countyscore
47.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.5Health 91.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Kent County, Rhode Island

Kent County Nears the National Median

Kent County holds a composite score of 47.2, which sits just slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it trails the middle mark, it remains a competitive option for regional living.

Stable Living Below State Averages

Kent’s score of 47.2 falls shortly under the Rhode Island state average of 50.1. It provides a middle-ground alternative for those looking to stay within the state while balancing various living factors.

Robust Earning Potential and Healthcare

The county boasts a strong income score of 92.5, with residents earning a median of $91,278 annually. A health score of 91.2 further reinforces the county's ability to provide a high quality of life and medical access.

Environmental Risks and Tax Pressures

A low risk score of 30.6 indicates higher vulnerability to environmental factors compared to other regions. Furthermore, the tax score of 14.4 highlights a relatively heavy tax burden for local households.

A Practical Base for Health-Conscious Workers

Kent County is a strong fit for professionals who value high income and great healthcare over tax savings. It serves families well who want to remain in a well-connected suburban environment.

Score breakdown

Tax14.4Cost8.8Safety46.2Health91.2Schools67.1Income92.5Risk30.6Water86Weather62.4
🏛14.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠8.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼92.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡46.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤91.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡30.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱79.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Bristol County
Rhode Island
58.6
Providence County
Rhode Island
36.7
Newport County
Rhode Island
52.2
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
53.5
Washington County
Rhode Island
55.9
Bristol County
Massachusetts
45
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
41.6
Norfolk County
Massachusetts
51.1

Deep Dives

Kent County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kent County

via TaxByCounty

Kent's tax rate ranks in nation's top tier

Kent County's effective tax rate of 1.468% is among the highest in the United States, far exceeding the national median of 0.84%. The median property tax of $4,903 is 82% above the national median of $2,690, reflecting Rhode Island's steep overall property tax burden.

Highest effective tax rate in Rhode Island

Kent County leads all Rhode Island counties with an effective tax rate of 1.468%, edging out Bristol County's 1.385%. This 0.22 percentage point advantage over the state average of 1.248% results in the highest tax burden relative to property values in the state.

Kent ranks highest among Rhode Island counties

Kent County's 1.468% effective rate significantly exceeds all other counties in the region: Bristol at 1.385%, Providence at 1.375%, Washington at 1.054%, and Newport at 0.955%. Despite having a median home value ($333,900) lower than Bristol and Washington, Kent residents pay comparatively steep property taxes.

Kent homeowners pay $4,903 annually on median home

On Kent County's median home value of $333,900, the effective tax rate of 1.468% produces an estimated annual property tax of $4,903. Mortgage holders average $4,957 in taxes annually, while outright owners typically pay around $4,778.

Check your assessment—it may be too high

With Kent County's high effective tax rate, homeowners have strong incentive to verify their assessments are accurate. Many properties across Rhode Island are overassessed, and filing an appeal to challenge an inflated valuation could significantly reduce your annual tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kent County

via CostByCounty

Kent rents remain reasonable nationwide

Kent County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% sits comfortably below the national stress point, allowing renters to manage housing costs without squeezing other budgets. With a median household income of $91,278—22% above the national median of $74,755—Kent households have meaningful financial flexibility.

Second-most affordable in Rhode Island

Kent County ranks second in Rhode Island for housing affordability with a rent-to-income ratio of 16.6%, just 0.4 points above Bristol County and 0.4 points below the state average. Renters here enjoy better affordability than in three other state counties.

Middle ground for rent and income

Kent's median rent of $1,264 is the lowest in the state, yet its median household income of $91,278 remains solidly middle-of-the-pack among Rhode Island counties. This balance makes Kent an attractive option for renters prioritizing lower monthly payments without sacrificing earning potential.

Kent's housing cost formula

Kent renters pay $1,264 monthly while homeowners face $1,775 in monthly costs, together representing about 27% of household income. The median home value of $333,900 is the state's lowest, reflecting Kent's appeal to budget-conscious buyers.

Value seekers should explore Kent

Kent County delivers Rhode Island's lowest rents without penalizing income earners, making it ideal for anyone seeking maximum housing affordability. Compare Kent's $1,264 rent against Newport's $1,652 to see where your dollar stretches furthest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kent County

via IncomeByCounty

Kent County exceeds national income by 22%

Kent County's median household income of $91,278 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by $16,523, positioning residents in the upper-middle income bracket nationally. This advantage reflects a solid, stable-earning community relative to most US households.

Middle-tier earners in Rhode Island

Kent County ranks third among Rhode Island's five counties, earning $5,471 below the state median of $96,749. Per capita income of $49,243 falls slightly below the state average of $52,579, indicating moderate but not exceptional individual earnings here.

Kent's income trails wealthier neighbors

Kent County ($91,278) earns notably less than Bristol ($110,926), Newport ($100,859), and Washington ($102,478) counties, though it outearns Providence ($78,204). Kent's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio sits between affordable and moderate, typical for middle-income Rhode Island communities.

