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Pawtucket, Rhode Island

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

57
Overall Score

Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is a city with a rich industrial heritage, historically known as a hub for textile manufacturing and innovation. Founded in 1671 at the Blackstone River falls, it played a pivotal role in the American Industrial Revolution, notably with the Slater Mill Historic Site, which housed Samuel Slater's first cotton spinning machines in 1793. This legacy has shaped Pawtucket into a city that balances its historical significance with ongoing efforts towards economic diversification and community development. Today, Pawtucket is a vibrant urban center within Providence County, offering a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive place for residents and businesses alike.

About Rhode Island

Rhode Island, the smallest U.S. state, offers a coastal New England lifestyle with a strong sense of community. Its economy is diverse, with major industries including healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, education, professional and technical services, finance and insurance, and tourism and hospitality. Living in Rhode Island is generally more expensive than the national average, particularly due to higher housing and utility costs, though groceries and healthcare are more in line with national averages. The state experiences a New England climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers, and its small size means beaches and urban amenities are usually a short drive away.

75,893
Population
$66K
Avg Salary
95
Cost Index
56.8
Quality Score
How this 57/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 55 / 100 55.0 30% 16.5
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 95.0 50.0 25% 12.5
Economy & jobs Median household income: $68,310 Income needed to live here: $55,000 Unemployment rate: 3.9% 65.8 20% 13.2
Growth Population growth rate: 1.1% Job growth rate: no usable reading 52.5 15% 7.9
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 68.0 10% 6.8
Overall score 56.8

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=81), last refreshed 28 August 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

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Quality Scores

Business
68
Livability
74
Affordability
65
Growth
70

Cost of Living

Pawtucket's cost of living is generally considered to be slightly below the national average, offering a more affordable alternative to larger metropolitan areas in the region. While housing costs can fluctuate, they remain more accessible compared to nearby Providence. Other expenses such as utilities, food, and transportation are also relatively moderate, contributing to a lower overall cost of living. This affordability makes Pawtucket an appealing option for individuals and families looking to balance their budget without sacrificing access to urban conveniences and cultural attractions.

Average Rent
$1,788/mo
Groceries
$400/mo
Transport
$90/mo
Utilities
$180/mo
Healthcare
$250/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$22.00
Monthly groceries
$400.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

The economy of Pawtucket is diverse, with key sectors including Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade. While manufacturing, particularly in textiles and metals, has historical roots, the city has successfully diversified its industrial base. Pawtucket is home to a variety of businesses, from small establishments to larger companies, contributing to a dynamic job market. The city's strategic location and access to transportation networks further support its economic activity, attracting businesses and providing employment opportunities for its residents.

The average salary in Pawtucket is $66,498 per year. You would need approximately $55,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade Manufacturing Health Care & Social Assistance Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services Other Services - Repair, Personal Care, Laundry, Religious, etc.

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Pawtucket has a Walk Score of 71, indicating that most errands can be accomplished on foot, and it is considered the third most walkable city in Rhode Island. However, the city also shows a degree of car dependency, with 83.2% of residents traveling by personal vehicle. The average commute time is around 26 minutes. Pawtucket is served by RIPTA bus services, and it has access to MBTA commuter rail for connections to Boston, making public transit a viable option for many residents. The city's infrastructure supports both pedestrian and vehicular travel.

26 min
Avg Commute
55.00/10
Transit Score
71.00/10
Walkability
Medium
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Pawtucket is the third most walkable city in Rhode Island, with a Walk Score of 71, making it easy to run errands on foot.
The median household income in Pawtucket was $68,310 in 2024, which is competitive within the region.
Pawtucket's cost of living is generally more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 95.
The city has a rich industrial history and is home to the Slater Mill Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark.
Pawtucket has a growing arts scene and is actively involved in community development programs.
Drawbacks
Pawtucket has a crime rate that is considerably higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 307.6 per 100,000 residents in 2024.
The unemployment rate in Pawtucket was 3.9% as of June 2026, which is higher than the national average of 4.1% in 2024.
Pawtucket's walkability score of 41 indicates a significant car dependency, despite its overall walkability ranking in the state.
While improving, the crime trajectory in Pawtucket is noted as 'improving' based on 5 years of data, suggesting past higher rates.
Pawtucket has a higher poverty rate (13.3%) than the national average (12.5%).

