Rhode IslandPop. 75,893Smaller cities
Is Pawtucket a Good Place to Live? Pawtucket, Rhode Island: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pawtucket ranks #549 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #246 of 524 smaller cities and #16 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,208/mo, #125 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (78.5%, #377 of 437) and high unemployment (5.1%, #372 of 476).
Pawtucket by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Pawtucket'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 Pawtucket?
Pawtucket'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 $1,208/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $400,687, 22% below the typical Rhode Island home ($511,233).
| Measure | Pawtucket | 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 | $400,687#629 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 | $1,876/mo#633 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $325,500#595 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,208/mo#445 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.8x#802 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.2%#586 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.
Pawtucket 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. Pawtucket is in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro.
Rhode Island housing market →Is Pawtucket safe?
Pawtucket recorded 224 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% below the US rate of 328 and 55% above Rhode Island's 144. That ranks #403 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #185 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pawtucket Police Department. Property crime runs 1,240 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Pawtucket | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 224#403 of 1,085 | 144 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,240#328 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 Pawtucket?
The median household in Pawtucket earns $68,310, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Rhode Island ($83,504). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 13.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Pawtucket | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $68,310#851 of 1,312 | $83,504 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 13.3%#758 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 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 Pawtucket?
The median resident of Pawtucket is 37.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1087 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Pawtucket | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 22.2%#1087 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 50.1% | 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 Pawtucket's schools and health?
Pawtucket's 18 public schools graduate 78.5% of students in four years (Rhode Island 83.3%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $19,062 spent per pupil. 35.6% of adults are obese and 12.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Pawtucket | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 78.5%#914 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 | $19,062#258 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.6%#822 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.2%#822 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.9%#1156 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.6%#838 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. 8,448 students are enrolled in Pawtucket's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pawtucket?
The average commute in Pawtucket is 25.6 minutes (Rhode Island 26.3); 3.3% of workers take transit and 9.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pawtucket scores 15.5 of 20 (most walkable), #14 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.2°F and winters 30.9°F, with 51.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Pawtucket | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.6 min#821 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8.1%#931 of 1,312 | 8.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75.3% | 71.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.3% | 2.1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.6% | 3.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.2% | 11.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15.5#14 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 | 37.8 | 18.8 | 4.4 |
| Feb | 39.9 | 21.1 | 3.7 |
| Mar | 47.3 | 28.2 | 4.9 |
| Apr | 59.8 | 38 | 4.7 |
| May | 69.9 | 47.9 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 78.5 | 57.3 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 84 | 63.3 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 82.5 | 61.7 | 4 |
| Sep | 75.4 | 54.4 | 4.2 |
| Oct | 63.9 | 42 | 5.1 |
| Nov | 53.4 | 33.2 | 4.2 |
| Dec | 43 | 24.6 | 5.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Woonsocket.
| Measure | Pawtucket | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 51.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 30.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 51.9 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 Woonsocket.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Pawtucket?
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 | Pawtucket | 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 Pawtucket compare with similar-size cities?
Pawtucket is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #246 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 75,893.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket, RIPop. 75,893 | #549 | 57.3 | $68,310 | $1,208/mo | 224 | 25.6 min |
| Pittsburg, CAPop. 76,257 | #996 | 50.1 | $99,861 | $2,264/mo | 440 | 38 min |
| Southfield, MIPop. 76,236 | #933 | 51.2 | $68,166 | $1,340/mo | 585 | 23.7 min |
| Cheektowaga, NYPop. 76,056 | #351 | 60.9 | $68,613 | $1,055/mo | no data | 20.6 min |
| Scranton, PAPop. 76,033 | #800 | 53.3 | $50,739 | $1,048/mo | 327 | 19.3 min |
| Wesley Chapel, FLPop. 76,011 | #626 | 56.3 | $107,504 | $2,100/mo | no data | 31.1 min |
| Arlington Heights, ILPop. 76,005 | #51 | 70.8 | $116,723 | $1,760/mo | 43 | 27.7 min |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #437 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 | 17.3 min |
| Bismarck, NDPop. 75,556 | #311 | 61.8 | $78,387 | $999/mo | 241 | 15.6 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 Pawtucket compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
Pawtucket ranks #16 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 18% below the Rhode Island median. Violent crime is 55% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% 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 Pawtucket's score calculated?
Pawtucket scores 57.3 out of 100, #549 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 Pawtucket. Similar-size median 55.5.
43.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Pawtucket's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
83.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pawtucket. Similar-size median 58.9.
45.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pawtucket's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
61.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Pawtucket's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
68.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pawtucket. Similar-size median 56.1.
45.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pawtucket. Similar-size median 42.4.
40.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Pawtucket. Similar-size median 50.0.
44.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pawtucket's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
76.3 - 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: Pawtucket'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 Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket
Is Pawtucket, RI a good place to live?
Pawtucket ranks #549 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #246 of 524 smaller cities and #16 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($1,208/mo, #125 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (78.5%, #377 of 437) and high unemployment (5.1%, #372 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Pawtucket?
Pawtucket'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 $1,208/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $400,687, 22% below the typical Rhode Island home ($511,233).
What is the crime rate in Pawtucket?
Pawtucket recorded 224 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% below the US rate of 328 and 55% above Rhode Island's 144. That ranks #403 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #185 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pawtucket Police Department. Property crime runs 1,240 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Pawtucket?
The median household in Pawtucket earns $68,310, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Rhode Island ($83,504). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 13.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Pawtucket?
Median rent in Pawtucket is $1,208/mo (Census), #445 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,876/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pawtucket?
The typical home value in Pawtucket is $400,687, up 1.5% in a year, against $511,233 for Rhode Island and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $325,500.
How are the public schools in Pawtucket?
Pawtucket's 18 public schools graduate 78.5% of students in four years (Rhode Island 83.3%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $19,062 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pawtucket?
The average commute is 25.6 minutes, #821 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across Rhode Island. 8.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Pawtucket?
Pawtucket averages 51.1°F over the year, 71.2°F in summer and 30.9°F in winter, with 51.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Pawtucket walkable?
Pawtucket scores 15.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #14 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 Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket?
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 Pawtucket?
Pawtucket has 75,893 residents. The median resident of Pawtucket is 37.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1087 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pawtucket compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
Pawtucket ranks #16 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 18% below the Rhode Island median. Violent crime is 55% above the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical Rhode Island home.
What cities are similar in size to Pawtucket?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pawtucket's population of 75,893 are Pittsburg, CA (#996 overall), Southfield, MI (#933 overall), Cheektowaga, NY (#351 overall), Scranton, PA (#800 overall), and Wesley Chapel, FL (#626 overall). Pawtucket is #549.