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
Kent County is a county in Rhode Island with a population of 170,658. It ranks #2 among counties in Rhode Island by population. The median age is 43.6, older than the national median. The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.
The median household income in Kent County is $91,278, above the US median of $74,580. 4.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $333,900, with monthly rent averaging $1,264. The homeownership rate of 72.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Kent County reflects 34.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.2 minutes each way.
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.
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Full rankings of Rhode Island counties
Statewide data for Rhode Island
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.