Best counties to raise a family in Rhode Island
Known in other parts of the world as shires, provinces, or territories, the United States’ counties (also known in certain states as boroughs or parishes) date back to the 1600s, when settlers first came to find freedom from British rule. Today, those counties remain, with the 50 states divided into several, each with its own unique makeup.
For people looking to find a home to raise a family in, choosing a county is an important decision. Most families place affordable homes, safe neighborhoods, a quality school system, and family-friendly activities at the top of their wishlists.
Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to raise a family in Rhode Island using data from Niche. Niche ranks counties based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, healthcare, recreation and weather.
The list features counties that boast some of the top schools and fun, family-friendly activities for every season. Keep reading to explore the best counties to raise a family. Maybe you’ll find one that suits your brood.
#5. Providence County
- Median home value: $233,500 (54% own)
- Median rent: $967 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $58,974
- Top public schools: Classical High School (A), Blackstone Valley Prep Mid2 (A), Achievement First Iluminar (A)
- Top private schools: Moses Brown School (A+), Lincoln School (A+), The Wheeler School (A+)
- Top places to live: Blackstone (A), Wayland (A), College Hill (A)
#4. Kent County
- Median home value: $236,300 (70% own)
- Median rent: $1,079 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $73,521
- Top public schools: East Greenwich High School (A+), Frenchtown School (A+), Meadowbrook Farms School (A)
- Top private schools: Rocky Hill Country Day School (A+), Bishop Hendricken High School (A), St. Rose of Lima School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: East Greenwich (A+), West Greenwich (B+), Warwick (B+)
#3. Newport County
- Median home value: $387,900 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,285 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $79,454
- Top public schools: Melville School (A), Lawn School (A-), Melrose School (A-)
- Top private schools: Portsmouth Abbey School (A+), St. George's School (A+), St. Michael's Country Day School (A)
- Top places to live: Jamestown (A), Portsmouth (A), Newport (A-)
#2. Washington County
- Median home value: $343,000 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,133 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $85,531
- Top public schools: Kingston Hill Academy (A+), Narragansett High School (A), Wickford Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: The Prout School (A-), Quest Montessori School (A+), Child Development Center at University of Rhode Island (A)
- Top places to live: Kingston (A+), North Kingstown (A), South Kingstown (A)
#1. Bristol County
- Median home value: $358,100 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,037 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $83,092
- Top public schools: Barrington High School (A+), Nayatt School (A+), Barrington Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Andrews School (A+), Barrington Christian Academy (A), St. Luke Elementary School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Barrington (A+), Bristol (A-), Warren (B+)
