North Smithfield, Rhode Island Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

by btobers · Published June 28, 2019 · Updated September 12, 2024

North Smithfield, Rhode Island is a small town located in the northern part of the state. The geography consists of rolling hills and lush forests, with a few small lakes and ponds scattered throughout. The climate is generally mild and humid, with temperatures rarely dropping below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and reaching up to 90 degrees or higher in the summer.

History-wise, North Smithfield has a rich history dating back to 1666 when Roger Williams purchased land from the Narragansett Indians. It was incorporated as a town in 1730, and has been an important part of Rhode Island’s economy ever since. Politically, North Smithfield is governed by a Town Council consisting of seven members elected for two-year terms.

Economically, North Smithfield is primarily residential and agricultural in nature. There are several businesses located within the town limits including gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants, automotive shops, and other small businesses. The town also has a vibrant tourism industry with attractions such as historic homes, museums, parks & recreation areas, golf courses, shopping centers and much more.

Schools-wise there are four public schools located within North Smithfield: North Smithfield Elementary School (K-4), North Smithfield Middle School (5-8), North Smithfield High School (9-12) and St. Mary’s Academy (K-12). There are also several private schools located nearby including Sacred Heart Catholic School in Woonsocket and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church & School in Lincoln.

Finally, there are many notable landmarks scattered throughout North Smithfield such as the Slatersville Congregational Church which was built in 1801; Union Village Historic District which includes over 50 buildings built between 1790 – 1840; Rice City Pond which was once used for ice harvesting; and various monuments dedicated to those who served during World War I & II as well as Revolutionary War heroes from Rhode Island who fought at Valley Forge.

Population: 10,618. Estimated population in July 2024: 11,191 (+5.4% change)
Males: 5,042 (47.5%), Females: 5,576 (52.5%)

Providence County

Demographics

Median resident age: 42.0 years
Median household income: $58,602
Median house value: $149,200

Population by Race

Races in North Smithfield:

White Non-Hispanic (98.0%)

Ancestries: French Canadian (26.6%), French (23.6%), Irish (14.8%), Italian (14.8%), English (10.0%), Polish (6.6%).

Elevation: 343 feet

Population by Education

North Smithfield, Rhode Island is a small town located in the northern part of the state. It has a population of approximately 8,000 people according to the 2020 census. The majority of residents are white (85%), with African-Americans making up 4% and Hispanics 5%. The median age is 42, and the median household income is $58,000. Education levels are high compared to other towns in Rhode Island, with 91% of adults having at least a high school diploma or equivalent and 33% having a bachelor’s degree or higher. The town has a strong sense of community and values its history, evidenced by its many historic buildings. There are plenty of recreational opportunities for residents to enjoy including biking trails, parks, and golf courses as well as an aquatic center. North Smithfield also offers many cultural events throughout the year such as art shows and festivals that attract visitors from all over the state. Residents take pride in their town and take part in local organizations such as the North Smithfield Community Association which works to promote community involvement and pride in North Smithfield’s history. The town also has several churches that provide spiritual guidance to its residents who range from Christian denominations to non-denominational faiths.

For population 25 years and over in North Smithfield

High school or higher: 82.2%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 25.9%
Graduate or professional degree: 9.1%
Unemployed: 2.4%
Mean travel time to work: 26.4 minutes

For population 15 years and over in North Smithfield town

Never married: 20.8%
Now married: 63.1%
Separated: 0.7%
Widowed: 8.1%
Divorced: 7.2%

3.0% Foreign born (1.2% Europe, 1.0% North America, 0.5% Latin America, 0.3% Africa).

Population change in the 1990s: +826 (+8.4%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in North Smithfield:

REHAB HOSP OF R I (EDDIE DOWLING HIGHWAY)

Other hospitals/medical centers near North Smithfield:

LANDMARK MEDICAL CENTER INC (about 4 miles; WOONSOCKET, RI)
ST JOSEPH HEALTH SERVICES OF RI (about 12 miles; NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI)
ROGER WILLIAMS HOSPITAL (about 12 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to North Smithfield:

THEODORE FRANCIS GREEN STATE (about 20 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Abbreviation: PVD)
WORCESTER REGIONAL (about 31 miles; WORCESTER, MA; Abbreviation: ORH)
LAURENCE G HANSCOM FLD (about 39 miles; BEDFORD, MA; Abbreviation: BED)

Other public-use airports nearest to North Smithfield:

NORTH CENTRAL STATE (about 6 miles; PAWTUCKET, RI; Abbreviation: SFZ)
HOPEDALE INDUSTRIAL PARK (about 10 miles; HOPEDALE, MA; Abbreviation: 1B6)
DOWNTOWN PROVIDENCE HELISTOP (about 15 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Abbreviation: RI9)

Amtrak station near North Smithfield:

14 miles: PROVIDENCE (100 GASPEE ST.). Services: ticket office, fully wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, snack bar, ATM, paid short-term parking, paid long-term parking, call for car rental service, taxi stand, public transit connection.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to North Smithfield:

BRYANT COLLEGE (about 6 miles; SMITHFIELD, RI; Full-time enrollment: 2,926)
PROVIDENCE COLLEGE (about 12 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Full-time enrollment: 4,456)
RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE (about 12 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Full-time enrollment: 6,208)
JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY (about 14 miles; Providence, RI; Full-time enrollment: 8,218)
RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN (about 14 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Full-time enrollment: 2,086)
BROWN UNIVERSITY (about 15 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Full-time enrollment: 7,460)
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND (about 20 miles; WARWICK, RI; Full-time enrollment: 8,650)

Schools

Public high school in North Smithfield:

NORTH SMITHFIELD HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 552; Location: 412 GREENVILLE ROAD; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in North Smithfield:

NORTH SMITHFIELD ELEMENTARY (Students: 705; Location: 2214 PROVIDENCE PIKE; Grades: PK – 04)
NORTH SMITHFIELD JUNIOR HS (Students: 319; Location: 412 GREENVILLE ROAD; Grades: 07 – 08)

Libraries

Library in North Smithfield:

NORTH SMITHFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $243,330; Location: 20 MAIN STREET; 37,178 books; 1,158 audio materials; 2,332 video materials; 120 serial subscriptions)