Questions about Pawtucket

What people ask about living in and moving to Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

How are the public schools in Pawtucket rated? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in Pawtucket offer a range of programs from elementary to high school. Performance varies across schools, with some receiving strong community support and others facing challenges. Parents can review state education reports, attend school board meetings, and visit schools to assess classroom environments, extracurricular offerings, and student support services before making a decision.

What are some popular local attractions in Pawtucket? Things to Do 1 answer

Pawtucket offers a mix of cultural and recreational spots. Visitors can enjoy historic sites, art galleries, and local markets that showcase regional crafts. Outdoor enthusiasts have parks with walking trails and waterfront views. Seasonal festivals and community events provide a glimpse into the city’s vibrant local culture. Checking the city’s tourism page or community event calendars will give you up‑to‑date infor...

What is the overall vibe of Pawtucket for new residents? General 1 answer

Pawtucket blends historic charm with modern revitalization. The downtown area features renovated warehouses turned into shops, restaurants, and galleries, creating a lively urban feel. Residential neighborhoods offer a mix of older homes and newer developments, providing options for different lifestyles. Community events, farmers markets, and local festivals foster a sense of belonging, while nearby parks and waterfr...

What is the typical rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Pawtucket? Housing 1 answer

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Pawtucket is $1,788 per month. Prices vary by location and amenities; units closer to downtown or with newer finishes tend to be on the higher end. To find a suitable place, search local listings on real‑estate websites, check community bulletin boards, or contact local property managers who specialize in the area. Budgeting for utilities and parking can add a few hundr...

What kinds of jobs are most common in Pawtucket? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Pawtucket’s economy includes manufacturing, logistics, and service sectors. Many residents work in nearby industrial parks, retail, and healthcare facilities. The tech scene is growing, with startups and regional offices offering software and IT roles. To explore opportunities, check local job boards, attend community networking events, and review postings from businesses that operate in the city’s commercial distric...

What public transportation options are available in Pawtucket? Getting Around 1 answer

Pawtucket is served by a local transit authority that operates bus routes connecting downtown, residential neighborhoods, and nearby cities. Buses run frequently during peak hours and offer discounted passes for students and seniors. For longer commutes, regional rail services connect to major hubs. Riders can plan routes and schedules through the transit authority’s website or mobile app, and many routes include sto...

Where can I find good healthcare services in Pawtucket? Healthcare 1 answer

The city hosts several hospitals and outpatient clinics offering primary care, specialty services, and emergency care. Most facilities provide a range of services from routine check‑ups to urgent treatment. Patients can search the city’s health department website for a list of providers, read patient reviews, and verify insurance acceptance before choosing a practice.

What should I know about moving into Pawtucket? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to Pawtucket, start by researching housing options and cost of living to set a realistic budget. Register your vehicle and update your driver’s license through the state’s motor vehicle office. Explore local utility providers for electricity, water, and internet. Familiarize yourself with neighborhood layouts, public transit routes, and nearby amenities. Joining local online groups can help you connect wi...

How does Pawtucket’s cost of living compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Pawtucket’s cost of living index is 95, meaning expenses are roughly 5% below the national average. Housing, food, and utilities are slightly cheaper, but transportation and healthcare costs are close to national levels. With an average salary of $66,498, residents can comfortably afford the local price range, especially given the average rent of $1,788 per month. Plan your budget by allocating about 30% of income to...

Is Pawtucket a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Pawtucket’s safety score is 55 out of 100, indicating moderate risk levels. Crime rates are higher than the national average in some areas, especially in certain neighborhoods. Residents often take precautions such as securing homes, staying aware of local patrol schedules, and participating in neighborhood watch groups. Checking recent crime statistics on the city’s official website and speaking with local residents...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Pawtucket? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.
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