Newport County, Rhode Island Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Newport County is located in Rhode Island with a total population of 85,095. It is the 4th most populous county out of 5 in Rhode Island. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Newport County is 46.4 years. This is 15% higher than the state median of 40.5 years. 10.6% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Newport County is $100,859. This is 17% higher than the state median of $86,372. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 28% higher. The poverty rate stands at 8.6%. This is 21% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.9%. The unemployment rate is 6.3%. This is 10% higher than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $559,700. Housing costs are 52% higher than the state median of $368,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x. 67.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% higher than the state average of 63.2%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Newport County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 83.3% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (6.6%) is well below the state average of 17.1%.

Education

53.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 42% higher 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 95.3%. Notably, 22.2% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.