Kent County, Rhode Island Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Kent County is located in Rhode Island with a total population of 170,658. It is the 2nd most populous county out of 5 in Rhode Island. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Kent County is 43.6 years. This is 8% higher than the state median of 40.5 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Kent County is $91,278. This is 6% higher than the state median of $86,372. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 16% higher. The poverty rate stands at 7.4%. This is 32% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.9%. The unemployment rate is 4.7%. This is 18% lower than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $333,900. Housing costs are 9% lower than the state median of $368,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 72.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 63.2%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Kent County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 84.7% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.4%. The Black or African American population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 5.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (6.4%) is well below the state average of 17.1%.

Education

34.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 8% lower than the state rate of 37.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.8%.