Charlestown, RI
Population 1,648 · Rhode Island
About Charlestown, RI
Charlestown is a small town located in Rhode Island with a population of 1,648 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $113,281 per year, which is 51% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 63.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Charlestown features a median home value of $545,800, which is 123% above the national median of $244,900. This places Charlestown in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,216, 5% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,758 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (654 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (145 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Charlestown shows an unemployment rate of 9.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 6.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Charlestown have an average one-way commute time of 28.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
56.7% of Charlestown residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Charlestown Ranks in Rhode Island
Cost of Living in Charlestown, RI
Compared to national averages, Charlestown has a median household income of $113,281 (51% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $545,800, which is 123% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,216 is 5% above the US average of $1,163. Within Rhode Island, Charlestown's income is 22% above the state average of $92,962, and home values are 16% above the state median of $469,914.
Why Live in Charlestown, RI?
Charlestown offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $113,281, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 56.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $545,800. However, Charlestown’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Charlestown has a population of 1,648 with a median age of 63.1 years. Compare Charlestown with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Rhode Island.
Similar Cities Near Charlestown
Cities in Rhode Island with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashaway | 1,682 | $101,165 | $305,600 | Compare |
| Harrisville | 1,816 | $66,016 | $348,700 | Compare |
| Chepachet | 1,819 | $95,423 | $285,600 | Compare |
| Melville | 1,840 | $103,393 | $0 | Compare |
| Bradford | 1,437 | $108,295 | $387,100 | Compare |
| Carolina | 1,238 | $123,063 | $366,000 | Compare |
| Hope Valley | 2,147 | $98,481 | $424,100 | Compare |
| Harmony | 1,094 | $108,971 | $380,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Rhode Island
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Charlestown With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Charlestown
What is the population of Charlestown, RI?
The population of Charlestown, RI is 1,648 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Rhode Island.
What is the median household income in Charlestown?
The median household income in Charlestown, RI is $113,281 per year, which is 51% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Charlestown?
The median home value in Charlestown, RI is $545,800, which is 123% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Charlestown?
The median monthly rent in Charlestown, RI is $1,216, which is 5% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Charlestown?
The unemployment rate in Charlestown, RI is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Charlestown, RI a good place to live?
Charlestown offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,648 and a median age of 63.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Charlestown, RI?
56.7% of residents in Charlestown aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Charlestown?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Charlestown, RI: median home value is $545,800 (123% above national), median rent is $1,216/month, and median household income is $113,281. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Charlestown?
The poverty rate in Charlestown, RI is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Charlestown, RI?
Charlestown's population is 0.0% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.