Cranston, RI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
83,250
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,206/yr
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
33,834
0.3% year-over-year change

Cranston population

How many people live in Cranston

Cranston is home to 83,250 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Cranston locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
83,250
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
41,788
Female
49.8%
41,462
Value Percent YoY change
Male 41,788 50.2% 1.6%
Female 41,462 49.8% -0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Cranston is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.6% are children under 15, then 10.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.1% of the population, while another 26.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.6%
15 to 24
10.3%
25 to 44
30.1%
45 to 64
26.3%
Over 65
16.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,806 16.6% -2.0%
15 to 24 8,549 10.3% 2.2%
25 to 44 25,034 30.1% 1.1%
45 to 64 21,879 26.3% 2.8%
Over 65 13,982 16.8% -1.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Cranston, 81.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 68.3% of locals are Caucasian, 6.6% are African American and 7% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 7.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 10% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.2%
Non-citizens
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 67,759 81.4% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10,174 12.2% 7.0%
Non-citizens 5,317 6.4% 0.6%
Racial breakdown
White
68.3%
Black or African American
6.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
10%
Other
7.8%
Value Percent
White 56,863 68.3%
Black or African American 5,454 6.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 191 0.2%
Asian 5,854 7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 61 0.1%
Two or more races 8,369 10%
Other 6,458 7.8%

Households in Cranston

A peek inside Cranston households

Cranston has 32,595 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.4% are families, while the remaining 39.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
32,595
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
12,894
Family households
19,701
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,894 39.6% 1.8%
Family households 19,701 60.4% -1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Cranston

The housing landscape of Cranston

Cranston's housing consists of 33,834 units, with 62.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
33,834
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 21,225 62.7%
1 unit, attached 982 2.9%
2 units 3,896 11.5%
3 or 4 units 2,360 7%
5 to 9 units 1,067 3.2%
10 to 19 units 1,073 3.2%
20 to 49 units 1,014 3%
50 or more units 2,148 6.4%
Mobile home 69 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
104
-8.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cranston

In Cranston, the median construction year is 1958. About 29% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 9,829 29% -2.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,463 7.3% -2.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,861 17.3% -1.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,489 13.3% 3.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,600 10.6% 0.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,435 10.2% 3.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,875 5.5% 18.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,426 4.2% -6.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 752 2.2% -0.7%
Built in 2020 or later 104 0.3% -8.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Cranston occupancy rates

Out of the 32,595 occupied housing units in Cranston, 67.6% are owner-occupied, while 32.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
32,595
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,548
Owner occupied
22,047
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,548 32.4% -1.1%
Owner occupied 22,047 67.6% 0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
3.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Cranston housing costs

Housing costs in Cranston come to a median of $1,611 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,375.

Median housing costs per month
$1,611/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Cranston
$1,375/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Cranston

Cranston education at a glance

About 31.4% of the population in Cranston went to high school, while 19.7% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 22.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,149 4.7% 22.2%
High school diploma 21,034 31.4% -1.0%
College diploma 13,151 19.7% -3.7%
Associate degree 6,159 9.2% 5.4%
Bachelor's degree 15,019 22.4% 7.6%
Graduate degree 8,383 12.5% -3.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Cranston

How much people earn in Cranston

The average annual household income in Cranston was $112,100 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $90,206, reflecting a +2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cranston
$112,100/year
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cranston
$90,206/year
2.8% year-over-year change

Cranston income by age

In Cranston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $106,685. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $102,288 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,493, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,419 in earnings. Overall, 89.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,493 1.9%
25 - 44 $106,685 7.4%
45 - 64 $102,288 2.8%
Over 65 $51,419 -6.3%
Above poverty level
71,158
Below poverty level
8,126
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 71,158 89.8% -0.8%
Below poverty level 8,126 10.2% 18.5%

Average renter income in Cranston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cranston, their median household income was $50,280 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$50,280
Rent-to-income ratio
32.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Cranston

Workforce and job types in Cranston

The job market in Cranston is powered by 43,178 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 65.8% are employed by private companies, and 14.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
43,178
3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
35,316
Blue collar
7,862
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 35,316 81.8% 3.6%
Blue collar 7,862 18.2% 2.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
65.8%
Governmental workers
14.1%
Not for profit companies
11.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,637 8.4% 11.8%
Private companies 28,414 65.8% 3.6%
Governmental workers 6,088 14.1% 4.0%
Not for profit companies 5,039 11.7% -3.6%
Unemployment rate
6.1%
8.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cranston stands at 6.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Cranston

How people get around in Cranston

In Cranston, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
2.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 34,827 83% 1.3%
Taxicab 51 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 353 0.8% -15.6%
Railroad 158 0.4% -30.1%
Bicycle 24 0.1% -33.3%
Walk 480 1.1% 12.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Cranston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02905 25,012 9,811 $62,908 $91,804
02910 23,499 9,002 $90,698 $103,587
02920 37,155 14,616 $80,717 $96,559
02921 12,149 4,613 $147,204 $172,942

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FAQs about Cranston demographics 

What is the total population of Cranston?

Cranston has a total population of 83,250 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cranston?

The gender ratio in Cranston is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (41,788 residents)
  • 49.8% females (41,462 residents)

What is the median age in Cranston?

The median age in Cranston is 39.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cranston?

The age distribution in Cranston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.6% (13,806 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.3% (8,549 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.1% (25,034 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.3% (21,879 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.8% (13,982 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cranston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cranston is as follows:
  • White: 68.3% (56,863 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.6% (5,454 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (191 residents)
  • Asian: 7% (5,854 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (61 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10% (8,369 residents)
  • Other: 7.8% (6,458 residents)

What percentage of the population in Cranston are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.4% of the population in Cranston.

How many housing units are there in Cranston?

There are 33,834 housing units in Cranston, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Cranston and what is the average household size?

Cranston has a total of 32,595 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cranston?

Cranston has a median household income of $90,206, representing a +2.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Cranston?

The employment rate is 93.9% in Cranston, with a workforce of 43,178 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.8% (35,316 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.2% (7,862 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (3,637 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.8% (28,414 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.1% (6,088 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.7% (5,039 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025