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City Report · RI

Pawtucket

Pop. 75,893·22nd most expensive in Rhode Island·Pawtucket rents are up 5.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,872/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.2%
Month-over-Month
+2.7%
vs US Median
-$93
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Pawtucket · $1,872
More expensive than 51% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
57/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% below what Pawtucket's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,872/mo
Expected by trend
$1,938/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Pawtucket's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,170
1 BR
$1,260
2 BR
$1,530
3 BR
$1,850
4 BR+
$2,290
Research median
$1,530/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$22,464/yr
At $1,872/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 5.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.2% YoY, +2.7% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Pawtucket, RI is roughly split between renters and owners, 22.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
75,893
Median income
$68,310
Median age
37.1
Renters
49.9%
Age distribution
22.4%
23.5%
27.5%
12%
14.5%
Under 1822.4%
18–3423.5%
35–5427.5%
55–6412%
65+14.5%
Gender
48.7%
51.3%
Male48.7%
Female51.3%
Race & ethnicity
50.3%
12.4%
26.8%
White50.3%
Black12.4%
Hispanic26.8%
Asian1.4%
Other9.1%
Education (25+)
17.6%
33.1%
27.1%
22.2%
No HS diploma17.6%
HS diploma33.1%
Some college27.1%
Bachelor's+22.2%
Housing tenure
50.1%
49.9%
Owner50.1%
Renter49.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Pawtucket, RI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,215 → $1,872
up 54.1%
Income
$56,427 → $68,310
up 21.1%
Population
75,200 → 75,893
up 0.9%
Renter share
52.3% → 49.9%
-2.4 pts
Bachelor's+
22.3% → 22.2%
-0.1 pts
Median age
36.4 → 37.1
+0.7 yrs

The median rent in Pawtucket, RI stood at $1,215 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,872, reflecting a 54.1% increase over the period. Census figures show median household income at $68,310 today, compared with $56,427 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Renters now make up 49.9% of households, compared with 52.3% five years ago. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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View Pawtucket rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Pawtucket on your salary?

At $1,872/mo, how Pawtucket rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Pawtucket rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Pawtucket. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Pawtucket

About renting in Pawtucket, RI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Pawtucket is $1,872/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,170/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,530/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,260/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,850/mo.

At 33% of local median household income ($68,310/yr), Pawtucket ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Pawtucket an affordable city for renters?

Pawtucket is considered moderate for renters. At $1,872/mo, rent takes approximately 33% of the local median household income ($68,310/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Pawtucket slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Pawtucket?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $75,000/year (~$36/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,872/mo in Pawtucket. The local median household income is $68,310/yr, meaning the typical Pawtucket household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Pawtucket?

Rent in Pawtucket has increased 5.2% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Pawtucket neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Pawtucket are 02860 ($1,844/mo), and 02861 ($1,932/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Pawtucket is $1,872/mo.

How does Pawtucket rent compare to other cities in Rhode Island?

Pawtucket is one of the more affordable cities in Rhode Island for rent, ranking #22 out of 24 tracked cities at $1,872/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Pawtucket?

Central Falls is nearby and more affordable at $1,721/mo, which is $151 less than Pawtucket.

What percentage of Pawtucket residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 49.9% of Pawtucket households are renters, while 50.1% are owner-occupied. Pawtucket leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Pawtucket rent compare to the national average?

Pawtucket's median rent of $1,872/mo is $93 (5%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Rhode Island, it ranks #22 out of 24 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
33%
MODERATE

At $1,872/mo, rent takes ~33% of Pawtucket's median household income ($68,310/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Pawtucket 33%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.75–5.99%
Run the Pawtucket affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Pawtucket
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Pawtucket, RI

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