Pawtucket, RI
Population 75,280 · Rhode Island
About Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket is a mid-sized city located in Rhode Island with a population of 75,280 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,436 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pawtucket features a median home value of $286,200, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Pawtucket in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,152, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 33,354 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (15,161 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (15,875 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 Pawtucket shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pawtucket have an average one-way commute time of 25.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.5% of Pawtucket 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 1.6% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Black or African American, and 14.8% Asian residents, with 23.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pawtucket Ranks in Rhode Island
Cost of Living in Pawtucket, RI
Compared to national averages, Pawtucket has a median household income of $67,436 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $286,200, which is 17% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,152 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within Rhode Island, Pawtucket's income is 27% below the state average of $92,962, and home values are 39% below the state median of $469,914.
Why Live in Pawtucket, RI?
Pawtucket offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,152/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,436) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Pawtucket provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Pawtucket has a population of 75,280 with a median age of 37.4 years. Compare Pawtucket with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Rhode Island.
Similar Cities Near Pawtucket
Cities in Rhode Island with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston | 82,632 | $87,716 | $348,800 | Compare |
| Warwick | 82,871 | $87,536 | $322,000 | 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 Pawtucket With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pawtucket
What is the population of Pawtucket, RI?
The population of Pawtucket, RI is 75,280 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 Pawtucket?
The median household income in Pawtucket, RI is $67,436 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pawtucket?
The median home value in Pawtucket, RI is $286,200, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Pawtucket?
The median monthly rent in Pawtucket, RI is $1,152, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pawtucket?
The unemployment rate in Pawtucket, RI is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pawtucket, RI a good place to live?
Pawtucket offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 75,280 and a median age of 37.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pawtucket, RI?
23.5% of residents in Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pawtucket, RI: median home value is $286,200 (17% above national), median rent is $1,152/month, and median household income is $67,436. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Pawtucket?
The poverty rate in Pawtucket, RI is 13.6%, 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 Pawtucket, RI?
Pawtucket's population is 1.6% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Black or African American, 14.8% Asian, and 12.6% two or more races. 23.9% of residents are foreign-born.