Thornton, Cranston, RI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,311
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,717/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
530
-0.2% year-over-year change

Thornton population

How many people live in Thornton

Thornton is home to 1,311 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.9% of Thornton locals are male, and 48% are female.

Total population
1,311
2.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.9%
680
Female
48%
630
Value Percent YoY change
Male 680 51.9% 4.9%
Female 630 48% -0.5%
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 Thornton is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.9% are children under 15, then 10.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.4% of the population, while another 25.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
40
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.9%
15 to 24
10.2%
25 to 44
29.4%
45 to 64
25.7%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 222 16.9% 1.8%
15 to 24 134 10.2% 11.7%
25 to 44 385 29.4% 0.0%
45 to 64 337 25.7% 6.0%
Over 65 233 17.8% -2.9%
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 Thornton, 81.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 66.8% of locals are Caucasian, 9.1% are African American and 5.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.1%
Non-citizens
7.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,064 81.2% 1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 145 11.1% 10.7%
Non-citizens 101 7.7% -5.6%
Racial breakdown
White
66.8%
Black or African American
9.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
5.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.9%
Other
8.4%
Value Percent
White 875 66.8%
Black or African American 119 9.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0.2%
Asian 74 5.6%
Two or more races 130 9.9%
Other 110 8.4%

Households in Thornton

A peek inside Thornton households

Thornton has 516 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.6% are families, while the remaining 44.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
516
-0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
228
Family households
287
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 228 44.2% -1.3%
Family households 287 55.6% 0.3%
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 Thornton

The housing landscape of Thornton

Thornton's housing consists of 530 units, with 57.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
530
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 306 57.8%
1 unit, attached 15 2.8%
2 units 63 11.9%
3 or 4 units 29 5.5%
5 to 9 units 21 4%
10 to 19 units 19 3.6%
20 to 49 units 22 4.2%
50 or more units 54 10.2%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Thornton

In Thornton, the median construction year is 1962. About 17% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 90 17% -9.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 33 6.2% -2.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 127 24% 5.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 100 18.9% -2.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 78 14.7% -3.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 50 9.4% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 25 4.7% 38.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 14 2.6% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 13 2.4% 8.3%
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.

Thornton occupancy rates

Out of the 516 occupied housing units in Thornton, 63.8% are owner-occupied, while 36.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
516
-0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
187
Owner occupied
329
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 187 36.2% -3.6%
Owner occupied 329 63.8% 1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
2.6%
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.

Thornton housing costs

Housing costs in Thornton come to a median of $1,525 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,294.

Median housing costs per month
$1,525/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 Thornton
$1,294/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 Thornton

Thornton education at a glance

About 34.5% of the population in Thornton went to high school, while 20.4% pursued college studies. Another 8.9% earned an associate degree and 19.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 51 4.8% -1.9%
High school diploma 363 34.5% 2.2%
College diploma 214 20.4% -0.9%
Associate degree 94 8.9% 9.3%
Bachelor's degree 207 19.7% 7.2%
Graduate degree 122 11.6% -3.2%
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 Thornton

How much people earn in Thornton

The average annual household income in Thornton was $96,551 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $80,717, reflecting a +1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Thornton
$96,551/year
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Thornton
$80,717/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Thornton income by age

In Thornton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $105,880. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $95,148 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $33,406, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,850 in earnings. Overall, 88.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $33,406 29.7%
25 - 44 $105,880 3.8%
45 - 64 $95,148 10.1%
Over 65 $43,850 -9.0%
Above poverty level
1,075
Below poverty level
138
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,075 88.6% -0.4%
Below poverty level 138 11.4% 30.2%

Employment in Thornton

Workforce and job types in Thornton

81.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 68.2% are employed by private companies, and 12.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
490
Blue collar
114
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 490 81.1% 6.3%
Blue collar 114 18.9% 4.6%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
68.2%
Governmental workers
12.8%
Not for profit companies
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 47 7.8% 20.5%
Private companies 412 68.2% 6.2%
Governmental workers 77 12.8% 8.4%
Not for profit companies 68 11.3% -5.6%

Transportation in Thornton

How people get around in Thornton

Commuting methods vary: 96.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 488 96.8% 4.7%
Taxicab 1 0.2% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 6 1.2% -33.3%
Railroad 1 0.2% 0.0%
Bicycle 1 0.2% 0.0%
Walk 7 1.4% 75.0%
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 Thornton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02920 37,155 14,616 $80,717 $96,559

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FAQs about Thornton demographics 

What is the total population of Thornton?

Thornton has a total population of 1,311 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 +2.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Thornton?

The gender ratio in Thornton is as follows:
  • 51.9% males (680 residents)
  • 48% females (630 residents)

What is the median age in Thornton?

The median age in Thornton is 40.

What is the age distribution of the population in Thornton?

The age distribution in Thornton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.9% (222 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.2% (134 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.4% (385 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.7% (337 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (233 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Thornton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Thornton is as follows:
  • White: 66.8% (875 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.1% (119 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 5.6% (74 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.9% (130 residents)
  • Other: 8.4% (110 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.2% of the population in Thornton.

How many housing units are there in Thornton?

There are 530 housing units in Thornton, reflecting a -0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Thornton has a total of 516 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Thornton?

Thornton has a median household income of $80,717, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Thornton?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.1% (490 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.9% (114 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (47 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.2% (412 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.8% (77 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.3% (68 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