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Rhode Island Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Rhode Island is a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. It borders Connecticut to the west, Massachusetts to the north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.
Rhode Island is the smallest U.S. state by land area and the 7th least populous state in the country. It covers a total land area of 1,055 square miles (2,707 km²) and has an average population density of about 1,006 people per square mile, making it the 2nd most densely populated state in the U.S. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Rhode Island had a population of 1,097,379 (approximately 1.1 million).
More recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that as of July 1, 2024, Rhode Island’s population was approximately 1,112,308, or about 1.1 million people, reflecting steady but modest growth.
👉 Projected Population of Rhode Island (2026): ~1.12 million
Rhode Island Population Growth (2010–2020)
Rhode Island recorded a population growth rate of 4.3% between 2010 and 2020, adding approximately 44,812 residents during the decade. The median age in the state is about 39.9 years, and the population shows a slight gender imbalance, with 51.5% females and 48.5% males.
Rhode Island Census 2020 Snapshot
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,097,379 (1.10 million) |
| Population Change (2010–2020) | +4.3% |
| Population Rank | 43rd |
| Total Land Area | 1,055 sq mi (2,707 km²) |
| Area Rank | 50th |
| Population Density | 1,006 per sq mi (388 per km²) |
| Capital City | Providence |
| Largest City | Providence |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020)
Rhode Island Historical Population
Rhode Island’s population history reflects steady growth over more than two centuries, shaped by early colonial settlement, industrialization, and urban development. The state experienced rapid growth during the 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by immigration and manufacturing. Growth slowed in the mid-20th century, with periods of stagnation in the 1980s. Rhode Island’s population continued modest growth into the 21st century, reaching 1.10 million in 2020, reflecting steady but moderate demographic expansion.
Rhode Island Historical Population Table (1790–2020)
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1790 | 68,825 | — |
| 1800 | 69,122 | +0.4% |
| 1810 | 76,931 | +11.3% |
| 1820 | 83,059 | +8.0% |
| 1830 | 97,199 | +17.0% |
| 1840 | 108,830 | +12.0% |
| 1850 | 147,545 | +35.6% |
| 1860 | 174,620 | +18.4% |
| 1870 | 217,353 | +24.5% |
| 1880 | 276,531 | +27.2% |
| 1890 | 345,506 | +24.9% |
| 1900 | 428,556 | +24.0% |
| 1910 | 542,610 | +26.6% |
| 1920 | 604,397 | +11.4% |
| 1930 | 687,497 | +13.7% |
| 1940 | 713,346 | +3.8% |
| 1950 | 791,896 | +11.0% |
| 1960 | 859,488 | +8.5% |
| 1970 | 946,725 | +10.1% |
| 1980 | 947,154 | +0.0% |
| 1990 | 1,003,464 | +5.9% |
| 2000 | 1,048,319 | +4.5% |
| 2010 | 1,052,567 | +0.4% |
| 2020 | 1,097,379 | +4.3% |
Rhode Island Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations
Christianity is the majority religion in Rhode Island, followed by approximately 75% of the population. The largest Christian denomination in the state is Catholicism (42%), followed by Protestantism (30%), Jehovah’s Witnesses (2%), Mormonism (1%), and Eastern Orthodoxy (1%).
The religiously unaffiliated population accounts for about 21% of residents. Other non-Christian religions, including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and other smaller faiths, are followed by roughly 4% of the population.
For more details, read: Religion in Rhode Island
Race and Ethnicity in Rhode Island
According to the 2020 Census, White alone (non-Hispanic) residents form the largest racial or ethnic group in Rhode Island, comprising 68.71% of the population. The Hispanic or Latino population is the second-largest group at 16.59%, followed by Black or African American residents (5.05%). Individuals identifying with two or more races make up 4.76%, and the Asian population accounts for 3.50%.
Ancestry in Rhode Island
Based on census studies and population estimates, the five largest ancestry groups in Rhode Island are Irish, Italian, English, French, and Portuguese, reflecting the state’s long history of European immigration.
For more details, read: Race and Ethnicity in Rhode Island
Top cities and counties in Rhode Island
As of 2022, Rhode Island is divided into 5 counties. The two most populous counties are Providence County (637,357) and Kent County (163,760).
The largest city in Rhode Island is Providence, with an estimated population of 190,000. Other major cities include Cranston (82,934) and Warwick (82,823).
Read more about: Cities and Counties in Rhode Island
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rhode Island Population
What is the population of Rhode Island in 2026?
The projected population of Rhode Island in 2026 is approximately 1.12 million, reflecting modest growth over the past decade.
Is Rhode Island’s population growing or declining?
Rhode Island’s population has been growing slowly, with a 4.3% increase between 2010 and 2020.
What is the largest city in Rhode Island by population?
Providence is the largest city in Rhode Island, with about 190,000 residents. Other major cities include Cranston and Warwick.
Which county is the most populous in Rhode Island?
Providence County is the most populous county, with an estimated 637,357 residents.
What is the racial makeup of Rhode Island?
According to the 2020 Census, Rhode Island is predominantly White (non-Hispanic) at 68.71%, followed by Hispanic or Latino (16.59%), Black or African American (5.05%), Two or more races (4.76%), and Asian (3.50%).
What is the most common religion in Rhode Island?
Christianity is the most widely practiced religion, followed by about 75% of the population, with Catholics forming the largest group.
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