Affordable housing, moderate rent burden

Kent's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio falls comfortably below the 30% affordability ceiling, meaning most households allocate roughly one-sixth of income to rent. Median home values of $333,900 are the lowest among Rhode Island counties, making homeownership achievable for Kent's median earners.

Start saving early for long-term goals

Kent's moderate incomes and affordable housing create a solid foundation for wealth-building through consistent saving and investing. Open a high-yield savings account or retirement fund today to take advantage of compound growth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kent County

via CrimeByCounty

Kent County Stays Below National Average

Kent County maintains a strong safety score of 98.1 despite being a busy regional hub. Its total crime rate of 1,204.7 per 100K is about half the national average of 2,385.5.

Fourth in Statewide Safety Rankings

The county ranks fourth in Rhode Island for safety, sitting just below the state average score of 98.3. Six agencies report crime data here, managing a rate that is slightly above the state total crime average.

A Middle Ground in the Region

Kent’s crime rate of 1,204.7 per 100K is higher than Washington County to the south but stays much lower than Providence County. It offers a suburban balance compared to its more urban neighbors.

Property Crime Drives Local Figures

Property crime accounts for 1,116 incidents per 100K, making it the primary concern for local law enforcement. Conversely, the violent crime rate is remarkably low at 88.7, far below the national benchmark of 369.8.

Deterring Opportunistic Property Crime

Since property theft is the most common incident, installing motion-sensor lights and security cameras can provide an effective deterrent. These simple steps help protect Kent County's resilient safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kent County

via HealthByCounty

Kent's life expectancy trails national average

Kent County residents live to 78.2 years on average, falling short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 1.8 years but below Rhode Island's 79.9-year state average. Like the nation, 13% of Kent residents report poor or fair health, a sign that chronic conditions affect a meaningful share of the population.

Rhode Island's third-shortest lifespan

Kent County's 78.2-year life expectancy is the third-lowest in Rhode Island, trailing the state average by 1.7 years. The county's 4% uninsured rate sits just below the state average of 4.2%, but access to primary care remains a challenge.

Fewer primary care options than Bristol

Kent residents face a primary care shortage compared to neighboring Bristol County, with just 84 providers per 100,000 versus Bristol's 201. Mental health support is more abundant, with 439 providers per 100,000, yet the gap in physical healthcare access likely contributes to Kent's lower life expectancy.

Primary care scarcity complicates healthcare

Kent's 84 primary care providers per 100,000 people create longer waits and travel times for routine checkups, preventive care, and chronic disease management. An uninsured rate of 4% affects roughly 3,000 residents who may avoid seeking care due to cost, widening health disparities.

Don't skip coverage—use Rhode Island resources.

If you're uninsured or underinsured, visit HealthCare.gov or the Rhode Island Health Insurance Marketplace to find affordable coverage. Preventive care through insurance can catch health problems early, especially important given Kent's limited provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kent County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust System for 19,000 Students

Kent County supports a large-scale education network of 43 public schools managed by five distinct districts. The infrastructure includes 25 elementary schools, six middle schools, and nine high schools, providing comprehensive coverage for 19,057 students. This diverse system accommodates everything from early learning to specialized high school programs.

Strong Investment Yields Competitive Results

With a graduation rate of 88.1%, Kent County outpaces both the state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. The county invests $12,039 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $11,264, though still below the national average. A composite school score of 63.4 reflects a high-performing environment that provides a solid return on taxpayer investment.

Warwick and Coventry Lead the Way

The Warwick district is the regional powerhouse, managing 19 schools for 7,860 students, while Coventry follows with eight schools and 4,215 students. Charter schools maintain a small footprint here, representing only 2.3% of the total school landscape with a single institution. East Greenwich also plays a significant role, educating over 2,500 students across six high-performing schools.

A Diverse Mix of City and Rural Campus Life

Kent County offers a varied educational environment with 19 city-based schools, 17 suburban schools, and seven rural campuses. Schools range from the massive Coventry High School with 1,301 students to smaller community elementary buildings, with an overall average size of 465 students. Families can choose between bustling city high schools or quiet, rural learning centers depending on their preference.

Find the Perfect District for Your Family

With graduation rates above the national average and healthy per-pupil spending, Kent County is an ideal destination for education-focused buyers. Whether you prefer the suburban streets of Warwick or the rural charm of Coventry, the schools here offer consistent quality. Use district performance data to guide your home search in this vibrant Rhode Island region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kent County

via RiskByCounty

Kent: Above-Average Risk Across Hazards

Kent County's composite risk score of 69.43 ranks in the Relatively Low category nationally, but masks elevated exposure to several specific hazards. Flood (80.88), hurricane (82.39), and earthquake (75.29) risks all exceed typical U.S. levels.

