Moving to Charlestown, Rhode Island

by btobers · Published June 28, 2019 · Updated November 18, 2024

Charlestown, Rhode Island is a small town located in the South County region of the state. It has a population of roughly 6,500 people, and is situated along Narragansett Bay. The geography of Charlestown consists of rolling hills and many small ponds scattered throughout the town. The climate in Charlestown is moderate with hot summers and cold winters.

The history of Charlestown dates back to 1663 when it was first settled by English colonists from Providence Plantations. Since then, the town has grown steadily and now boasts a rich cultural heritage. In terms of politics, Charlestown has been represented by both Democrats and Republicans over the years. Currently, it is represented by Senator Jack Reed who represents Rhode Island in the United States Senate.

The economy in Charlestown is largely dependent on tourism as well as fishing and farming industries. There are many schools in Charlestown including two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, as well as a community college branch campus that offers certificate programs and associate’s degrees in various fields.

In terms of landmarks, there are many points of interest to explore such as Ninigret Park which features hiking trails along with bird-watching areas; East Beach which provides beautiful views over Narragansett Bay; and Quonochontaug Pond which offers fishing opportunities for anglers looking to catch bass or trout during their visit. Additionally, there are several historical sites around town such as Fort Ninigret which was built during King Philip’s War in 1675; Smith’s Castle which was built in 1678; and Casey Farm which dates back to 1725 when William Casey first settled there.

Population: 7,859. Estimated population in July 2024: 8,269 (+5.2% change)
Males: 3,893 (49.5%), Females: 3,966 (50.5%)

Washington County

Demographics

Median resident age: 40.8 years
Median household income: $51,491
Median house value: $152,700

Population by Race

Races in Charlestown:

White Non-Hispanic (95.7%)
American Indian (1.7%)
Hispanic (1.1%)
Two or more races (0.9%)
Other race (0.5%)

Ancestries: Irish (23.6%), English (21.7%), Italian (15.5%), French (12.2%), German (9.7%), French Canadian (5.6%).

Elevation: 19 feet

Population by Education

Charlestown, Rhode Island is a small town located in the southwestern corner of the state. It has a population of just under 5,000 people and covers an area of around 10 square miles. The majority of Charlestown residents are middle class families, with a median household income of around $60,000 per year. The town is home to several businesses and industries, including tourism and hospitality, manufacturing and retail.

In terms of living costs in Charlestown, Rhode Island is relatively affordable compared to other parts of the state. The median home price for a single-family house is about $250,000. Rent prices are also relatively low at around $1,200 per month for a two-bedroom apartment or condo. Other living expenses such as utilities, groceries and transportation costs are also lower than average when compared to other parts of the country. Additionally, there are no income or sales taxes in Rhode Island which helps to keep prices down.

For population 25 years and over in Charlestown

High school or higher: 90.0%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 29.5%
Graduate or professional degree: 11.6%
Unemployed: 2.4%
Mean travel time to work: 27.4 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Charlestown town

Never married: 20.5%
Now married: 64.1%
Separated: 0.8%
Widowed: 6.4%
Divorced: 8.2%

2.2% Foreign born (1.1% Europe, 0.6% Asia, 0.2% North America).

Population change in the 1990s: +1,371 (+21.1%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Charlestown:

SOUTH COUNTY HOSPITAL INC (about 9 miles; WAKEFIELD, RI)
WESTERLY HOSPITAL (about 12 miles; WESTERLY, RI)
NEWPORT HOSPITAL (about 24 miles; NEWPORT, RI)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Charlestown:

GROTON-NEW LONDON (about 28 miles; GROTON NEW LONDON, CT; Abbreviation: GON)
THEODORE FRANCIS GREEN STATE (about 28 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Abbreviation: PVD)
WORCESTER REGIONAL (about 63 miles; WORCESTER, MA; Abbreviation: ORH)

Other public-use airports nearest to Charlestown:

RICHMOND (about 8 miles; WEST KINGSTON, RI; Abbreviation: 08R)
WESTERLY STATE (about 12 miles; WESTERLY, RI; Abbreviation: WST)
BLOCK ISLAND STATE (about 16 miles; BLOCK ISLAND, RI; Abbreviation: BID)

Amtrak stations near Charlestown:

9 miles: KINGSTON (WEST KINGSTON, FAIRGROUNDS RD.). Services: ticket office, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for car rental service, call for taxi service, public transit connection.
14 miles: WESTERLY (14 RAILROAD AVE.). Services: ticket office, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, vending machines, paid short-term parking, call for car rental service, call for taxi service, public transit connection.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Charlestown:

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND (about 11 miles; KINGSTON, RI; Full-time enrollment: 11,759)
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND (about 26 miles; WARWICK, RI; Full-time enrollment: 8,650)
NEW ENGLAND INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (about 26 miles; WARWICK, RI; Full-time enrollment: 2,419)
ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY (about 34 miles; BRISTOL, RI; Full-time enrollment: 3,007)
JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY (about 34 miles; Providence, RI; Full-time enrollment: 8,218)
RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN (about 34 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Full-time enrollment: 2,086)
RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE (about 35 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Full-time enrollment: 6,208)

Public primary/middle school in Charlestown:

CHARLESTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 396; Location: 363 CAROLINA BACK ROAD; Grades: PK – 04)

Libraries

Library in Charlestown:

CROSS’ MILLS PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $229,142; Location: 4417 OLD POST ROAD; 30,380 books; 1,213 audio materials; 2,364 video materials; 171 serial subscriptions)