Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Prudence Island, RI
Thinking about moving to Prudence Island, RI? This tranquil island community of around 150 residents offers a peaceful, close-knit lifestyle with median home prices near $420,000 and average rents of $1,200. The crime rate is exceptionally low, and island living means a slower pace, though average commutes can be longer due to ferry service. Enjoy mild coastal weather, access to quality schools in Portsmouth, and a laid-back vibe perfect for those seeking quiet, scenic living by the bay.
Demographics - Prudence Island, RI
Demographics - Prudence Island, RI
Prudence Island is a small, close-knit community with a population of about 150 residents and a notably high median age of 56. The area is predominantly White, with a near-even gender balance and a low percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting a quiet and stable population ideal for peaceful living.
Population:
150
Density:
35 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.0
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Prudence Island, RI?
The cost of living on Prudence Island is higher than the national average, with a median home value around $420,000 and typical rents at $1,200 per month. Residents can expect moderate utility and insurance costs, along with state taxes ranging from 3.75% to 5.99%, making budgeting an important consideration for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$420,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,750
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
3.75%
|
High:
5.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
120.5
Grocery:
115.0
Housing:
125.0
Utilities:
117.0
Transportation:
110.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Prudence Island, RI a safe place to live?
Prudence Island boasts an exceptionally low crime rate, with just 45 violent crimes and 275 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The likelihood of experiencing crime here is minimal, offering residents a strong sense of safety and security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
45
Property Crimes Per 100k:
275
Crime Index:
320
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,222
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 364
Weather
What is the weather like in Prudence Island, RI year-round?
The island experiences mild coastal weather, with summer highs reaching 80°F and winter lows around 25°F. With 56% sunny days and nearly 48 inches of annual rainfall, the climate supports a relaxed, outdoor-friendly lifestyle year-round.

Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Most households on Prudence Island enjoy a median income of $72,500 and a poverty rate of 8.5%. Nearly all residents commute by car, with an average commute of 45 minutes, reflecting the island’s remote character and reliance on mainland connections.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$72,500
Family Income:
$82,000
Per Capita Income:
$39,000
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
8.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
45.0 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
38.0%
Education
How are the schools in Prudence Island, RI?
Families on Prudence Island benefit from access to well-rated public and private schools in nearby Portsmouth, featuring favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education options are close by, with universities such as Salve Regina and Roger Williams located within a short drive or ferry ride.

Public Schools
Name:
Melville Elementary School
Street:
1351 West Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871
Phone:
401-683-0261
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Portsmouth Middle School
Street:
125 Jepson Ln, Portsmouth, RI 02871
Phone:
401-849-3700
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5

Private Schools
Name:
St. Philomena School
Street:
324 Cory's Ln, Portsmouth, RI 02871
Phone:
401-683-0268
Students:
400

Colleges
Name:
Salve Regina University
City:
Newport
State:
RI
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
2,800
Name:
Roger Williams University
City:
Bristol
State:
RI
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
5,400
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals in Newport and Providence, with a strong network of physicians and 94% health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are reliable, and emergency care is available within a short ferry ride, ensuring peace of mind for families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Newport Hospital
Address:
11 Friendship St, Newport, RI 02840
Phone:
(401) 846-6400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Miriam Hospital
Address:
164 Summit Ave, Providence, RI 02906
Phone:
(401) 793-2500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.0%
Health Care Index:
76.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Prudence Island, RI?
The housing market is primarily owner-occupied, with 90% of homes owned and a median price of $420,000. Home values have appreciated by 6.2% over the past year, indicating a stable and attractive investment for those seeking island living.
Median Home Price:
$420,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
90.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Prudence Island residents are served by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles in Cranston, offering convenient access to vehicle registration and licensing services. The DMV provides online resources and phone support to simplify transportation needs.
State:
Rhode Island
Department:
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
600 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone:
1-401-462-4368
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.