Cities and Towns in Washington County, Rhode Island
Founded in 1729, Washington County is one of 5 counties in the state of Rhode Island. Historically, Washington County was formed in 1729 as Kings County from part of Providence Plantations County which was renamed Washington County in 1781. The city of South Kingstown is the county seat. With FIPS code of 9, Washington County has a population of 130,592 and area of 329 square miles (852 km²).
List of all cities in Washington County, RI alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Ashaway, RI | 02804 | 401 |
| Block Island, RI | 02807 | 401 |
| Bonnet Shores, RI | 02882 | 401 |
| Bradford, RI | 02808 | 401 |
| Carolina, RI | 02812 | 401 |
| Charlestown, RI | 02813 | 401 |
| 02836 | 401 | |
| Davisville, RI | 02852 | 401 |
| East Matunuck, RI | 02879 | 401 |
| Escoheag, RI | 02822 | 401 |
| Exeter, RI | 02822 | 401 |
| Galilee, RI | 02882 | 401 |
| Green Hill, RI | 02879 | 401 |
| Hope Valley, RI | 02832 | 401 |
| Hopkinton, RI | 02804 | 401 |
| 02808 | 401 | |
| 02832 | 401 | |
| 02833 | 401 | |
| 02873 | 401 | |
| Jerusalem, RI | 02879 | 401 |
| Kenyon, RI | 02836 | 401 |
| Kingston, RI | 02881 | 401 |
| Matunuck, RI | 02879 | 401 |
| Misquamicut, RI | 02891 | 401 |
| Narragansett, RI | 02874 | 401 |
| 02879 | 401 | |
| 02882 | 401 | |
| New Shoreham, RI | 02807 | 401 |
| North Kingstown, RI | 02852 | 401 |
| 02854 | 401 | |
| 02874 | 401 | |
| Peace Dale, RI | 02879 | 401 |
| 02883 | 401 | |
| Point Judith, RI | 02882 | 401 |
| Richmond, RI | 02812 | 401 |
| 02832 | 401 | |
| 02836 | 401 | |
| 02875 | 401 | |
| 02892 | 401 | |
| 02898 | 401 | |
| Rockville, RI | 02873 | 401 |
| Saunderstown, RI | 02874 | 401 |
| Shannock, RI | 02875 | 401 |
| Slocum, RI | 02877 | 401 |
| South Kingstown, RI | 02879 | 401 |
| 02883 | 401 | |
| 02892 | 401 | |
| Wakefield, RI | 02879 | 401 |
| 02880 | 401 | |
| 02881 | 401 | |
| 02883 | 401 | |
| Watch Hill, RI | 02891 | 401 |
| West Kingston, RI | 02892 | 401 |
| Westerly, RI | 02808 | 401 |
| 02891 | 401 | |
| Wickford, RI | 02852 | 401 |
| Wood River Junction, RI | 02894 | 401 |
| Wyoming, RI | 02898 | 401 |
Major Cities and Towns in Washington County, Rhode Island
Westerly
Location and History
Westerly is a coastal town located in the southwestern corner of Washington County, Rhode Island, along the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1669, it quickly became an important settlement in the colonial era, originally known for its maritime activities, including shipbuilding, fishing, and trade. By the 19th century, Westerly was recognized for its significant granite industry, with quarries producing stone used in buildings throughout the Northeast. As the railroad expanded, Westerly grew into a popular summer resort town, attracting tourists with its sandy beaches and seaside charm. Today, Westerly retains its small-town New England feel, with a vibrant downtown area and a strong sense of history. The town’s proximity to the ocean continues to make it a destination for beachgoers, with its beautiful coastline, including Watch Hill, being a highlight.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 26.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 23,000
- Zip Codes: 02891, 02889
- Latitude: 41.3754° N
- Longitude: 71.8000° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Westerly is served by the Westerly School District, which includes Westerly High School, an important center for education in the region. The town is also home to several private and parochial schools. Major landmarks in Westerly include the iconic Watch Hill Lighthouse, which dates back to 1807 and stands as a symbol of the town’s maritime heritage. Other landmarks include the historic Wilcox Park, a 14-acre park in the heart of downtown, and the Babcock-Smith House Museum, which offers insight into the town’s colonial past. Westerly’s beaches, including Misquamicut State Beach, attract thousands of visitors each year, while the downtown area offers a mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural events, contributing to its reputation as both a tourist destination and a welcoming community.
