Moving to Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is a small city with a population of 24,672 according to the 2019 census. It is located in Newport County, Rhode Island and situated on Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay. It is bordered to the east by Middletown and to the west by Portsmouth. The climate in Newport is mild with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s in winter up to the mid-80s in summer.

Newport has a rich history going back to its founding by settlers from England in 1639. Since then it has been an important port for the U.S Navy and was also home to many prominent families during the Gilded Age such as the Astors, Vanderbilts, and Morgans who constructed lavish mansions that still stand today.

Politically, Newport leans Democratic but there are also significant Republican voters in some areas of the city. The economy of Newport is largely based on tourism due to its well-preserved historic architecture and beautiful beaches along Narragansett Bay that attract visitors from all over the world.

The city of Newport has several schools including Rogers High School, Thompson Middle School, Pell Elementary School, and St George’s School which is an elite private college preparatory school founded in 1896.

Some of Newport’s most notable landmarks include The Breakers Mansion which was built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II in 1895; Fort Adams which served as an active military installation for more than 200 years; Touro Synagogue which was built by Jewish settlers in 1763; Trinity Church which dates back to 1726; and St Mary’s Church built between 1848-1854.

Population: 26,475. Estimated population in July 2024: 25,340 (-4.3% change)
Males: 12,751 (48.2%), Females: 13,724 (51.8%)

Newport County

Demographics

Median resident age: 34.9 years
Median household income: $40,669
Median house value: $161,700

Population by Race

Races in Newport:

  • White Non-Hispanic (81.7%)
  • Black (7.8%)
  • Hispanic (5.5%)
  • Two or more races (3.4%)
  • Other race (2.4%)
  • American Indian (1.8%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: Irish (27.8%), English (12.9%), Italian (11.4%), German (10.7%), Portuguese (7.3%), United States (5.1%).

Elevation: 96 feet

Land area: 7.9 square miles

Population by Education

Newport, Rhode Island is a small city with a population of around 24,000 people. It is located on the eastern coast of the United States and is known for its historic charm and beauty. The cost of living in Newport is higher than the national average due to its high property values and taxes. The median home price in Newport is around $450,000 while the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,600 per month. This can be quite expensive for those on a limited budget or those who have recently moved to the area. However, there are many amenities that make up for this such as excellent public schools, access to quality healthcare, and diverse cultural attractions. For those looking to save money, there are also great opportunities to find affordable housing options in nearby towns such as Middletown or Portsmouth. Additionally, there are plenty of recreational activities available in Newport such as sailing, cycling, and swimming at one of its many beaches which makes it an attractive destination for tourists throughout the year.

For population 25 years and over in Newport

  • High school or higher: 87.0%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 41.5%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 15.1%
  • Unemployed: 7.6%
  • Mean travel time to work: 17.7 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Newport city

  • Never married: 37.1%
  • Now married: 40.5%
  • Separated: 2.7%
  • Widowed: 7.3%
  • Divorced: 12.5%

5.6% Foreign born (2.5% Europe, 1.1% Latin America, 1.0% Asia).

Population change in the 1990s: -2,072 (-7.3%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Newport:

  • NEWPORT HOSPITAL (FREINDSHIP ST)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Newport:

  • SOUTH COUNTY HOSPITAL INC (about 16 miles; WAKEFIELD, RI)
  • KENT COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 18 miles; WARWICK, RI)
  • EMMA PENDLETON BRADLEY HOSPITAL (about 20 miles; RIVERSIDE, RI)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Newport:

  • THEODORE FRANCIS GREEN STATE (about 18 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Abbreviation: PVD)
  • MARTHAS VINEYARD (about 50 miles; VINEYARD HAVEN, MA; Abbreviation: MVY)
  • GROTON-NEW LONDON (about 52 miles; GROTON NEW LONDON, CT; Abbreviation: GON)

Other public-use airports nearest to Newport:

  • NEWPORT STATE (about 4 miles; NEWPORT, RI; Abbreviation: UUU)
  • QUONSET STATE (about 9 miles; NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI; Abbreviation: OQU)
  • RICHMOND (about 22 miles; WEST KINGSTON, RI; Abbreviation: 08R)

Amtrak station near Newport:

  • 18 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.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/Universities in Newport:

  • SALVE REGINA UNIVERSITY (Full-time enrollment: 1,935; Location: 100 OCHRE PT AVE; Private, not-for-profit; Website: www.salve.edu; Offers Doctor’s degree)
  • THE INTERNATIONAL YACHT RESTORATION SCHOOL (Location: 449 THAMES ST; Private, not-for-profit; Website: www.iyrs.org)
  • BOSTON BARTENDERS SCHOOL OF AMERICA (Location: PO BOX 1344; Private, for-profit)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Newport:

  • ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY (about 14 miles; BRISTOL, RI; Full-time enrollment: 3,007)
  • UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND (about 15 miles; KINGSTON, RI; Full-time enrollment: 11,759)
  • COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND (about 18 miles; WARWICK, RI; Full-time enrollment: 8,650)
  • NEW ENGLAND INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (about 18 miles; WARWICK, RI; Full-time enrollment: 2,419)
  • BRISTOL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 20 miles; FALL RIVER, MA; Full-time enrollment: 3,497)
  • JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY (about 24 miles; Providence, RI; Full-time enrollment: 8,218)
  • RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN (about 24 miles; PROVIDENCE, RI; Full-time enrollment: 2,086)

Schools

Public high schools in Newport:

  • ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 792; Location: WICKHAM ROAD; Grades: 09 – 12)
  • NEWPORT AREA CAREER & TECH CTR (Location: 15 WICKHAM ROAD; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Newport:

  • FRANK E. THOMPSON MIDDLE (Students: 609; Location: BROADWAY; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • SULLIVAN SCHOOL (Students: 288; Location: 35 DEXTER STREET; Grades: PK – 05)
  • CRANSTON – CALVERT (Students: 270; Location: CRANSTON AVENUE; Grades: KG – 05)
  • SHEFFIELD SCHOOL (Students: 218; Location: BROADWAY; Grades: KG – 05)
  • COGGESHALL SCHOOL (Students: 203; Location: VAN ZANDT AVENUE; Grades: KG – 05)
  • CAREY SCHOOL (Students: 196; Location: NARRAGANSETT AVENUE; Grades: KG – 05)
  • UNDERWOOD SCHOOL (Students: 192; Location: HARRISON AVENUE; Grades: KG – 05)

Private primary/middle schools in Newport:

  • ST MICHAELS COUNTRY DAY SCH (Students: 228; Location: 180 RHODE ISLAND AVE; Grades: PK – 8)
  • ST JOSEPH OF CLUNY ELEM SCHOOL (Students: 225; Location: BRENTON ROAD; Grades: KG – 8)
  • GARRETTSON (Students: 46; Location: 299 SPRING ST; Grades: PK – KG)

Libraries

Library in Newport:

  • NEWPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $1,302,763; Location: 300 SPRING STREET; 124,402 books; 4,543 audio materials; 3,982 video materials; 255 serial subscriptions)