Washington County Public RecordsRhode Island

As of 2022, Washington County, RI has a population of approximately 130,000. The median age is around 45 years. About 51% are female and 49% male. The county is predominantly White (90%), with smaller percentages of Hispanic or Latino (3%), Asian (2%), Black or African American (1%), and individuals of two or more races (4%).

Washington County, RI, had roughly 94,000 residents in 2020, with over 74,000 registered voters. Elections held include federal, state, municipal, and school committee; turnout for the 2020 presidential election topped 80%. Polling locations number over 20 across 9 towns. Key issues include coastal resilience and housing. The county reliably leans Democratic: Joe Biden won 63% of the county vote in 2020. The Board of Canvassers in each town manages polling and ballot administration. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, with about 15% of voters unaffiliated. For more info, visit local Board of Canvassers webpages.

Washington County, RI has 20 public high schools and several private institutions, with a high school graduation rate of 95% (2022). About 46% of residents aged 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public high school rating is 8/10 (GreatSchools). Adult education is supported via the Community College of Rhode Island’s Westerly Campus. School safety is rated above the state average, with minimal incidents reported annually. Schools offer robust AP, STEM, arts, and vocational programs, catering to diverse student interests and preparing graduates for college and careers.

As of 2022, Washington County, Rhode Island, had an employment rate of approximately 61%. The largest employment sectors are education and health services (22%), retail trade (13%), and leisure and hospitality (12%). Most common occupations include management, business, and science roles (35%), followed by sales and office occupations (22%). About 78% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes, and nearly 38% are employed outside the county but within Rhode Island. Remote work has risen, with 14% of residents working from home.

Washington County, RI features a median home value around $480,000 as of 2024, with about 69% homeownership and 31% rentals. Rental prices average $2,100/month. Housing consists of single-family homes, beach cottages, condos, and apartments, spanning coastal neighborhoods like Narragansett, South Kingstown, and Westerly. The local real estate market has experienced a 7% annual price increase. Property taxes average 1.41% of assessed value, varying by town. Popular neighborhoods offer proximity to beaches and vibrant downtowns, attracting both year-round residents and seasonal renters.

Washington County, RI, is known for its relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. According to 2023 data, the violent crime rate is approximately 1.2 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate stands at about 9.0 per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement agencies encourage prompt reporting, contributing to a high clearance rate of around 35% for crimes. Overall, Washington County is considered one of the safer counties in Rhode Island, with crime rates consistently below state and national levels.