Last Updated on: 1st December 2023, 08:41 am
Woonsocket is a larger Rhode Island city that’s famous for being the corporate headquarters for CVS. Woonsocket has a rich history. First a small farming community, then one of the greatest industrial cities in the US by the 1900s. Native American tribes Nipmuc (Cowesett), Wampanoag, and Narragansett first inhabited the land; the name Woonsocket is derived from the Native American language and means “thunder mist” in English, likely referring to the large waterfall in the city, River Falls. Woonsocket’s first textile mill was built in 1831 by Edward Harris. Woonsocket was established as a town in 1867 and incorporated as a city in 1888.
Living in Woonsocket embodies laid-back suburbia; the community is tight-knit, and the neighborhoods are beautiful. Is Woonsocket a good place to live? Yes, there are several beautiful historic neighborhoods and plenty of things to do! Woonsocket’s motto is “A City on the Move.”
Where Is Woonsocket?
Woonsocket, Rhode Island, is located in Providence County, Rhode Island; it’s 15 miles from Woonsocket, RI, to Providence, RI (the city.) The city borders the Massachusetts-Rhode Island state line, Branch Village, and Cumberland Hill. Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA) provides public bus transportation to Woonsocket. You can find all the necessary information by viewing their Woonsocket transportation guide. Maps and schedules for the entire state are also available on the website. The cost to ride RIPTA varies, but without a pass, it’s $2 per board, and a monthly pass is $70.
Woonsocket RI Population & Demographics
The population of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, is 43,240; there has been a 0.7% population decrease since 2010, but Woonsocket is still the sixth most populous city in Rhode Island. The median household income of $48,822 is well below the US average of $69,021. And 18.7% of its population are in poverty.
Woonsocket has a diverse racial and ethnic makeup
- 66% are White (58.1% non-Hispanic or Latino)
- 23% are Hispanic or Latino
- 13% are two or more races
- 7% Black or African-American
- 6% Asian
- 0.8% American Indian or Native Alaskan
- 0.1% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
Woonsocket has a median age of 35.6 years old and a veteran population of 5.9%. 12.8% of people living in Woonsocket weren’t born in the US (foreign-born), 81.8% have high school diplomas, and 19.6% have bachelor’s degrees or higher.
Additional Woonsocket demographics:
- Number of housing units: 18,967
- Owner-occupied: 38%
- Renter-occupied: 62%
- Marital status: 38% are married, and 62% are unmarried
- Sex ratio: 51 females to 49 males
Notable people from Woonsocket:
- Susan Menard – Woonsocket’s first female and longest-serving mayor
- Rocco Baldelli – Former professional baseball player
- Eddie Dowling – actor, screenwriter, and songwriter
Is Woonsocket RI Safe? | Woonsocket Crime Rate
While FBI crime rate statistics can be useful, they aren’t always the most reliable at determining a city’s overall safety. Some high-crime areas can affect the crime rate statistics for the entire city. Like Woonosocket, some cities have one or two bad neighborhoods, and those neighborhoods give the city a high overall crime rate.
According to the FBI, here are the crime rate statistics for Woonsocket.
- Woonsocket crime rate per 100k people: 2,315
- Rhode Island crime rate per 100k people: 1,476
- US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346
Woonsocket’s crime rate is 56.8% higher than the state and 1.3% lower than the country.
- Woonsocket violent crime rate per 100k people: 501
- Rhode Island violent crime rate per 100k people: 231
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388
- Woonsocket property crime rate per 100k people: 1,813
- Rhode Island crime rate per 100k people: 1,246
- US crime rate per 100k people: 1,958
The property crime in Woonsocket is 45.6% higher than in the state and 7.4% lower than in the country.
Woonsocket is 1.3% safer than most US cities, which is a major pro! The 100 sworn officers of the Woonsocket Police Department are committed to keeping the beloved citizens of Woonsocket safe!
