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Smithfield, Rhode Island

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

65
Overall Score

Smithfield is a historic town located in Providence County, Rhode Island, originally incorporated in 1730/31. Known for its blend of suburban convenience, rural charm, and academic presence, the town hosts Bryant University, which anchors much of its modern identity. Residents are drawn to Smithfield for its peaceful neighborhoods, excellent school systems, and preservation of open green spaces while maintaining close proximity to downtown Providence.

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.

22,118
Population
$76K
Avg Salary
108
Cost Index
65.1
Quality Score
How this 65/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 85 / 100 85.0 30% 25.5
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 108.0 33.8 25% 8.4
Economy & jobs Median household income: $105,400 Income needed to live here: $62,000 Unemployment rate: 3.8% 88.8 20% 17.8
Growth Population growth rate: 0.4% Job growth rate: 1.5% 42.5 15% 6.4
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 70.0 10% 7.0
Overall score 65.1

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Tier 3 (deep think) (q=54, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 17 October 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.

Businesses in Smithfield

Featured local businesses in Smithfield.

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Quality Scores

Business
70
Livability
80
Affordability
62
Growth
68

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Smithfield sits slightly above the national average, primarily driven by housing costs and regional New England utility expenses. While everyday goods and groceries align closely with broader state and national trends, the competitive suburban real estate market elevates overall baseline expenses for households. Property taxes and home valuations reflect the desirable school districts and low crime rates that characterize the municipality.

Average Rent
$1,850/mo
Groceries
$420/mo
Transport
$130/mo
Utilities
$210/mo
Healthcare
$240/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$50.00
Cinema ticket
$15.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$25.00
Monthly groceries
$420.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$160.00

Salary Insights

Smithfield's local economy benefits from a diversified base anchored by higher education, healthcare services, manufacturing, and retail trade. Bryant University serves as one of the largest employers in the area, contributing significantly to professional and administrative employment opportunities. Additionally, the town's strategic location along major thoroughfares allows many residents to easily commute to greater Providence and Boston for specialized corporate and tech roles.

The average salary in Smithfield is $76,000 per year. You would need approximately $62,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.00% Manufacturing +0.80% Education +1.60% Healthcare and Social Assistance +2.40% Professional and Technical Services +2.00%

Climate

🌡️
51°F
Avg Temp
☀️
79°F
Summer High
❄️
21°F
Winter Low
🌧️
44.80"
Annual Rain
💧
66.00%
Humidity
🌤️
252
Sunny Days

Transport

Smithfield is a predominantly car-dependent community where the majority of residents rely on personal vehicles for daily commuting and errands. Major routes like Route 44 and I-295 intersect the town, facilitating travel throughout Rhode Island and into nearby Massachusetts. Public transit options are limited primarily to select RIPTA bus routes connecting to Providence, making walkability low outside of specific village centers.

26 min
Avg Commute
32.00/10
Transit Score
35.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Violent and property crime rates remain significantly lower than the national average per FBI and local law enforcement data.
Home to Bryant University, providing strong educational opportunities and an intellectually vibrant community atmosphere.
Conveniently situated near major highways like I-295, offering easy commutes to Providence and Boston.
Abundant access to natural green spaces, including Stump Pond and municipal parks for outdoor recreation.
Consistently well-rated local public school system that attracts families to the area.
Drawbacks
High cost of housing and competitive real estate market limit affordable options for first-time buyers.
High car dependency makes daily errands and commuting difficult without personal vehicle access.
Limited public transportation infrastructure with infrequent bus service outside major corridors.
Property tax rates in Rhode Island can impose a heavy financial burden on homeowners.
Limited local nightlife and entertainment options compared to nearby Providence.

Questions about Smithfield

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

What public transit options are available for commuting from Smithfield? Getting Around 1 answer

Smithfield is served by regional bus routes that connect to Providence and surrounding cities. The local transit authority offers scheduled services during peak hours, and there are also commuter shuttles for nearby employment centers. Check the transit authority’s timetable online or contact their customer service for route maps and fare information.

Where can I find medical care and emergency services in Smithfield? Healthcare 1 answer

Smithfield hosts a community health clinic that provides primary care, along with several urgent‑care centers within a short drive. For specialized services, patients typically travel to larger hospitals in neighboring towns. The state health department’s directory lists all licensed providers and their specialties in the area.

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

When moving to Smithfield, plan for utility setup, local registration, and vehicle registration with the state’s motor vehicle office. It’s helpful to schedule a home inspection before closing on a property. Local moving companies can provide quotes, and the town’s website offers resources on waste disposal, recycling, and community services for new residents.

How does Smithfield compare to nearby towns in terms of living costs? Cost of Living 1 answer

Smithfield’s cost of living is generally moderate, with housing and groceries slightly below the Rhode Island average. The town’s small‑town feel keeps local services affordable, but some specialty goods may be pricier due to limited local supply. For a detailed comparison, check recent state cost‑of‑living reports or local real‑estate listings that break down average rent and purchase prices in the area.

What is the typical home price for a single‑family house in Smithfield? Housing 1 answer

Single‑family homes in Smithfield usually range from mid‑$200,000s to low‑$400,000s, depending on size, age, and lot. Older homes with historic charm tend to be on the lower end, while newer developments or larger lots can push toward the upper range. Browse local real‑estate sites or contact a local broker for current listings and price trends.

What industries are most common for employment in Smithfield? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Smithfield’s economy includes manufacturing, logistics, and light industrial sectors, largely due to its proximity to major highways and rail lines. Additionally, the town supports small businesses and retail services. For specific openings, consult regional job boards or the local chamber of commerce, which often aggregates listings from nearby employers.

Are the public schools in Smithfield well‑rated? Schools & Education 1 answer

Smithfield’s public schools are part of a regional district that generally receives solid ratings for academic performance and student support. The district emphasizes STEM programs and extracurricular activities. Check the state education department’s report cards or the district’s website for recent performance data and school‑specific reviews.

Is Smithfield a safe place for families? Safety 1 answer

Smithfield maintains a lower crime rate than the state average, with most incidents being non‑violent. The community has active neighborhood watch programs and a responsive local police presence. For current statistics, review the state’s public safety reports or local law‑enforcement press releases.

What recreational activities are popular in Smithfield? Things to Do 1 answer

Smithfield offers a mix of outdoor recreation, including hiking trails, parks, and seasonal farmers’ markets. The town hosts annual festivals that celebrate local culture and produce. Community centers often run sports leagues and arts programs. Look up the town’s event calendar or local community bulletin for upcoming activities.

What is the overall vibe of living in Smithfield? General 1 answer

Smithfield offers a quiet, small‑town atmosphere with a strong sense of community. Residents often participate in local events, volunteer groups, and neighborhood gatherings. The town balances historic charm with modern conveniences, making it appealing for families and retirees alike. Visiting the town’s public spaces and speaking with locals can give a clear sense of the everyday lifestyle.

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Smithfield? 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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