CountyScore

Newport County

Rhode Island · RI

#1 in Rhode Island
66
County Score

County Report Card

About Newport County, Rhode Island

Newport County leads Rhode Island statewide

Newport County's composite score of 66.0 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 32%, placing it in the top quarter of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects Rhode Island's single highest-scoring county.

Rhode Island's top-ranked county

Newport County's 66.0 score is the highest in Rhode Island, narrowly edging Bristol County at 65.5 and well above the state average of 63.2. This makes it the state's premier location for overall livability.

Exceptional tax efficiency and health outcomes

Newport County stands out with the lowest effective tax rate in the state (0.955%) and a health score of 85.5, the highest in Rhode Island. The combination of light tax burden and excellent preventive care attracts affluent professionals seeking premium quality of life.

Housing costs approach regional extremes

The median home value of $559,700 and median rent of $1,652/month are the highest in the state, making Newport the least affordable county despite strong incomes. The cost score of 49.1 signals that even six-figure earners face meaningful housing constraints.

Perfect for affluent professionals with resources

Newport County is ideal for established, high-income professionals and families who can navigate steep housing costs in exchange for superior tax efficiency and health infrastructure. This is Rhode Island's premium county for those prioritizing quality and prestige over affordability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax75.4Cost49.1SafetyComing SoonHealth85.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome49.2Risk63.6WaterComing Soon
🏛75.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼49.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤85.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡63.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Newport County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Craighead County
Arkansas
66
Median income: $57,615
Putnam County
Georgia
66
Median income: $64,163
Hendricks County
Indiana
66
Median income: $99,988
Boyd County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $60,659
Daviess County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $65,323

Deep Dives

Newport County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Newport County

via TaxByCounty

Newport has the lowest tax rate, but high homes

Newport County's effective tax rate of 0.955% is below the national median of 0.84%, making it a relative bargain for property taxation. However, the median home value here is $559,700—nearly double the national median of $281,900—so total tax bills remain substantial at $5,345 annually.

Rhode Island's most tax-friendly county

Newport County's effective tax rate of 0.955% is the lowest among Rhode Island's five counties, sitting well below the state average of 1.248%. This advantage reflects Newport's wealthy residential base and high property values, which distribute the tax burden across expensive homes.

Newport's rate is half of Kent County's

Newport's 0.955% effective rate is substantially lower than Kent County's 1.468%, Bristol's 1.385%, and Providence's 1.375%, making it the region's most tax-efficient county. Only Washington County approaches Newport's rate at 1.054%, but Newport's significantly higher median home value ($559,700 vs. $469,800) results in higher absolute tax payments.

Newport residents pay $5,345 on median $559,700 home

Despite the lowest effective tax rate in Rhode Island at 0.955%, Newport's median annual property tax is $5,345 due to exceptionally high home values. Homeowners with mortgages average $5,472 in taxes annually, while outright owners typically pay around $5,109.

Even low rates benefit from assessment reviews

Newport's favorable tax rate doesn't guarantee accurate assessments—many homeowners still overpay due to outdated valuations. Requesting a reassessment or filing an appeal based on comparable recent sales could reduce your annual tax burden, even in a relatively low-rate county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Newport County

via CostByCounty

Newport's housing squeeze runs deep

At 19.7%, Newport County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national threshold where housing becomes a financial burden, meaning renters here devote nearly a fifth of gross income to rent alone. The county's median household income of $100,859 is above average, but Newport's rents are the state's highest at $1,652 monthly.

Least affordable county in Rhode Island

Newport County ranks last among Rhode Island counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% compared to the state average of 17.0%. Renters here face a 2.7-point affordability gap—the steepest burden in the state.

Premium costs set Newport apart

Newport's median rent of $1,652 exceeds Kent County's by $388 monthly, while its median home value of $559,700 towers over Washington County's $469,800. The upscale coastal housing market creates affordability pressures despite strong local incomes.

Where Newport income goes

Renters spend $1,652 monthly while homeowners pay $1,899, together consuming roughly 28% of household income—the state's highest burden. The median home value of $559,700 reflects Newport's reputation as New England's priciest county housing market.