Woonsocket RI Cost of Living
The Cost of Living Index (COLI) in Woonsocket is 109, which is only 9% higher than the average US state. The cost of housing index here is 6% more expensive than the US average, and the cost of utilities index is 25% more expensive. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) suggests a household income of $82,702 to live comfortably in Providence County.
Typical Woonsocket living expenses:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $24.50
- Gallon of milk: $4.50
- Loaf of white bread $2.66
- Pound of white rice: $2.00
- Pound of local cheese: $4.87
- Pound of apples: $3.21
- Average Woonsocket utilities per month: $331 (per Doxo)
Source: Numbeo.
The Woonsocket, RI, real estate market is very competitive; houses for sale in Woonsocket, RI, receive an average of two offers and sell within 21 days. The median Woonsocket home price is $373,000, and the median price per square foot is $196. Due to the market’s competitiveness, 62% of people living in Woonsocket rent. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Woonsocket is $1,298 for a 780-square-foot rental.
Woonsocket Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Woonsocket
Here are a few notable Woonsocket neighborhoods.
Cato Hills Historic District
Cato Hills is a historic Woonsocket neighborhood that was built between 1838 and 1875. It’s densely populated, and for good reason, Cato Hills is located steps from downtown Woonsocket and its many amenities. Ciro’s Tavern and Thai Garden are two notable downtown eateries. This neighborhood boasts traditional architecture that perfectly depicts its history—most homes in Cato Hills are the original structures from the early 1900s.
Privilege Mill District
Positioned near Farm, North Main, and Privilege Streets, Privilege Mill District is another historic neighborhood. Most housing units in Privilege Mill are company-built mill housing. These beautiful homes provide a vintage feel that many fall in love with. Only a handful of the original structures have been restored to a liveable standard, making Privilege Mill District an exclusive area.
Downtown Woonsocket
Downtown Woonsocket provides many options. Whether you’re interested in a modern condominium or a historic home, you’ll find it in Downtown Woonsocket. The city’s downtown area perfectly combines quiet suburbia and lively living.
The housing market in downtown Woonsocket is competitive—there’s only one house for sale right now! And the median sale price is $265,000. The median home price has increased 39.5% since 2022, meaning this is likely an up-and-coming area in Woonsocket!
Woonsocket Weather & Climate
Woonsocket has a Koppen classification of humid continental climate; the summers are warm, and the winters are cold and snowy. The best time to visit Woonsocket is mid-June to mid-September; this way, you can enjoy the warm weather activities before the snowy season starts. If you’re interested in experiencing fall in Woonsocket, temperature will dip, and leaves will change colors in early October.
The temperatures vary from 20 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit; the average low during the cold season is 21 degrees, and the average high during the warm season is 81. July is the hottest month of the year, and the coldest month of the year is July. Woonsocket sees an annual rainfall of 50.7 inches and an annual snowfall of 40.6 inches. There are 206 sunny days a year, and the average UV index is 3.5.
Things to Do in Woonsocket RI
Woonsocket has great shopping options (like Walnut Hill Plaza and Diamond Hill Plaza) alongside many attractions and excursions.
Museum of Work & Culture
The Museum of Work & Culture exhibits where the mill workers lived. There are hands-on activities that are great for children. This is one of the best things to do in Woonsocket!
42 S Main St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, (401) 769-9675
St Ann Arts & Cultural Center
St Ann Arts & Cultural Center is a church in Rhode Island where you can tour its historic, beautiful artwork.
84 Cumberland St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, (401) 356-0713
Cold Spring Park
Cold Springs Park is one of the best parks in Woonsocket, RI! There is a large playground for your children and a number of paved walking areas. The park sits along the Blackstone River.
