Foster Center, RI
Population 328 · Rhode Island
About Foster Center, RI
Foster Center is a small community located in Rhode Island with a population of 328 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,027 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.2 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 Foster Center features a median home value of $450,000, which is 84% above the national median of $244,900. This places Foster Center in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,245, 7% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 145 total housing units, 39% are owner-occupied (56 units) and 61% are renter-occupied (89 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Foster Center shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Foster Center have an average one-way commute time of 49.9 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
17.1% of Foster Center residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Foster Center Ranks in Rhode Island
Cost of Living in Foster Center, RI
Compared to national averages, Foster Center has a median household income of $56,027 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $450,000, which is 84% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,245 is 7% above the US average of $1,163. Within Rhode Island, Foster Center's income is 40% below the state average of $92,962, and home values are 4% below the state median of $469,914.
Why Live in Foster Center, RI?
Foster Center offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%, and a low poverty rate of 6.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,027) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $450,000. However, Foster Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Foster Center has a population of 328 with a median age of 45.2 years. Compare Foster Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Rhode Island.
Similar Cities Near Foster Center
Cities in Rhode Island with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | 351 | $0 | $354,500 | Compare |
| Misquamicut | 355 | $105,250 | $790,900 | Compare |
| Hopkinton | 402 | $0 | $247,700 | Compare |
| Watch Hill | 224 | $0 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Weekapaug | 471 | $121,111 | $842,900 | Compare |
| Clayville | 184 | $128,264 | $235,600 | Compare |
| Quonochontaug | 577 | $106,058 | $880,000 | Compare |
| Greene | 1,009 | $102,000 | $358,200 | 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 Foster Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Foster Center
What is the population of Foster Center, RI?
The population of Foster Center, RI is 328 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Rhode Island.
What is the median household income in Foster Center?
The median household income in Foster Center, RI is $56,027 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Foster Center?
The median home value in Foster Center, RI is $450,000, which is 84% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Foster Center?
The median monthly rent in Foster Center, RI is $1,245, which is 7% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Foster Center?
The unemployment rate in Foster Center, RI is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Foster Center, RI a good place to live?
Foster Center offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 328 and a median age of 45.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Foster Center, RI?
17.1% of residents in Foster Center aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Foster Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Foster Center, RI: median home value is $450,000 (84% above national), median rent is $1,245/month, and median household income is $56,027. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Foster Center?
The poverty rate in Foster Center, 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 Foster Center, RI?
Foster Center's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.9% of residents are foreign-born.