Moving to Rhode Island

Rhode Island, otherwise known as ‘The Ocean State’, is a amazing state to work and live. If you are moving or relocating to RI, we have composed a comprehensive list of some important facts and useful tidbits to help make your move an easy transition.

As one of the original 13 colonies, Rhode Island was admitted to the union on February 9, 1778. Since then, RI has grown in to a prosperous place to live. Rich in colonial history, Rhode Island offers many landmarks that will satisfy any history buff.

Geography

Located in the New England Region of the country, Rhode Island is bordered by Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York (water border). With a total land area of over 1,545.05 Square Miles, it comes in as the 0th smallest state.

Population

Currently, the population of RI is 1,056,426 making it the 7th least populated state in the union and the 3rd most densely populated. The state capital, Providence, has a population of 178126. which is the 24th largest capital in the country.

Notable Rhode Islanders

Rhode Island is home to numerous famous and some infamous people such as, Harry Anderson a notable actor is from Newport and George M Cohan a notable actor dramatist is from Providence. Others include people like Eddie Dowling a actor stage producer and Nelson Eddy a baritone actor .

Climate

Rhode Island’s geographic position in the mid-latitudes often places it near the jet stream, particularly in the late fall, winter, and spring. Its characteristic of frequently changing weather results from the regular passing of low pressure storms associated with the jet stream. In addition, Rhode Island’s location on the East Coast of North America exposes it to both the cold winter and warm summer air masses of the continental interior and the moderate and moist air masses of the western Atlantic Ocean. In winter, the contrast between frigid air masses of the continental interior and the relatively warm Atlantic Ocean provides the energy for occasional intense storms known as nor’easters. In Providence, average temperatures in July are around 74°F and in January about 29°F. Statewide annual average precipitation is about 45 inches. The driest year on record was 1965 while the wettest year on record was 1972. Average accumulated snowfall ranges between 20 inches on Block Island and along the southeastern shores of Narragansett Bay to between 40 and 55 inches in the western portion of the state.

Crime Statistics

Safety and security should always be an important consideration when moving to a new state. A state’s crime rate affects more than just the safety of its citizens, it drastically affects property value, economics and the overall quality of life. Based on the last FBI Crime Statistics, Rhode Island’s violent crime rate is 21 per 10k residents which is less than the national average of 37.3. In addition, the state’s property crime rate is 217per 10k residents which is less than the national average of 248.7.

Rhode Island ranks #41 in the US for violent crime and #33 for property crime.

Schools & Education

Whether you are a student, have children, or neither, a state’s educational system is not only important to those attending, it’s vital to the overall quality of life, culture and economics of the state. Based on data from multiple public and private sources, we were able to rank Rhode Island’s educational system.

Overall Grade: C+

Rhode Island spends on average $14601.00 per pupil, which is greater than the national average ($11,900). RI ranks #10 in the US compared to the rest of the country. While RI ranks #10 in spending, the latest graduation rate is 83.20%%.

Another important factor is the percentage of families that enroll their young children (ages 3-4) in an accredited pre-school program. Rhode Island ranks #23 with over 45.60% of children attending a early educational program.

Taxes

The current income tax rate for Rhode Island is 5.99% which ranks 26th favorable amongst other states. If you are purchasing property, you may want to consider the the property tax burden rate. This is the amount you pay in taxes per $1000 earned. RI’s rate is $49.09 which ranks 46th in the US.

Currently, RI sales tax is $18.46 for which it comes in as 14th compared to other states.

Sports

Unfortunately Rhode Island does’nt have any major league teams.

Utility Companies

Before you move to Rhode Island, it’s advised that you know who your utility companies are. We have an extensive list of both public and private utility companies in RI.

Other Resources

For more information about moving to Rhode Island, visit their website at http://www.ri.gov