Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Riverside, RI
Considering a move to Riverside, RI? With a friendly population of 18,200, Riverside offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home prices around $357,000 and average rents at $1,350. Residents enjoy a reasonable commute of 26 minutes, low violent crime rates (183 per 100K), and access to solid public schools and major hospitals nearby. With four seasons, over half the days sunny, and a tight-knit community feel, Riverside is a great option for families or anyone seeking a quieter, convenient spot near Providence.
Demographics - Riverside, RI
Demographics - Riverside, RI
Riverside is home to about 18,200 residents with a relatively high population density, a median age of 42, and a diverse community where 10% speak languages other than English at home. The city is predominantly White, with smaller Black, Asian, and other minority populations, and maintains a balanced gender ratio. This demographic mix contributes to a welcoming and well-rounded community atmosphere.
Population:
18,200
Density:
3,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.0%
Black:
3.0%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
7.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Riverside, RI?
The cost of living in Riverside is moderately above the national average, with a median home value of $357,000 and average rent around $1,350 for a two-bedroom. Residents benefit from reasonable utility costs and state tax rates ranging from 3.75% to 5.99%. Overall, the area offers an affordable lifestyle compared to nearby urban centers, making it attractive for families and professionals alike.
Median House Value:
$357,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$142
Auto Insurance:
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$710
State Taxes:
Low:
3.75%
|
High:
5.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.4
Grocery:
108.2
Housing:
120.1
Utilities:
114.0
Transportation:
112.8
Health Care:
109.6
Miscellaneous:
107.0
Crime
Is Riverside, RI a safe place to live?
Riverside experiences a low violent crime rate of 183 incidents per 100,000 people, and property crime is also below many urban averages. Residents have a 1 in 546 chance of encountering violent crime, contributing to a strong sense of safety. This makes Riverside a reassuring choice for those prioritizing peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
183
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,370
Crime Index:
1,553
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 546
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 73
Weather
What is the weather like in Riverside, RI year-round?
Riverside enjoys all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs in the low 80s and chilly winters dipping to the mid-20s. The city receives about 51 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine more than half the year. These conditions create a pleasant climate ideal for year-round outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Typical households in Riverside earn a median income of $76,500, with a family median income of $89,200 and a poverty rate under 9%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the area enjoys a low unemployment rate near 4.6%. Community members benefit from short average commutes and a strong sense of local engagement.
Median Income:
$41,200
Household Income:
$76,500
Family Income:
$89,200
Per Capita Income:
$36,700
Income Male:
$49,500
Income Female:
$41,800
Poverty Rate:
8.7%
Non English Speakers:
10.2%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
3.4%
Commute Time:
26.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
34.5%
Education
How are the schools in Riverside, RI?
Families in Riverside benefit from quality public schools with manageable class sizes, such as Riverside Middle School and Waddington Elementary. Several private and parochial schools are also available, and top-ranked colleges like Brown University and Providence College are just a short drive away. This strong educational environment supports lifelong learning and student success.

Public Schools
Name:
Riverside Middle School
Street:
179 Forbes St
Phone:
401-433-6230
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Waddington Elementary School
Street:
101 Legion Way
Phone:
401-433-6235
Students:
485
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary Academy – Bay View
Street:
3070 Pawtucket Ave
Phone:
401-434-0113
Students:
630

Colleges
Name:
Providence College
City:
Providence
State:
RI
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
4,800
Name:
Brown University
City:
Providence
State:
RI
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
10,700
Healthcare
Residents in Riverside have excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Rhode Island Hospital and East Bay Family Health Care nearby. The area boasts 3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 95% health insurance coverage. This ensures comprehensive medical services are readily available for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Rhode Island Hospital
Address:
593 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903
Phone:
(401) 444-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
East Bay Family Health Care
Address:
100 Bullocks Point Ave, Riverside, RI 02915
Phone:
(401) 437-1008
Type:
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
3.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Riverside, RI?
The housing market in Riverside is stable, with a median home price of $357,000 and owner-occupancy at nearly 67%. Rental options are accessible, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,350 and a healthy vacancy rate of 5%. Home values have appreciated by 6.4% in the past year, making it a sound option for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$357,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Riverside residents are served by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Cranston. Essential services like licensing, registration, and vehicle titling are conveniently accessible, with detailed information available on the state DMV website. The DMV provides efficient support for all your transportation needs.
State:
Rhode Island
Department:
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
600 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone:
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.