Kent County, Rhode Island Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 2nd-largest in Rhode Island
The population of Kent County, Rhode Island is 170,658 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest county in Rhode Island. The median household income is $91,278, the median home value is $333,900, and the median age is 43.6.
The population of Kent County has grown 3.9% since 2010 (166,029 → 172,450), a +0.27% annualized rate.
170,658
Population
+0.27%
Annual growth
1012
People / sq mi
$91,278
Median Income
$333,900
Median Home Value
Kent County covers 169 sq mi of land at 1012.4 people per square mile.
About Kent County, RI
What distinguishes Kent County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 1,012 people per square mile. Kent County is a county in Rhode Island with a population of 170,658. It is the #2-largest of all counties in Rhode Island nationally.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $91,278, above the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 4.2%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $333,900, with typical rent around $1,264.
About 34.3% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is on the higher side at 10.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Kent County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Kent County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Kent County had a population of 166,029 in 2010 and 172,450 in 2024, a 3.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 172,450 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.28%.
172,450
Population (2024)
166,029
Population (2010)
172,450
Peak (2024)
0.28%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 166,029 |
| 2011 | 165,288 |
| 2012 | 164,644 |
| 2013 | 164,387 |
| 2014 | 164,526 |
| 2015 | 163,801 |
| 2016 | 163,842 |
| 2017 | 163,657 |
| 2018 | 164,230 |
| 2019 | 164,233 |
| 2020 | 170,423 |
| 2021 | 171,115 |
| 2022 | 171,523 |
| 2023 | 171,770 |
| 2024 | 172,450 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.6% |
| Black or African American | 2.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.6
Median Age
51.1%
Female
48.9%
Male
19.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.9% · Seniors (65+): 19.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $91,278+$4,906 vs state |
| Mean household income | $115,863 |
| Per-capita income | $49,243 |
| Poverty rate | 4.2%-2.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Kent County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.0% of workers.
How residents commute
1.0%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
79.4%
Public transit
10.6%
Work from home
25.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$333,900$-34,900 vs state
Median home value
$1,264
Median rent
72.1%
Homeownership rate
76,319
Total housing units
95.3%
Occupied
4.7%
Vacant
27.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.0%
With health insurance
94.3%
With broadband internet
22.8%
Foreign-born
7.3%
Veterans (18+)
15.1%
With a disability
90.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.8%
High School+
34.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Rhode Island
Other counties in Rhode Island
Part of Rhode Island
Metro areas in Rhode Island
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Kent County, Rhode Island has a population of 170,658 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest county in Rhode Island. Population density is 1012 people per square mile.
The population of Kent County has grown 3.9% since 2010 (166,029 → 172,450), a +0.27% annualized rate.
The median household income in Kent County, Rhode Island is $91,278, with mean (average) household income of $115,863 and per-capita income of $49,243. 4.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Kent County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (86.6%), Black or African American (2.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Kent County, Rhode Island is 43.6 years. Residents are 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
The median home value in Kent County is $333,900 and median monthly rent is $1,264. 72.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 76,319 total housing units, 4.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Kent County, Rhode Island is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Providence is among the largest cities associated with Kent County, Rhode Island, with a population of 190,214.
Kent County, RI Climate
Kent County, RI has an average annual temperature of 9.8°C (50°F) and receives about 1225 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.8°C
Avg Temp
1225
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -3° / 27° | 107 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 93 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 112 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 109 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 97 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 93 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 84 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 103 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 98 mm |
| October | 11° / 53° | 99 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 120 mm |
| December | 1° / 33° | 110 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Kent County, RI
The most comfortable months to visit Kent County, RI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Kent County
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Rhode Island
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.