RANK #50 / 996 · POP 85,442 · RI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.5%
Newport County, Rhode Island, is perhaps best known for the opulent Gilded Age mansions lining Bellevue Avenue in the city of Newport, a testament to its past as a summer retreat for the wealthy. This coastal county, located on Aquidneck Island, sits roughly 30 minutes south of Providence and about 1.5 hours from Boston, offering a blend of historic charm and seaside living. The community embraces its maritime heritage, with sailing a prominent activity in Narragansett Bay. Residents and visitors enjoy outdoor recreation along the scenic Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile path offering ocean views, and at parks like Fort Adams State Park, popular for walking, picnicking, and water sports.
Life in Newport County is characterized by its connection to the water and a strong sense of community, attracting both young professionals and retirees. While the cost of living, particularly housing, is higher than the state average, residents value the quality of life, safety, and access to outdoor activities. The economy is driven by tourism, arts, and maritime industries, with a notable presence of defense-related businesses and educational institutions like Naval Station Newport. The region has seen growth in professional, scientific, and technical services, contributing to a diverse economic landscape. Public schools in towns like Middletown and Portsmouth are highly rated, and Newport itself offers various educational programs.
Above national median (4.7x)
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.2x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Revolution Wind Project
Undisclosed (part of RI's clean energy portfolio)
|
$400M | Operating |
|
ConnectRI Broadband Infrastructure
GoNetspeed and Verizon (with federal funding)
|
$52M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Newport County has a Boom Town Index score of 95/100, ranking #50 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.6% and a median household income of $96,319, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Newport County is $503,700 with median rent at $1,544/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1912, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.6%. Home values changed +4.7% in the past 12 months.