Woonsocket, RI 02895, (401) 762-6400
Additional Attractions in Woonsocket
The Woonsocket Parks and Recreation Department maintains the Woonsocket parks and handles community events. You can keep track of events the city hosts by viewing its special events calendar, but some events in Woonsocket are hosted by private entities—the popular Autumn Fest is one of them. The Autumn Festival in Woonsocket boasts hundreds of booths and attracts thousands of attendees; it’s the largest fall festival in Northern Rhode Island.
Restaurants in Woonsocket RI | Places to Eat In Woonsocket RI
While Woonsocket isn’t known for a specific type of food, you can expect delicious and unique eateries from varying cultures! From American cuisine to Traditional English eateries, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. Here are the best Woonsocket restaurants!
River Falls
River Falls restaurants are among the most popular eateries in Woonsocket. Their menu consists of American bar items like burgers, seafood, and steaks.
2 S Main St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, (401) 766-3615
Christophers Kitchen and Bar
Christophers is a popular Woonosocket restaurant offering fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and more! Per the reviews, the lamb chops, calamari, and fresh oysters are must-try dishes.
2 S Main St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, (401) 766-3615
Ye Olde English Fish & Chips
Ye Olde English Fish & Chips is a seafood restaurant with delicious dishes like clam chowder, clam cakes, and fish and chips. With over 1,000 positive reviews, Ye Old English Fish & Chips will likely provide great service and delicious food.
25 S Main St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, (401) 762-3637
Jobs in Woonsocket RI
Woonsocket is home to a Fortune 500 company (CVS) and a large medical facility (Landmark Medical Center), and these entities provide ample job opportunities to the people living in Woonsocket. Although Woonsocket has an unemployment rate of 9.3%, the city has a projected job growth of 27.8% by 2033.
Woonsocket’s economy employs 20,100 people, and the city is located near growing communities like Lincoln, Cumberland, and North Smithfield. The main industries are healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The people earning the most money work in public administration ($68,063) and real estate and retail leasing ($48,462.) The average hourly wage in Woonsocket is $22.06, and the average base salary is $81,000.
Popular industries and their average salaries in Woonsocket:
| Title | Average Salary |
| Data Engineer | $100,185 |
| Data Scientist | $88,641 |
| Human Resources (HR) Manager | $68,339 |
The main employers in Woonsocket are CVS, Landmark Medical Center, and Hanna Instruments. But if those companies don’t interest you, you don’t have to stress—there are plenty of other Woonsocket jobs to choose from! Whether you’re looking for a position in the marketing realm or have found your home in the public sector, Woonsocket’s economy can provide. There are even city of Woonsocket jobs hiring right now! You don’t have to stress about job hunting when an economy as strong as Woonsocket is waiting for you.
Woonsocket Schools
The city of Woonsocket is part of the Woonsocket Public Schools District. Ten schools in the district have 5,742 students; 60% are minorities, and 54.1% are economically disadvantaged. Woonsocket’s school system can accommodate your child despite his or her age—there are two preschools, six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school in and near Woonsocket.
The Woonsocket Public Schools District teachers are some of the best; 97.8% are licensed, and 83.8% have three or more years of experience. The district has two full-time counselors! The school district is adamant about ensuring the student and guardian are comfortable and are in an environment in which they can grow. You can find countless resources on their website, like an anti-bullying form and tips for parents!
The city of Woonsocket also boasts a notable public library, the Woonsocket Library (Harris Library.) The library offers many notable resources like ebooks and audiobooks you can check out online. Regardless of your age, there are plenty of schools in Woonsocket, RI, to choose from. Colleges serving Woonsocket are Bryant University and Rhode Island College.
Woonsocket Statistics & Information
- County: Providence County
- Woonsocket area: 7.934 square
- Woonsocket zip code: 02895
- Woonsocket area code: 401
- Woonsocket elevation: 194 feet
- Woonsocket time zone: Eastern Daylight Time (GMT-4)
- Closest airport to Woonsocket: Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is 23.7 miles from Woonsocket
Woonsocket RI Map
Explore more things to do with this map of Woonsocket, RI!
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