Kent County
RI · Pop. 170,658 · Urban County
Kent County sits in Rhode Island across 169 square miles, home to 170,658 people at 1009.8 per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, sweet corn, corn. A median home price of $334,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.47% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 193-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.6°F and average winter lows of 23.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 47.2 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Kent County Memorial Hospital is 5.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 98.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 193-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- Broadband reaches 98.8% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Kent County Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 5.7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 47.2 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
- A low poverty rate of 7.4% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.47% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- At 1009.8 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.
At a glance
Kent County, RI is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 31/100
- Median home price
- $334k
- Property tax
- 1.47%
- Growing season
- 193 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 47.2"
- Broadband
- 98.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Kent County Memorial Hospital, 5.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Kent County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Kent County?
- Kent County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 193-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.6°F, and average winter lows of 23.6°F. The established crops are hay, sweet corn, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $334,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.47%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 98.8% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Kent County Memorial Hospital is 5.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Rhode Island Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Rhode Island
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The closest counties to Kent County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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