Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Watch Hill, RI
Considering a move to Watch Hill, RI? This charming coastal village has a population of just 210, offering a tranquil lifestyle with high-end homes (median price $1.6M) and low crime rates. While the cost of living is well above the national average, residents enjoy short commute times (20.5 minutes), excellent educational attainment, and beautiful weather with 56% sunny days. With quick access to healthcare in nearby Westerly and a peaceful, scenic environment, Watch Hill is ideal for those seeking luxury and seaside serenity.
Demographics - Watch Hill, RI
Demographics - Watch Hill, RI
Watch Hill is a small, close-knit community with just 210 residents, most of whom are older adults, as indicated by a median age of 59.2. The area is predominantly White, and there is a nearly even gender balance with slightly more females than males. A very low percentage of non-English speakers suggests a primarily English-speaking environment.
Population:
210
Density:
320 per sq mi
Median Age:
59.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.5%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Watch Hill, RI?
Living in Watch Hill comes with a high cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $1.6 million and a cost of living index significantly above the national average. Housing and groceries are especially expensive, making the area best suited for those with substantial financial resources. State income taxes range from 3.75% to 5.99%, contributing to overall expenses.
Median House Value:
$1,600,000
Gross Rent:
$2,600
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,250
State Taxes:
Low:
3.75%
|
High:
5.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
161.0
Grocery:
120.5
Housing:
246.0
Utilities:
115.7
Transportation:
116.2
Health Care:
108.8
Miscellaneous:
109.2
Crime
Is Watch Hill, RI a safe place to live?
Watch Hill boasts a very low crime rate, with just 81 violent crimes and 726 property crimes per 100,000 people, resulting in a high sense of safety for residents. The odds of experiencing violent crime are extremely low, at about 1 in 1,235. This makes the community especially appealing for those prioritizing peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
81
Property Crimes Per 100k:
726
Crime Index:
807
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,235
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 138
Weather
What is the weather like in Watch Hill, RI year-round?
Residents enjoy a coastal climate with mild summers, where temperatures reach up to 80°F, and winters that are chilly but not severe, with lows around 23°F. The area receives about 47.5 inches of rainfall annually and has 56% sunny days, allowing for plenty of outdoor activities throughout the year. The pleasant weather is a key draw for those seeking a scenic seaside lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Watch Hill is an affluent neighborhood, with median household incomes around $119,000 and a low poverty rate of just over 4%. Nearly all adults have completed high school, and more than half hold a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a well-educated community. The average commute is a quick 20.5 minutes, and unemployment is low at 3.6%.
Median Income:
$59,800
Household Income:
$119,000
Family Income:
$132,000
Per Capita Income:
$77,500
Income Male:
$89,000
Income Female:
$68,000
Poverty Rate:
4.1%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$2,600
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
20.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.1%
Bachelors or More:
59.4%
Education
How are the schools in Watch Hill, RI?
Families in Watch Hill benefit from access to well-rated public and private schools, such as Dunn's Corners School and The Prout School. Higher education is also nearby, with the University of Rhode Island located just 18 miles away. The community values education, as shown by the high rates of high school and college attainment.

Public Schools
Name:
Dunn's Corners School
Street:
8 8th St, Westerly, RI 02891
Phone:
401-348-2340
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7

Private Schools
Name:
The Prout School
Street:
4640 Tower Hill Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879
Phone:
401-789-9262
Students:
430

Colleges
Name:
University of Rhode Island
City:
Kingston
State:
RI
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
17,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare services, including Westerly Hospital nearby, and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 96.1%. With 3.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, medical care is readily available in the area. Health outcomes and services are generally favorable, supporting a healthy lifestyle.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Westerly Hospital
Address:
25 Wells St, Westerly, RI 02891
Phone:
(401) 596-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Watch Hill, RI?
The Watch Hill housing market is geared toward luxury, with a median home price of $1.6 million and high owner-occupancy at over 78%. Rental options are limited, with an average two-bedroom rent at $2,600 and a low foreclosure rate of 0.3%. Home values have appreciated by 6.2% in the past year, reflecting strong demand in this exclusive market.
Median Home Price:
$1,600,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,600
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Watch Hill residents are served by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, located at 600 New London Ave in Cranston. The DMV provides comprehensive vehicle and licensing services, and additional information is available on their website. Access to state DMV resources is convenient for all residents.
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.