Washington County, Rhode Island

County Distress Index: Healthy · 31.6 | 129,982 people · 4th most distressed in Rhode Island
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Washington County, RI ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 31.6 — 2673rd nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Housing Cost Burden, where a large share of households spend more than 30% of income on housing. Within Rhode Island, it ranks 4th of 5 counties. It scores lower than all 3 of its neighboring counties.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Washington County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 74.1 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 74.1
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 80
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 80
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 91
Homeownership Rate 37
Economic Vitality 67.5
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 88
Rent-to-Income Ratio 43
Business Formation Rate 75
House Price Change (YoY) 23
Structural Poverty 23.0
Unemployment Rate 41
Poverty Rate 13
Income vs. State Median 45
Child Poverty Rate 15
Disability Rate 8
Transfer Income Dependency 13
Legal Distress 18.9
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 19
Consumer Credit Distress 9.1
Debt in Collections 7
Medical Debt 7
Auto Loan Delinquency 19
Credit Card Delinquency 10
Uninsured Rate 1
Subprime Credit Population 6

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Washington County
Washington County, RI 31.6 Healthy —
Kent County, RI 46.0 Normal +14.4
Suffolk County, NY 43.9 Normal +12.3
Newport County, RI 35.5 Normal +3.9

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Washington County
Chatham County, NC 31.6 Healthy +0.0
Box Elder County, UT 31.7 Healthy +0.1
Allegan County, MI 32.0 Healthy +0.5
Sarpy County, NE 32.1 Healthy +0.5
Windsor County, VT 31.1 Healthy -0.5

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Washington County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Washington County

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Rhode Island Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

Rhode Island Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 401-421-5740

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Washington County residents at no cost.

Rhode Island Legal Services (RILS) 401-274-2652

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Washington County, Rhode Island?

    Washington County has a County Distress Index score of 31.6 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,673rd nationally out of 3,144 counties and 4th in Rhode Island out of 5 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Washington County?

    The primary driver of distress in Washington County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 74.1 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Washington County compare to neighboring counties?

    Washington County (31.6) can be compared to its 3 neighboring counties: Kent County, RI (46.0); Suffolk County, NY (43.9); Newport County, RI (35.5).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Healthy zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Washington County's score of 31.6 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Washington County's CDI score?

    Washington County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Washington County?

    Washington County, Rhode Island has a population of approximately 129,982 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a mid county.