Greater Providence, North Rhode Island, RI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
213,225
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$105,958/yr
8.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
87,881
0.6% year-over-year change

Greater Providence population

How many people live in Greater Providence

Greater Providence is home to 213,225 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Greater Providence locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
213,225
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
104,118
Female
51.2%
109,107
Value Percent YoY change
Male 104,118 48.8% 1.0%
Female 109,107 51.2% 1.4%
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 Greater Providence is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.5% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.7% of the population, while another 25.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
44
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.5%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
25.4%
Over 65
18.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 37,277 17.5% 3.0%
15 to 24 25,868 12.1% -2.9%
25 to 44 57,019 26.7% 3.2%
45 to 64 54,195 25.4% -3.0%
Over 65 38,866 18.2% 6.0%
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 Greater Providence, 82.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 69.2% of locals are Caucasian, 5.5% are African American and 3.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.6%
Non-citizens
7.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 174,998 82.1% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 22,635 10.6% 9.9%
Non-citizens 15,592 7.3% 9.1%
Racial breakdown
White
69.2%
Black or African American
5.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
3.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13%
Other
8%
Value Percent
White 147,486 69.2%
Black or African American 11,765 5.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,167 0.6%
Asian 7,755 3.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 69 0%
Two or more races 27,812 13%
Other 17,172 8%

Households in Greater Providence

A peek inside Greater Providence households

Greater Providence has 82,915 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 64.5% are families, while the remaining 35.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
82,915
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
29,425
Family households
53,490
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 29,425 35.5% 0.8%
Family households 53,490 64.5% 1.8%
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 Greater Providence

The housing landscape of Greater Providence

Greater Providence's housing consists of 87,881 units, with 49% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
87,881
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 43,079 49%
1 unit, attached 4,548 5.2%
2 units 8,561 9.7%
3 or 4 units 12,805 14.6%
5 to 9 units 6,554 7.5%
10 to 19 units 3,433 3.9%
20 to 49 units 2,489 2.8%
50 or more units 6,058 6.9%
Mobile home 341 0.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 13 0%
Homes built since 2020
502
50.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Greater Providence

In Greater Providence, the median construction year is 1970. About 27.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 23,971 27.3% 2.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,804 5.5% -6.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 9,561 10.9% -4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 10,458 11.9% 1.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 11,268 12.8% 5.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 11,884 13.5% 0.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,707 6.5% -8.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,332 6.1% -4.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,393 5% 19.0%
Built in 2020 or later 502 0.6% 50.8%
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.

Greater Providence occupancy rates

Out of the 82,915 occupied housing units in Greater Providence, 60.7% are owner-occupied, while 39.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
82,915
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
32,583
Owner occupied
50,332
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 32,583 39.3% 1.6%
Owner occupied 50,332 60.7% 1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
5.7%
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.

Greater Providence housing costs

Housing costs in Greater Providence come to a median of $1,515 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,270.

Median housing costs per month
$1,515/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 Greater Providence
$1,270/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 Greater Providence

Greater Providence education at a glance

About 36.6% of the population in Greater Providence went to high school, while 20.2% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 20.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 9,504 5.7% 3.2%
High school diploma 61,222 36.6% 0.9%
College diploma 33,817 20.2% -0.9%
Associate degree 12,764 7.6% -2.8%
Bachelor's degree 33,702 20.1% 3.2%
Graduate degree 16,479 9.8% 3.8%
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 Greater Providence

How much people earn in Greater Providence

The average annual household income in Greater Providence was $126,553 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $105,958, reflecting a +8.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Greater Providence
$126,553/year
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Greater Providence
$105,958/year
8.3% year-over-year change

Greater Providence income by age

In Greater Providence, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $122,697. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $119,749 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $56,910, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $63,421 in earnings. Overall, 88.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $56,910 -8.8%
25 - 44 $122,697 2.0%
45 - 64 $119,749 -0.8%
Over 65 $63,421 6.6%
Above poverty level
180,583
Below poverty level
23,648
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 180,583 88.4% 0.9%
Below poverty level 23,648 11.6% 3.0%

Employment in Greater Providence

Workforce and job types in Greater Providence

77.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.4% run their own businesses, 68.9% are employed by private companies, and 12.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
82,110
Blue collar
23,829
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 82,110 77.5% 0.4%
Blue collar 23,829 22.5% 2.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.4%
Private companies
68.9%
Governmental workers
12.9%
Not for profit companies
10.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,794 7.4% 4.2%
Private companies 73,005 68.9% 0.5%
Governmental workers 13,654 12.9% -0.1%
Not for profit companies 11,486 10.8% 2.9%

Transportation in Greater Providence

How people get around in Greater Providence

In Greater Providence, the average commute time is 133 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 95.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
133 min
10.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 83,205 95.1% -2.6%
Taxicab 239 0.3% 27.8%
Bus or trolleybus 1,461 1.7% 33.2%
Railroad 462 0.5% 26.9%
Motorcycle 63 0.1% 21.1%
Bicycle 135 0.2% 3.0%
Walk 1,903 2.2% 3.4%
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 Greater Providence by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02814 7,587 2,980 $110,764 $113,830
02826 831 391 $78,843 $117,249
02828 7,023 2,994 $97,196 $120,842
02830 6,637 2,630 $121,111 $119,682
02838 3,740 1,310 $97,273 $150,079
02839 1,525 603 $97,292 $143,258
02858 738 208 $128,568 $118,970
02859 7,018 2,301 $124,592 $136,262
02863 22,701 7,683 $49,285 $59,182
02802 677 378 $116,159 $108,290

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FAQs about Greater Providence demographics 

What is the total population of Greater Providence?

Greater Providence has a total population of 213,225 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 +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Greater Providence?

The gender ratio in Greater Providence is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (104,118 residents)
  • 51.2% females (109,107 residents)

What is the median age in Greater Providence?

The median age in Greater Providence is 44.

What is the age distribution of the population in Greater Providence?

The age distribution in Greater Providence is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.5% (37,277 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (25,868 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (57,019 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.4% (54,195 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.2% (38,866 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Greater Providence?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Greater Providence is as follows:
  • White: 69.2% (147,486 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.5% (11,765 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (1,167 residents)
  • Asian: 3.6% (7,755 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (69 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13% (27,812 residents)
  • Other: 8% (17,172 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.1% of the population in Greater Providence.

How many housing units are there in Greater Providence?

There are 87,881 housing units in Greater Providence, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Greater Providence has a total of 82,915 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Greater Providence?

Greater Providence has a median household income of $105,958, representing a +8.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Greater Providence?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.5% (82,110 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.5% (23,829 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.4% (7,794 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.9% (73,005 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.9% (13,654 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.8% (11,486 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