Woonsocket, RI
Population 43,074 · Rhode Island
About Woonsocket, RI
Woonsocket is a mid-sized city located in Rhode Island with a population of 43,074 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,614 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Woonsocket features a median home value of $268,000, which is 9% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Woonsocket in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,116, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 19,436 total housing units, 38% are owner-occupied (6,662 units) and 62% are renter-occupied (10,803 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 Woonsocket shows an unemployment rate of 8.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Woonsocket have an average one-way commute time of 28.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.6% of Woonsocket 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 1.4% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Black or African American, and 9.1% Asian residents, with 15.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Woonsocket Ranks in Rhode Island
Cost of Living in Woonsocket, RI
Compared to national averages, Woonsocket has a median household income of $58,614 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $268,000, which is 9% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,116 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within Rhode Island, Woonsocket's income is 37% below the state average of $92,962, and home values are 43% below the state median of $469,914.
Why Live in Woonsocket, RI?
Woonsocket offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,116/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,614) that falls below the national average. However, Woonsocket’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Woonsocket has a population of 43,074 with a median age of 35.7 years. Compare Woonsocket with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Rhode Island.
Similar Cities Near Woonsocket
Cities in Rhode Island with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Providence | 46,970 | $79,660 | $322,100 | 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 |
| Newport East | 11,262 | $86,310 | $479,200 | Compare |
| Pawtucket | 75,280 | $67,436 | $286,200 | Compare |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale | 9,812 | $111,200 | $464,400 | 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 Woonsocket With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Woonsocket
What is the population of Woonsocket, RI?
The population of Woonsocket, RI is 43,074 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 Woonsocket?
The median household income in Woonsocket, RI is $58,614 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Woonsocket?
The median home value in Woonsocket, RI is $268,000, which is 9% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Woonsocket?
The median monthly rent in Woonsocket, RI is $1,116, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Woonsocket?
The unemployment rate in Woonsocket, RI is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Woonsocket, RI a good place to live?
Woonsocket offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 43,074 and a median age of 35.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Woonsocket, RI?
18.6% of residents in Woonsocket 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 Woonsocket?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Woonsocket, RI: median home value is $268,000 (9% above national), median rent is $1,116/month, and median household income is $58,614. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Woonsocket?
The poverty rate in Woonsocket, RI is 19.7%, 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 Woonsocket, RI?
Woonsocket's population is 1.4% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Black or African American, 9.1% Asian, and 6.0% two or more races. 15.0% of residents are foreign-born.