPop. 24,661 | #198 | 64.5 | $112,831 | $1,583/mo | 186 | 30 min |
| Auburn, MEPop. 24,602 | #586 | 56.9 | $66,647 | $1,041/mo | 232 | 21.7 min |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #844 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 | 21.1 min |
| Gardner, KSPop. 24,526 | #192 | 64.8 | $96,818 | $1,306/mo | 185 | 22.9 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 Newport compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
Newport ranks #8 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 62.7 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 3% above the Rhode Island median. Violent crime is 34% above the statewide rate. Homes are 89% above 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 Newport's score calculated?
Newport scores 62.7 out of 100, #275 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Newport. Similar-size median 41.9.
55.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Newport's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
84.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Newport. Similar-size median 56.5.
68.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Newport's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
62.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Newport's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
44.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Newport. Similar-size median 50.8.
47.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Newport. Similar-size median 35.2.
32.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Newport. Similar-size median 48.3.
73.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Newport's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
74.2 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
98.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Newport's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Newport 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 Newport
Is Newport, RI a good place to live?
Newport ranks #275 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #46 of 234 towns and #8 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (62%, #151 of 153) and expensive homes ($746,900, #221 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Newport?
Newport'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 $1,698/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $965,074, 89% above the typical Rhode Island home ($511,233).
What is the crime rate in Newport?
Newport recorded 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 41% below the US rate of 328 and 34% above Rhode Island's 144. That ranks #346 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #68 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Newport Police Department. Property crime runs 1,330 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Newport?
The median household in Newport earns $86,313, 4% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above Rhode Island ($83,504). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 16.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Newport?
Median rent in Newport is $1,698/mo (Census), #873 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,073/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Newport?
The typical home value in Newport is $965,074, up 8.5% in a year, against $511,233 for Rhode Island and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $746,900.
How are the public schools in Newport?
Newport's 3 public schools graduate 62% of students in four years (Rhode Island 83.3%), with 9.4 students per teacher and $27,134 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Newport?
The average commute is 18.9 minutes, #251 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across Rhode Island. 4.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Newport?
Newport averages 51.3°F over the year, 69.6°F in summer and 33.4°F in winter, with 42.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Newport walkable?
Newport scores 15.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #29 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 Newport at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Newport County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.06% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
Who lives in Newport?
Newport has 24,874 residents. The median resident of Newport is 37.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 57.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #150 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Newport compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
Newport ranks #8 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 62.7 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 3% above the Rhode Island median. Violent crime is 34% above the statewide rate. Homes are 89% above the typical Rhode Island home.
What cities are similar in size to Newport?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Newport's population of 24,874 are Hastings, NE (#602 overall), Ardmore, OK (#1224 overall), Fort Dodge, IA (#999 overall), Terrytown, LA (#1304 overall), and Middletown, DE (#198 overall). Newport is #275.