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Woonsocket, RI


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Woonsocket, Rhode Island

Introduction to Woonsocket, Rhode Island

Woonsocket, Rhode Island, in Providence county, is 11 miles NW of Pawtucket, Rhode Island (center to center) and 33 miles SW of Boston, Massachusetts.The people of the city are in the Providence - Fall River - Warwick metropolitan area. Woonsocket has a population of 43,224.

Woonsocket History

Woonsocket was originally inhabited by the Nipmucs, Narragansetts, and Wampanoags Indians. European settlers first arrived here in the 17th century. Roger Williams, an English theologian, purchased the area in 1661. According to tradition, the city derived its name from an Indian term meaning "at the very steep hill.” However, some believe it means "thunder mist” and refers to the Blackstone River's largest waterfall, which lies at the center of Woonsocket. It was initially incorporated as a town in 1867 and was reincorporated as a city in 1888.

Woonsocket and nearby Attractions

  • Museum of Work & Culture
  • River Island Park
  • Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
  • World War II Memorial State Park
  • Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
  • Franklin Park Zoo

Things To Do In Woonsocket

Woonsocket is home to the Museum of Work and Culture. You can also visit Island Place Historic District, Social Park, Veterans Memorial Park, and North End Historic District. You can also plan a family daytrip to the Garden in the Woods, Tower Hill Botanic Garden, New England Aquarium, and Buttonwood Park Zoo. One can enjoy shopping at the Mill River Square Shopping Center, The Pavilion Shopping Center, Walnut Hill Plaza Shopping Center, and Bibliotheque Mallet.

Woonsocket Transportation

Air transportation is available from Theodore Francis Green State Airport.

Woonsocket Higher Education

Bryant College and Providence College are the nearest colleges.

High Points

Woonsocket strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Rhode Island):

CategoryTrophy
Affordability of Rents
(vs. State)		Top 5%trophyWoonsocket Affordability of Rents
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)		Top 13%Woonsocket Racial Diversity

Comparative Profile of Woonsocket, RI

Comparing Woonsocket to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Rhode Island (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Senior Citizens87
Female Share of the Population88
Children Under 5 Years Old810
Age of the Population52
Racial Diversity59
Male Share of the Population33
Well-Paid Single Men31

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Average Household Size32
Portion of People Married21

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
People in Middle Class or Better31
People Above Poverty21
Median Family Income21
College Educated Adults11

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Short Commute Times65
Walking and Biking to Work58
Public Transportation Use45
Working at Home11

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals910
Affordability of Rents910
People Living Alone910
Affordability of Property Taxes49
Seasonal and Vacation Housing21
Housing Recently Built11

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Property Crime83
Low Violent Crime51

Detailed pages on related topics: Woonsocket travel.

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Additional Details

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Woonsocket hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.

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