Washington County, Rhode Island Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in Rhode Island
The population of Washington County, Rhode Island is 130,073 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in Rhode Island. The median household income is $102,478, the median home value is $469,800, and the median age is 45.3.
The population of Washington County has grown 2.5% since 2010 (127,094 → 130,333), a +0.18% annualized rate.
130,073
Population
+0.18%
Annual growth
395
People / sq mi
$102,478
Median Income
$469,800
Median Home Value
Washington County covers 329 sq mi of land at 395.0 people per square mile.
About Washington County, RI
Educational attainment is the headline number in Washington County: 50.5% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Washington County is a county in Rhode Island with a population of 130,073. It is the #3-largest of all counties in Rhode Island nationally.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $102,478, above the US median of $78,538. Very few residents live in poverty — 4.0%, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $469,800, with typical rent around $1,303.
Washington County is among the best-educated US counties: 50.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 13.2%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Washington County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Washington County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Washington County had a population of 127,094 in 2010 and 130,333 in 2024, a 2.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 130,853 in 2021. Average annual growth rate: 0.18%.
130,333
Population (2024)
127,094
Population (2010)
130,853
Peak (2021)
0.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 127,094 |
| 2011 | 126,552 |
| 2012 | 126,330 |
| 2013 | 126,495 |
| 2014 | 126,433 |
| 2015 | 126,284 |
| 2016 | 126,270 |
| 2017 | 126,486 |
| 2018 | 126,318 |
| 2019 | 125,874 |
| 2020 | 129,769 |
| 2021 | 130,853 |
| 2022 | 130,527 |
| 2023 | 130,239 |
| 2024 | 130,333 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.4% |
| Black or African American | 1.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.3
Median Age
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Male
22.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 12.4% · Seniors (65+): 22.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $102,478+$16,106 vs state |
| Mean household income | $130,358 |
| Per-capita income | $53,226 |
| Poverty rate | 4.0%-3.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Washington County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.6% of workers.
How residents commute
1.0%
Drive alone
2.4%
Carpool
76.7%
Public transit
13.2%
Work from home
26.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$469,800+$101,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,303
Median rent
76.8%
Homeownership rate
66,068
Total housing units
78.8%
Occupied
21.2%
Vacant
23.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.8%
With health insurance
95.3%
With broadband internet
37.3%
Foreign-born
6.1%
Veterans (18+)
10.7%
With a disability
93.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.3%
High School+
50.5%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in Rhode Island
Part of Rhode Island
Metro areas in Rhode Island
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Washington County, Rhode Island has a population of 130,073 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in Rhode Island. Population density is 395 people per square mile.
The population of Washington County has grown 2.5% since 2010 (127,094 → 130,333), a +0.18% annualized rate.
The median household income in Washington County, Rhode Island is $102,478, with mean (average) household income of $130,358 and per-capita income of $53,226. 4.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Washington County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%), Black or African American (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Washington County, Rhode Island is 45.3 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
The median home value in Washington County is $469,800 and median monthly rent is $1,303. 76.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 66,068 total housing units, 21.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Washington County, Rhode Island is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Providence is among the largest cities associated with Washington County, Rhode Island, with a population of 190,214.
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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.