Cranston, RI
Population 82,632 · Rhode Island
About Cranston, RI
Cranston is a mid-sized city located in Rhode Island with a population of 82,632 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $87,716 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cranston features a median home value of $348,800, which is 42% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Cranston in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,332, 15% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 33,733 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (21,936 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (10,660 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cranston shows an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Cranston have an average one-way commute time of 23.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.8% of Cranston residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.7% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.6% Black or African American, and 13.2% Asian residents, with 16.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Cranston Ranks in Rhode Island
Cost of Living in Cranston, RI
Compared to national averages, Cranston has a median household income of $87,716 (17% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $348,800, which is 42% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,332 is 15% above the US average of $1,163. Within Rhode Island, Cranston's income is 6% below the state average of $92,962, and home values are 26% below the state median of $469,914.
Why Live in Cranston, RI?
Cranston offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $87,716, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 35.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.7%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.8 minutes.
Cranston has a population of 82,632 with a median age of 40.1 years. Compare Cranston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Rhode Island.
Similar Cities Near Cranston
Cities in Rhode Island with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warwick | 82,871 | $87,536 | $322,000 | Compare |
| Pawtucket | 75,280 | $67,436 | $286,200 | Compare |
| East Providence | 46,970 | $79,660 | $322,100 | Compare |
| Woonsocket | 43,074 | $58,614 | $268,000 | Compare |
| Newport | 25,029 | $83,562 | $669,500 | Compare |
| Central Falls | 22,481 | $45,921 | $300,500 | Compare |
| Westerly | 18,528 | $82,333 | $400,200 | Compare |
| Valley Falls | 12,370 | $93,653 | $347,900 | 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 Cranston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cranston
What is the population of Cranston, RI?
The population of Cranston, RI is 82,632 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Rhode Island.
What is the median household income in Cranston?
The median household income in Cranston, RI is $87,716 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cranston?
The median home value in Cranston, RI is $348,800, which is 42% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cranston?
The median monthly rent in Cranston, RI is $1,332, which is 15% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cranston?
The unemployment rate in Cranston, RI is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cranston, RI a good place to live?
Cranston offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 82,632 and a median age of 40.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cranston, RI?
35.8% of residents in Cranston 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 Cranston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cranston, RI: median home value is $348,800 (42% above national), median rent is $1,332/month, and median household income is $87,716. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Cranston?
The poverty rate in Cranston, RI is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Cranston, RI?
Cranston's population is 0.7% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.6% Black or African American, 13.2% Asian, and 5.0% two or more races. 16.0% of residents are foreign-born.