Newport, RI
Population 25,029 · Rhode Island
About Newport, RI
Newport is a mid-sized city located in Rhode Island with a population of 25,029 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,562 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Newport features a median home value of $669,500, which is 173% above the national median of $244,900. This places Newport in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,612, 39% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,527 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (5,291 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (5,384 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 Newport shows an unemployment rate of 9.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Newport have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
55.5% of Newport 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 1.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 5.6% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 7.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Newport Ranks in Rhode Island
Cost of Living in Newport, RI
Compared to national averages, Newport has a median household income of $83,562 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $669,500, which is 173% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,612 is 39% above the US average of $1,163. Within Rhode Island, Newport's income is 10% below the state average of $92,962, and home values are 42% above the state median of $469,914.
Why Live in Newport, RI?
Newport offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,562, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 55.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $669,500. However, Newport’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Newport has a population of 25,029 with a median age of 37.2 years. Compare Newport with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Rhode Island.
Similar Cities Near Newport
Cities in Rhode Island with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Newport East | 11,262 | $86,310 | $479,200 | Compare |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale | 9,812 | $111,200 | $464,400 | Compare |
| Cumberland Hill | 8,638 | $131,006 | $362,700 | Compare |
| Greenville | 8,586 | $94,567 | $390,900 | Compare |
| Tiverton | 8,151 | $91,493 | $357,700 | 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 Newport With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Newport
What is the population of Newport, RI?
The population of Newport, RI is 25,029 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 Newport?
The median household income in Newport, RI is $83,562 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Newport?
The median home value in Newport, RI is $669,500, which is 173% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Newport?
The median monthly rent in Newport, RI is $1,612, which is 39% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Newport?
The unemployment rate in Newport, RI is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Newport, RI a good place to live?
Newport offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 25,029 and a median age of 37.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Newport, RI?
55.5% of residents in Newport 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 Newport?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Newport, RI: median home value is $669,500 (173% above national), median rent is $1,612/month, and median household income is $83,562. 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 Newport?
The poverty rate in Newport, RI is 15.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Newport, RI?
Newport's population is 1.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 5.6% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 7.1% two or more races. 7.8% of residents are foreign-born.