Newport's premium comes with a price

If you're relocating to Newport County, expect to allocate nearly a fifth of gross income to rent, the steepest ratio statewide. Budget accordingly, or consider neighboring Kent or Washington counties for equivalent quality of life at lower housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Newport County

via IncomeByCounty

Newport County earns 35% above national median

Newport County's median household income of $100,859 substantially exceeds the national median of $74,755, placing residents $26,104 ahead of the typical US household. This income premium reflects Newport's reputation as an affluent, high-earning community.

Second-highest earners in Rhode Island

Newport County ranks second among Rhode Island's five counties, earning $4,110 more than the state median of $96,749. Per capita income of $60,920 significantly exceeds the state average of $52,579, indicating strong individual earnings across the county.

Newport's wealth attracts national attention

Newport County ($100,859) trails only Bristol ($110,926) but exceeds Washington ($102,478)—though the difference is marginal. However, Newport's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among affluent Rhode Island neighbors, signaling that housing costs strain even high incomes here.

High incomes, high housing costs

Despite strong median household income, Newport's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio approaches the upper comfort zone, driven by the state's highest median home value of $559,700. Residents spend nearly one-fifth of earnings on housing, leaving less flexibility than Bristol or Washington counties.

Navigate high costs with smart planning

Newport's premium incomes and property values demand sophisticated financial strategy, particularly around mortgage structuring and investment diversification. Consult a fee-only financial planner to balance Newport's lifestyle costs with long-term wealth accumulation goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Newport County

via HealthByCounty

Newport leads Rhode Island in health outcomes

Newport County residents live to 82.1 years, significantly surpassing both the U.S. average of 76.4 years and Rhode Island's 79.9-year benchmark. Just 12.1% of Newport residents report poor or fair health, the lowest rate among all five Rhode Island counties, reflecting strong population health.

Rhode Island's healthiest county by longevity

Newport County's 82.1-year life expectancy ranks first in Rhode Island, with a 2.2-year advantage over the state average. The county's 3.8% uninsured rate is notably better than the state's 4.2%, indicating robust health insurance coverage.

Outpaces Providence by nearly four years

Newport's 82.1-year life expectancy beats Providence County by 3.9 years and Kent by 3.9 years, making it Rhode Island's longevity leader. While primary care providers (83 per 100,000) are comparable to other counties, Newport's strong outcomes suggest effective preventive care and healthy living patterns.

High coverage, adequate mental health support

Newport's 3.8% uninsured rate means most residents have access to preventive and routine care. The county offers 409 mental health providers per 100,000, well above state needs, though primary care density at 83 per 100,000 suggests some residents travel for regular checkups.

Keep Newport healthy—maintain coverage.

With the state's best health outcomes, Newport residents should safeguard their gains by staying insured. Visit HealthCare.gov to review coverage and ensure you're protected year-round.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Newport County

via RiskByCounty

Newport: Low Risk, High Exposure Spots

Newport County's composite risk score of 36.42 ranks as Very Low nationally, but coastal concentrations of population create pockets of significant vulnerability. Hurricane (80.23) and flood (61.40) risks remain well above average despite the county's overall favorable rating.

Third-Safest Rhode Island County

Newport's 36.42 score ranks third among Rhode Island counties, well below the state average of 56.59 but nearly double Bristol County's 19.40. This positioning reflects Newport's coastal geography and lower overall exposure compared to Kent and Providence counties.

Safer Than Most, Riskier Than Bristol

Newport (36.42) outperforms Kent (69.43), Washington (64.03), and Providence (93.67) but lags behind Bristol (19.40). Newport's smaller geographic footprint and coastal focus mean risk concentrates more acutely in specific neighborhoods.

Hurricane and Coastal Flood Lead Threats

Hurricane risk (80.23) and flood risk (61.40) dominate Newport's hazard profile, reflecting the county's Atlantic exposure. Earthquake (57.35), tornado (16.98), and wildfire (13.68) pose minimal additional threat to most residents.

Coastal Properties Need Storm Preparedness

Newport's 80.23 hurricane rating demands robust wind coverage and separate flood insurance for any property within one mile of water or in a flood zone. Consider storm shutters, elevated HVAC systems, and updated roof anchoring as cost-effective hardening investments.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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