Second-Highest Risk in Rhode Island

Kent County scores 69.43, placing it second only to Providence County (93.67) for overall risk in Rhode Island. At 12.84 points above the state average of 56.59, Kent faces notably elevated hazard exposure compared to Bristol and Newport counties.

Higher Risk Than Coastal Peers

Kent's 69.43 score exceeds Newport (36.42) and Bristol (19.40), though it ranks below Providence (93.67) and slightly above Washington (64.03). As the state's interior anchor, Kent experiences higher flood and tornado risk than its coastal neighbors.

Flood and Hurricane Dominate Kent's Profile

Flood (80.88) and hurricane (82.39) are Kent's two major hazards, with earthquake risk (75.29) also elevated. While tornado (39.06) and wildfire (21.12) pose secondary threats, the county's inland-coastal hybrid geography creates compound vulnerability.

Don't Skip Flood Insurance Here

Kent's flood risk of 80.88 demands active flood insurance—federal rates may be more affordable than you expect, especially outside high-hazard zones. Bundle flood coverage with wind and earthquake riders to address Kent's full natural disaster spectrum.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kent County

via WeatherByCounty

Kent County sits near the national median

Kent County’s annual average temperature of 52.1°F is slightly cooler than the national median of 54°F. The region operates within a humid continental climate, featuring the distinct seasonal shifts typical of the American Northeast.

The warmest county in Rhode Island

At 52.1°F, Kent County ranks as the warmest county in the state, exceeding the Rhode Island average of 51.2°F. Its inland location allows it to retain more summer heat than its coastal counterparts.

Warmer and drier than northern neighbors

Kent County maintains a warmer profile than neighboring Providence County, which averages just 50.1°F. It also receives 47.5 inches of annual precipitation, making it slightly drier than the statewide average of 49.1 inches.

Hot summers and moderate snowfall

The county experiences 12 extreme heat days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F. Winters bring an average of 36.6 inches of snow, providing a consistent but manageable winter landscape.

Prepare for summer peaks and winter snow

Residents should invest in reliable cooling systems to handle the state-leading frequency of 90-degree days. Standard winter gear is essential for the three feet of annual snowfall that typically arrives between December and March.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kent County

via SoilByCounty

Kent's Unique Soil Identity

Specific data on taxonomic order and pH levels for Kent County is not currently available in our records. To compare against the national median of 6.5, we recommend a professional soil test to determine your land's specific acidity.

The Missing Texture Data

The balance of sand, silt, and clay for the county is currently unquantified in official sets. Understanding these ratios is the key to managing nutrient retention and physical workability in your garden.

Navigating Soil Fertility Gaps

Data for organic matter and water capacity remains unavailable for Kent County. Focusing on the national benchmark of 2.0% organic matter provides a solid target for those looking to improve their local growing potential.

Tracking Hydrology and Drainage

There is currently no centralized data for the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group in this county. Monitoring how quickly your soil dries after a heavy rain is the most practical way to assess building and farming needs.

Thriving in Zone 6b

Kent County falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, suitable for a wide variety of vegetables and flowers. Grab some seeds and begin your gardening journey in this versatile New England climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kent County

via LawnByCounty

Rhode Island's Easiest Lawns

Kent County leads the state with a lawn difficulty score of 79.3, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 6b, the area offers some of the most forgiving growing conditions in the Northeast. Maintaining a lush green space here requires significantly less intervention than in neighboring Providence County.

Ideal Temperature and Moisture

With 47.5 inches of annual rain, Kent County stays within the ideal 30-50 inch bracket for turf health. The county experiences 12 extreme heat days annually and records 3,090 growing degree days, indicating a robust and active growing season. This heat means you'll be mowing frequently from late spring through early autumn.

Focus on Soil Health

Because county-wide soil pH and drainage data are not currently available, a professional soil test is your best first step. Most Rhode Island lawns benefit from amendments that move the soil toward an ideal pH of 6.0-7.0. Understanding your specific sand and clay composition will help prevent nutrient runoff into local waterways.

Navigating Short Dry Spells

The county only faced one week of drought over the last year, though 100% of the area currently shows as abnormally dry. Since there is 0% severe drought coverage, your lawn likely only needs supplemental watering during the peak of July. Practicing deep, infrequent watering will help your grass roots reach deeper into the soil.

Maximize Your Growing Window

With a final spring frost typically hitting by April 11, the window for seeding opens early in Kent County. You have until October 30 to establish your lawn before the first fall frost arrives. These nearly seven months of active growth make it easy to establish hearty cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kent County's county score?
Kent County, Rhode Island has a composite county score of 47.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Kent County rank among counties in Rhode Island?
Kent County ranks #4 among all counties in Rhode Island on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Kent County, Rhode Island?
The median annual property tax in Kent County is $4,903, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Kent County a tax score of 14.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kent County?
The median household income in Kent County, Rhode Island is $91,278 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kent County earns an income score of 92.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kent County, Rhode Island a good place to live?
Kent County scores 47.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Rhode Island. The best way to evaluate Kent County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Kent County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.