Rhode Island Counties. List Alphabetically (and by Population)

How many counties are there in Rhode Island? As of 2024, there are a total of 5 counties in the state of Rhode Island. Among them, Newport County is the oldest one (established in 1703) while Kent County is the youngest (established in 1750).  With population of 626,667, Providence County is the most populated. The biggest county by land area is Providence County (1,059 km²) and the smallest is Bristol County (62 km²).

Largest Counties in Rhode Island

1. Providence County

County Overview

  • County Seat: Providence
  • Area: 436 square miles
  • Population: 660,741 (2020 Census)
  • Area Codes: 401
  • Latitude: 41.8236° N
  • Longitude: 71.4222° W

Location and History

Providence County is located in the northern part of Rhode Island and is the largest county in the state by both area and population. Established in 1703, the county is named after the city of Providence, which itself was founded by Roger Williams in 1636 as a haven for religious freedom. The county has played a significant role in the history of the United States, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, when Providence became a major center for manufacturing and trade. The county’s rich history is reflected in its well-preserved colonial architecture, historical landmarks, and cultural institutions.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Interstate 95 and Interstate 295 are the major highways that run through Providence County, providing critical connections to Boston, New York, and other parts of New England. Major landmarks include Brown University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States, and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), which is renowned for its art and design programs. The county is also home to the Roger Williams Park, which includes a zoo, museum, and beautiful gardens. Additionally, the historic WaterFire event in downtown Providence, where bonfires are lit on the rivers, is a popular cultural attraction that draws visitors from around the region.

2. Kent County

County Overview

  • County Seat: East Greenwich
  • Area: 188 square miles
  • Population: 170,363 (2020 Census)
  • Area Codes: 401
  • Latitude: 41.6634° N
  • Longitude: 71.4904° W

Location and History

Kent County is located in the central part of Rhode Island, bordered by Providence County to the north and Washington County to the south. The county was established in 1750 and named after Kent, England. East Greenwich, the county seat, is a historic town that dates back to 1677 and is known for its charming Main Street, lined with colonial-era buildings and shops. Kent County has a rich history tied to agriculture, shipbuilding, and later, textile manufacturing, which played a key role in the economic development of the region. Today, the county is a mix of suburban communities, rural areas, and small towns with a strong sense of local heritage.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Interstate 95 is the major highway that runs through Kent County, providing easy access to Providence, Boston, and other parts of New England. Major landmarks include Goddard Memorial State Park, one of the most popular recreational areas in the state, offering golf, horseback riding, and picnicking along the shores of Greenwich Bay. The county is also home to the Warwick Mall, a major shopping destination for the region. Additionally, the historic New England Wireless and Steam Museum in East Greenwich preserves the history of steam power and early wireless communication, offering a unique glimpse into the technological advancements of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

3. Washington County

County Overview

  • County Seat: South Kingstown
  • Area: 333 square miles
  • Population: 129,839 (2020 Census)
  • Area Codes: 401
  • Latitude: 41.4562° N
  • Longitude: 71.4990° W

Location and History

Washington County, often referred to as South County, is located in the southern part of Rhode Island, along the Atlantic coast. The county was established in 1729 and named after George Washington. South Kingstown, the county seat, is known for its beautiful coastal landscapes, historic villages, and the University of Rhode Island, the state’s flagship public university. Washington County’s history is closely tied to its coastal location, with fishing, shipbuilding, and agriculture being the primary economic activities in the 18th and 19th centuries. The county has since developed into a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, outdoor recreation, and quaint New England charm.

Major Highways and Landmarks

U.S. Route 1 is the major highway that runs through Washington County, providing access to the region’s coastal communities and scenic beaches. Major landmarks include the historic Point Judith Lighthouse, which has guided ships along the Rhode Island coast since 1816, and Narragansett Town Beach, a popular destination for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The county is also home to the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, located on Block Island, which offers stunning natural landscapes and a haven for migratory birds. Additionally, the University of Rhode Island’s main campus in Kingston is a key educational institution and a hub of cultural activities in the county.

4. Newport County

County Overview

  • County Seat: Newport
  • Area: 314 square miles
  • Population: 85,643 (2020 Census)
  • Area Codes: 401
  • Latitude: 41.4901° N
  • Longitude: 71.3128° W

Location and History

Newport County is located in the southeastern part of Rhode Island, primarily on Aquidneck Island. The county was established in 1703 and named after the city of Newport, which is one of the oldest cities in the United States, founded in 1639. Newport, the county seat, is world-famous for its Gilded Age mansions, sailing culture, and as a summer resort for the wealthy elite in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The county’s history is rich with colonial heritage, maritime trade, and significant contributions to the arts and architecture. Newport County remains a vibrant cultural destination, attracting visitors from around the world.

Major Highways and Landmarks

U.S. Route 1A and State Route 138 are the major highways that run through Newport County, providing connections to the rest of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Major landmarks include the Newport Mansions, a collection of historic Gilded Age estates such as The Breakers and Marble House, which are open to the public for tours. The county is also home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, located in Newport, which honors the greatest players in the history of the sport. Additionally, Fort Adams State Park offers stunning views of Narragansett Bay and hosts the annual Newport Jazz Festival, one of the most prestigious music festivals in the country.

5. Bristol County

County Overview

  • County Seat: Bristol
  • Area: 25 square miles
  • Population: 50,793 (2020 Census)
  • Area Codes: 401
  • Latitude: 41.6770° N
  • Longitude: 71.2662° W

Location and History

Bristol County is located in the eastern part of Rhode Island, bordered by Narragansett Bay to the west and Massachusetts to the north and east. The county was established in 1747 and named after the town of Bristol, which is also the county seat. Bristol is known for its deep maritime history, beautiful waterfront, and as the site of America’s oldest continuous Independence Day celebration, which dates back to 1785. The county’s history is closely tied to shipbuilding, maritime trade, and later, the manufacturing industry, which drove its economy in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Bristol County is known for its small-town charm, historic sites, and vibrant community events.

Major Highways and Landmarks

State Route 114 and State Route 136 are the major highways that run through Bristol County, providing access to Providence and the East Bay region. Major landmarks include Colt State Park, a sprawling waterfront park in Bristol that offers stunning views of Narragansett Bay, picnic areas, and walking trails. The county is also home to the Herreshoff Marine Museum, which celebrates the town’s rich maritime heritage and the legacy of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, known for building America’s Cup-winning yachts. Additionally, Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol is a historic estate with beautifully preserved gardens, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Gilded Age.

List of All Counties in Rhode Island Alphabetically

Below please see all Rhode Island counties which are listed in alphabetical order.

  1. Bristol County, RI
  2. Kent County, RI
  3. Newport County, RI
  4. Providence County, RI
  5. Washington County, RI

Map of Rhode Island Counties

Map of Rhode Island Counties