Kent County, RI
171,275 residents · 169 sq mi · 1,016.1/sq mi · 7% rural
About Kent County
Kent County is a county located in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. As of the 2020 census, the population was 170,363, making it the second-most populous county in Rhode Island. The county was formed in 1750 from the southern third of Providence County. It was named after the county of Kent, England. Kent County, like other counties in Rhode Island, no longer has governmental functions. Its seat is East Greenwich. Kent County is included in the Providence metropolitan area, which in turn constitutes a portion of Greater Boston.
Prepper Assessment
This area features a mix of urban and suburban environments, with a population density of 1,016.1 people per square mile, making it one of the more populated counties in Rhode Island. The climate is classified as humid with an annual mean temperature of 50.6°F and 49.8 inches of rainfall per year. The growing season is reasonable for a variety of crops, supported by USDA zone 8a. However, limited rural space (7%) may restrict extensive self-sufficient living.
Natural hazards pose significant risks, particularly hurricanes (FEMA rank 82) and riverine flooding (rank 81), which may impact agricultural efforts and property. Earthquakes (rank 75) and ice storms (rank 69) are additional concerns. The cost of living is relatively high, with a median home price of $306,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.58%. Although the violence percentile is low at 1/100, the area's density may lead to social tensions in certain contexts.
This county could suit those who prefer a blend of rural and suburban living while having access to urban amenities. Individuals looking for extensive land for homesteading may find the limited rural area a dealbreaker. However, those with a focus on community resilience and urban agriculture could thrive here, especially given the high broadband subscription rate of 80%, facilitating remote work or online business ventures.