Charlestown
Location and History
Charlestown is located in the southern part of Washington County, Rhode Island, along the Atlantic Ocean. The town was incorporated in 1738 and is one of Rhode Island’s older communities. Charlestown’s history is closely tied to its coastal location, with early settlers engaging in agriculture, fishing, and whaling. In the 19th century, the town’s economy was bolstered by the development of saltworks and mills, while its rural landscape remained largely agricultural. The town’s growth was slower than that of nearby Westerly, but it eventually became a sought-after destination for those seeking peace and quiet away from the urban centers. Today, Charlestown is a popular spot for outdoor recreation, with its parks, forests, and beaches drawing both locals and tourists alike. Its historical character is preserved through its colonial homes and rural landscapes.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 32.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,800
- Zip Codes: 02813
- Latitude: 41.3591° N
- Longitude: 71.7215° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Charlestown is served by the Chariho Regional School District, which includes Chariho High School, as well as several middle and elementary schools. The town is known for its recreational spaces, including the Burlingame State Park, which is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and camping. Another prominent natural area is the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, which offers opportunities for birdwatching and outdoor activities. Charlestown’s pristine beaches, including Blue Shutters Beach and East Beach, are major attractions. The historic Old Narragansett Church, built in the 18th century, is a key landmark, and the town is also home to the Charlestown Historical Society Museum, which provides a glimpse into the town’s history, particularly its maritime and agricultural heritage.
South Kingstown
Location and History
South Kingstown is a town located in the southeastern part of Washington County, Rhode Island. It was incorporated in 1723 and has a long history dating back to the colonial period. South Kingstown’s early economy was based on farming, with settlers growing tobacco, corn, and other crops. The town also became known for its shipbuilding industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the 20th century, South Kingstown’s economy shifted toward tourism, especially with the development of its beaches, including Narragansett and Kingston Beach. Today, South Kingstown is known for its combination of rural and suburban character, with historic villages, a vibrant arts scene, and strong educational institutions. The town is home to the University of Rhode Island (URI), which adds a collegiate atmosphere to the community.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 59.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 31,000
- Zip Codes: 02879, 02881, 02892
- Latitude: 41.4935° N
- Longitude: 71.5724° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
South Kingstown is served by the South Kingstown School District, which includes South Kingstown High School, one of the top-rated high schools in the state. The University of Rhode Island (URI), a major public university, is located in Kingston, a village within South Kingstown. This adds an academic dimension to the town. Major landmarks in South Kingstown include the historic Old Washington County Jail, a building from the 18th century that now serves as a museum. The town is also home to the Kinney Bungalow Historic District, a well-preserved area with early 20th-century beach cottages. South Kingstown’s beaches, particularly Narragansett Town Beach and Kingston Beach, are major attractions for visitors and residents alike, providing opportunities for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The town also offers several parks, including the scenic John H. Chafee Nature Preserve.
Richmond
Location and History
Richmond is located in the central part of Washington County, Rhode Island, and was incorporated in 1747. The town was primarily agricultural throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, with residents engaged in farming and raising livestock. The town’s early economy also benefited from its proximity to local rivers, which supported small mills and manufacturing operations. Richmond remained largely rural well into the 20th century, but its location within easy reach of both the ocean and Providence has made it a growing residential area in recent decades. Richmond’s rural charm has been preserved through its wide-open spaces, historic farms, and preserved natural areas. Despite its proximity to urban centers, Richmond retains a quiet, pastoral character that makes it a desirable place to live.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 26.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 8,000
- Zip Codes: 02898
- Latitude: 41.4992° N
- Longitude: 71.6821° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Richmond is served by the Chariho Regional School District, with students attending Chariho High School. The town has several public parks and natural areas, including the Carolina Management Area, a state-managed wildlife preserve that offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. Richmond is also home to the historic Tomaquag Museum, which highlights the town’s Native American history, as well as its colonial and industrial past. Richmond’s scenic views and rural environment make it a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts, while its proximity to the larger towns of Westerly and South Kingstown provides easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural events. The town also hosts local festivals, such as the annual Richmond Farmers Market, which celebrates the community’s agricultural heritage.
Exeter
Location and History
Exeter is a rural town in Washington County, Rhode Island, located to the northwest of Narragansett Bay. The town was incorporated in 1742 and has a long history as an agricultural community, with farming and cattle ranching being the main industries. Like much of Rhode Island, Exeter also had a small but significant maritime economy, with fishing and shipping activities occurring along the smaller rivers and inlets of the town. In the 20th century, Exeter maintained its rural character, attracting families and businesses seeking a quieter, more suburban lifestyle. The town’s close proximity to Providence and the state’s coastal areas has allowed Exeter to experience suburban growth while preserving its rural charm. Today, Exeter is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, offering residents and visitors access to forests, ponds, and parks.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 22.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,500
- Zip Codes: 02822
- Latitude: 41.6333° N
- Longitude: 71.6333° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Exeter is served by the Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District, with students attending Exeter-West Greenwich High School. The town has several parks, including the Arcadia Management Area, which is one of the largest state-managed parks in Rhode Island, offering hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities. Exeter is also home to the historic Old Exeter Public Library, a charming building that reflects the town’s colonial past. The town hosts a number of community events, such as the annual Exeter Fair, which brings together local families for fun and entertainment. With its peaceful rural atmosphere and proximity to natural areas, Exeter is a popular choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of more urbanized parts of Rhode Island.
