Watch Hill, RI
Population 224 · Rhode Island
About Watch Hill, RI
Watch Hill is a small community located in Rhode Island with a population of 224 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.8 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 Watch Hill features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Watch Hill in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 376 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (91 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (11 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Watch Hill shows an unemployment rate of 25.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Watch Hill have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
69.3% of Watch Hill 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, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 7.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Watch Hill Ranks in Rhode Island
Cost of Living in Watch Hill, RI
Compared to national averages, Watch Hill has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Rhode Island, Watch Hill's income is 100% below the state average of $92,962, and home values are 326% above the state median of $469,914.
Why Live in Watch Hill, RI?
Watch Hill offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 69.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Watch Hill’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Watch Hill has a population of 224 with a median age of 51.8 years. Compare Watch Hill with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Rhode Island.
Similar Cities Near Watch Hill
Cities in Rhode Island with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clayville | 184 | $128,264 | $235,600 | Compare |
| Foster Center | 328 | $56,027 | $450,000 | Compare |
| Wyoming | 351 | $0 | $354,500 | Compare |
| Misquamicut | 355 | $105,250 | $790,900 | Compare |
| Hopkinton | 402 | $0 | $247,700 | Compare |
| Weekapaug | 471 | $121,111 | $842,900 | 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 Watch Hill With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Watch Hill
What is the population of Watch Hill, RI?
The population of Watch Hill, RI is 224 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 Watch Hill?
The median household income in Watch Hill, RI is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Watch Hill?
The median home value in Watch Hill, RI is $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Watch Hill?
The median monthly rent in Watch Hill, RI is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Watch Hill?
The unemployment rate in Watch Hill, RI is 25.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Watch Hill, RI a good place to live?
Watch Hill offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 224 and a median age of 51.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Watch Hill, RI?
69.3% of residents in Watch Hill 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 Watch Hill?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Watch Hill, RI: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Watch Hill?
The poverty rate in Watch Hill, RI is 16.5%, 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 Watch Hill, RI?
Watch Hill'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. 7.6% of residents are foreign-born.