Newport County, Rhode Island Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 4th-largest in Rhode Island
The population of Newport County, Rhode Island is 85,095 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest county in Rhode Island. The median household income is $100,859, the median home value is $559,700, and the median age is 46.4.
The population of Newport County has grown 0.3% since 2010 (83,186 → 83,468), a +0.02% annualized rate.
85,095
Population
+0.02%
Annual growth
831
People / sq mi
$100,859
Median Income
$559,700
Median Home Value
Newport County covers 102 sq mi of land at 830.8 people per square mile.
About Newport County, RI
Educational attainment is the headline number in Newport County: 53.0% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Newport County is a county in Rhode Island with a population of 85,095. It is the #4-largest of all counties in Rhode Island nationally.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $100,859, putting Newport County near the top of US counties. Very few residents live in poverty — 4.5%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $559,700, with typical rent around $1,652.
Newport County is among the best-educated US counties: 53.0% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. About 14.0% of workers primarily work from home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Newport County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Newport County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Newport County had a population of 83,186 in 2010 and 83,468 in 2024, a 0.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 85,613 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: 0.03%.
83,468
Population (2024)
83,186
Population (2010)
85,613
Peak (2021)
0.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 83,186 |
| 2011 | 83,258 |
| 2012 | 83,242 |
| 2013 | 83,576 |
| 2014 | 83,457 |
| 2015 | 83,496 |
| 2016 | 83,454 |
| 2017 | 83,099 |
| 2018 | 82,796 |
| 2019 | 82,472 |
| 2020 | 85,511 |
| 2021 | 85,613 |
| 2022 | 84,851 |
| 2023 | 83,843 |
| 2024 | 83,468 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.9% |
| Black or African American | 3.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.4
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
24.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.3% · Seniors (65+): 24.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $100,859+$14,487 vs state |
| Mean household income | $139,007 |
| Per-capita income | $60,920 |
| Poverty rate | 4.5%-2.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Newport County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.2% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
4.9%
Carpool
72.3%
Public transit
14.0%
Work from home
23.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$559,700+$190,900 vs state
Median home value
$1,652
Median rent
67.4%
Homeownership rate
43,554
Total housing units
83.1%
Occupied
16.9%
Vacant
32.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.9%
With health insurance
96.5%
With broadband internet
52.3%
Foreign-born
8.9%
Veterans (18+)
11.7%
With a disability
90.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.3%
High School+
53.0%
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
Newport County, Rhode Island has a population of 85,095 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest county in Rhode Island. Population density is 831 people per square mile.
The population of Newport County has grown 0.3% since 2010 (83,186 → 83,468), a +0.02% annualized rate.
The median household income in Newport County, Rhode Island is $100,859, with mean (average) household income of $139,007 and per-capita income of $60,920. 4.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Newport County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.9%), Black or African American (3.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Newport County, Rhode Island is 46.4 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Newport County is $559,700 and median monthly rent is $1,652. 67.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 43,554 total housing units, 16.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Newport County, Rhode Island is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Providence is among the largest cities associated with Newport 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.