Rhode Island State Facts & Information

Rhode Island's intimate connection to the sea, including more than 400 miles of coastline, is the basis of its nickname "the Ocean State." Despite being the smallest U.S. state by area at only 1,214 square miles (48 miles North to South and 37 miles East to West), Rhode Island has extensive ocean access and maritime heritage. The state is also the second-most densely populated state after New Jersey, with slightly more than 1.1 million residents as of 2024.

Rhode Island's gross state product in 2024 was $82.5 billion, ranking 44th in the nation. However, the state's real GDP grew by just over $2 billion, or 3.17%, ranking 14th among all U.S. states in terms of growth rate. Rhode Island's 2024 real GDP growth was the second highest in New England, falling behind only New Hampshire. The largest contributors to Rhode Island's real GDP are the real estate and rental and leasing industry (nearly $10 billion), government and government enterprises (over $8.5 billion), and the healthcare and social assistance sectors. The economy is based on a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism.

Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams in 1636, a refugee who escaped religious persecution in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He wanted to create a safe place for religious freedom and founded Providence on land bought from local tribes. This was the first settlement in North America with a government that was separate from religion. Rhode Island was the last of the original thirteen colonies to become a state. Samuel Slater, often credited with starting the Industrial Revolution in America, developed the first water-powered cotton mill in 1790 in Rhode Island. The state never ratified the 18th Amendment (Prohibition).

Rhode Island welcomed a record 29.4 million visitors in 2024, a 3.5% increase from the previous year. These visitors spent a total of $6 billion, representing an increase of 7%. Tourism continues to be a major driver of Rhode Island's economy, supporting 13% of all jobs statewide. In 2024, industry employment grew by 2.1% to 88,509 jobs. Popular tourist destinations include the Newport Mansions (which welcomed 871,683 visitors in 2024), Roger Williams Park Zoo, beautiful beaches like Narragansett Beach and Misquamicut State Beach, and the Cliff Walk in Newport.

Rhode Island is home to several unique attractions. The Flying Horse Carousel in Watch Hill is the nation's oldest carousel. Rhode Island is home to the Tennis Hall of Fame. The first circus in the United States was in Newport in 1774. St. Mary's, Rhode Island's oldest Roman Catholic parish, is best known as the site of the wedding of Jacqueline Bouvier to John Fitzgerald Kennedy in 1953. The world's largest bug sits on the roof of New England Pest Control in Providence - a big blue termite, 58 feet long and 928 times actual termite size. Mr. Potato Head was named as the official "family-travel ambassador" of Rhode Island in 2000, fitting with Hasbro headquarters located in Pawtucket.

Rhode Island has the lowest level of energy consumption per capita of any state in the United States. Additionally, Rhode Island was rated as the 5th most energy efficient state in the country. This efficiency is particularly impressive given the state's dense population and industrial history. The state's commitment to energy efficiency reflects modern environmental priorities while maintaining its economic competitiveness.

Rhode Island has no county government, making it unique among U.S. states. Instead, it is divided into 39 municipalities, each having its own form of local government. This decentralized structure gives local communities significant autonomy in managing their affairs. Despite its small size, this system has allowed Rhode Island's diverse communities to maintain their distinct character while operating as part of the broader state.

Rhode Island has more shipwrecks per square mile than any other state, reflecting its long maritime history. The state's 400+ miles of coastline have witnessed centuries of naval and commercial shipping activity. This maritime heritage is preserved through numerous museums and historic sites, and diving to explore shipwrecks has become a popular activity. Rhode Island's connection to the sea extends beyond tourism - the ocean continues to play a vital role in the state's economy through fishing, naval operations, and maritime industries.