Providence County, Rhode Island

Income Data

-19% vs. Rhode Island average
$78,204
Median Household Income
$40,689
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$78,204
-19% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$40,689
+3% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
23.1%
income as % of home value
Rank in Rhode Island
#5 / 5
by median household income

How Providence County Compares

Providence County$78,204
Rhode Island Average$96,749
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$78,204
Median Household Income
$40,689
Per Capita Income
$339,100
Median Home Value
23.1%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Providence County, Rhode Island

Providence County lags national income slightly

Providence County's median household income of $78,204 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by just $3,449, placing it only marginally ahead of the typical US household. This modest advantage masks significant income inequality within Rhode Island's largest county.

Lowest earners among Rhode Island counties

Providence County ranks fifth and last among Rhode Island's five counties, earning $18,545 less than the state median of $96,749. Per capita income of $40,689 falls $11,890 below the state average, the lowest in the state and reflecting Providence's urban, diverse economic base.

Providence significantly trails all other counties

Providence County ($78,204) earns substantially less than Bristol ($110,926), Newport ($100,859), Washington ($102,478), and Kent ($91,278). The $13,045 income gap between Providence and its nearest neighbor, Kent, is the largest spread among any county pair in Rhode Island.

Housing costs squeeze household budgets

Providence County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio is the second-highest in the state despite the lowest median income, creating serious affordability pressure. At median home values of $339,100, many Providence households struggle to build equity while managing monthly expenses.

Maximize resources for financial stability

Providence residents face real income constraints that require disciplined budgeting and intentional saving, even small amounts compound over time. Explore free or low-cost financial counseling through nonprofit organizations to build emergency funds and plan for future stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Providence County, Rhode Island?
The median household income in Providence County, Rhode Island is $78,204, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Providence County?
The per capita income in Providence County is $40,689, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $78,204.
How does Providence County compare to the Rhode Island average?
Providence County's median household income of $78,204 is lower than the Rhode Island state average of $96,749. The per capita income is $40,689, compared to the state average of $52,579.
What is the per capita income in Providence County, Rhode Island?
The per capita income in Providence County, Rhode Island is $40,689, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Providence County a low-income area in Rhode Island?
Providence County's median household income of $78,204 is below the Rhode Island average of $96,749. The per capita income of $40,689 is also lower than the state average of $52,579. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Providence County rank for income in Rhode Island?
Providence County ranks #5 out of 5 counties in Rhode Island by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $78,204 and per capita income of $40,689, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Providence County

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County median: $78,204 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-19%

vs. National Median

+5%

vs. Providence County MedianAbout equal
vs. Rhode Island Average19% below
vs. National Median5% above

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($6,517) vs. median rent ($1,242/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.