Cranston, Rhode Island | |
---|---|
City | |
Coordinates: 41°46′N71°27′W / 41.767°N 71.450°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Rhode Island |
County | Providence |
Incorporated (town) | 1754 |
Incorporated (city) | 1910 [1] |
Government | |
• Type | Mayor-council |
• Mayor | Kenneth Hopkins (R) |
• City Council |
|
Area | |
• Total | 30.02 sq mi (77.75 km2) |
• Land | 28.34 sq mi (73.41 km2) |
• Water | 1.67 sq mi (4.33 km2) |
Elevation | 66 ft (20 m) |
Population | |
• Total | 82,934 |
• Density | 2,925.88/sq mi (1,129.68/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−5 (EST) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
ZIP Codes | 02823, 02831, 02905, 02907, 02909–02910, 02920–02921 |
Area code | 401 |
FIPS code | 44-19180 [5] |
GNIS feature ID | 1218689 [3] |
Website | www.cranstonri.gov |
Cranston, formerly known as Pawtuxet, is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The official population of the city in the 2020 United States Census was 82,934, making it the second-largest city in the state. The center of population of Rhode Island is located in Cranston. [6] Cranston is a part of the Providence metropolitan area.
Cranston ranked 36th on the list of "America's 50 Best Cities to Live" in a 2014 survey done by 247wallst.com. [7]
The Town of Cranston was created in 1754 from a portion of Providence north of the Pawtuxet River. After losing much of its territory to neighboring towns and the city of Providence, Cranston itself became a city on March 10, 1910.
Much of the land was purchased by Roger Williams from the Narragansett Indians in 1638 as part of the Pawtuxet Purchase, and the first settler in the area was William Arnold, who was followed shortly by William Harris, William Carpenter, and Zachariah Rhodes. [8] Stephen Arnold, a brother-in-law of Rhodes and William Arnold, built a gristmill on the Pawtuxet falls and laid out the Arnold Road (modern-day Broad Street) connecting it to the Pequot Trail leading to Connecticut. Arnold's son Benedict Arnold became the first Governor of Rhode Island under the charter of 1663. Residents were unable to agree upon a name for a new town for decades, and the Town of Cranston was eventually created by the General Assembly in 1754 from a portion of Providence north of the Pawtuxet River. Historians debate whether the town was named after Governor Samuel Cranston, the longest-serving Rhode Island governor, or his grandson Thomas Cranston, who was serving as Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives at the time that the town was created.[ citation needed ] In the early 1770s, town meetings were held at the taverns of Caleb Arnold and Nehemiah Knight, where residents voted in favor of a resolution opposing the British Parliament's Coercive Acts; the town heavily supported the Patriot cause during the Revolutionary War. The town lost much of its territory to neighboring towns and the city of Providence over the nineteenth century, and Cranston became a city on March 10, 1910. [9] [10]
Many Italian Americans in Cranston are descended from immigrants of Itri, Italy who settled mainly in the Knightsville section of Cranston during the early 1900s. [11] Cranston is known for the St. Mary's Feast, inspired by the Feast of the Madonna della Civita celebrated in Itri. Since 1905, the St. Mary's Feast has been a week-long festival celebrated in July in Cranston with vendors, a carnival, fireworks, and a religious procession from St. Mary's Church on Sunday. [12] In 2000, Cranston and Itri became sister cities. [13]
For many years, Cranston was the third-largest city in Rhode Island, after Providence and Warwick, both of which it borders, but in 2017, it surpassed Warwick to take second place. Though Cranston's overall population density was already much greater than the geographically larger Warwick, [14] a major factor contributing to its growth has been a large and semirural section west of Interstate 295, which has seen a high volume of housing development in recent years; Warwick has significantly less open land available for development. [15]
The Pawtuxet River overflowed in March 2010 after an overwhelming amount of rain. This caused many major sites to be shut down and repaired, such as the Warwick Mall, Contour Dental Laboratories, and the CLCF Building. [16]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.9 square miles (77 km2), of which 1.4 square miles (3.6 km2) (4.54%) is covered by water.
The city occupies roughly three percent of Rhode Island's total land mass. [17]
These neighborhoods and villages are located in Cranston:
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1790 | 1,990 | — | |
1800 | 1,644 | −17.4% | |
1810 | 2,161 | 31.4% | |
1820 | 2,274 | 5.2% | |
1830 | 2,653 | 16.7% | |
1840 | 2,902 | 9.4% | |
1850 | 4,311 | 48.6% | |
1860 | 7,500 | 74.0% | |
1870 | 4,822 | −35.7% | |
1880 | 5,940 | 23.2% | |
1890 | 8,099 | 36.3% | |
1900 | 13,343 | 64.7% | |
1910 | 21,107 | 58.2% | |
1920 | 29,407 | 39.3% | |
1930 | 42,911 | 45.9% | |
1940 | 47,085 | 9.7% | |
1950 | 55,060 | 16.9% | |
1960 | 66,766 | 21.3% | |
1970 | 74,287 | 11.3% | |
1980 | 72,534 | −2.4% | |
1990 | 75,043 | 3.5% | |
2000 | 79,269 | 5.6% | |
2010 | 80,387 | 1.4% | |
2020 | 82,934 | 3.2% | |
U.S. Decennial Census [18] [4] |
The 2020 United States census counted 82,934 people, 32,676 households, and 19,522 families in Cranston. The population density was 2,925.9 per square mile (1,129.7/km2). There were 34,182 housing units at an average density of 1,205.9 per square mile (465.6/km2). [19] [20] The racial makeup was 68.14% (56,514) white or European American (65.66% non-Hispanic white), 5.65% (4,683) black or African-American, 0.58% (485) Native American or Alaska Native, 6.99% (5,799) Asian, 0.05% (45) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 9.99% (8,282) from other races, and 8.59% (7,126) from two or more races. [21] Hispanic or Latino of any race was 18.17% (15,067) of the population. [22]
Of the 32,676 households, 27.9% had children under the age of 18; 43.7% were married couples living together; 31.1% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 30.0% of households consisted of individuals and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. [19] The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 3.2. [23] The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 25.0% of the population. [24]
19.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 27.3% from 45 to 64, and 18.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.2 years. For every 100 females, the population had 104.9 males. [19] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 106.4 males. [19]
The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $74,425 (with a margin of error of +/- $3,217) and the median family income was $89,180 (+/- $3,837). Males had a median income of $51,447 (+/- $2,606) versus $35,032 (+/- $2,123) for females. [25] The median income for those above 16 years old was $42,882 (+/- $1,971). [26] Approximately, 4.1% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.2% of those under the age of 18 and 8.8% of those ages 65 or over. [27] [28]
The most common Hispanic background in Cranston is Dominican American and Guatemalan American, reflective of Rhode Island's Latino population as a whole. Also, a relatively large Cambodian American population is centered around Park and Pontiac Avenues in the center of the city. Italian Americans are still the predominant ethnicity throughout Cranston, numbered at 38% of the population. This gives Cranston one of the largest Italian-American communities in the United States, similar to neighboring Johnston and North Providence, Rhode Island.[ citation needed ]
Companies with corporate headquarters in Cranston include jewelry maker Alex and Ani and Coastway Community Bank.[ citation needed ] The first Del's Lemonade stand was opened in Cranston in 1948. [29]
The first auto race track in the country, Narragansett Park, [a] located off Park Avenue, opened at present-day Stadium Ball Field in 1867 as a trotting track. [30]
The Budlong Pool, located at 198 Aqueduct Road, off Reservoir Avenue (part of RI 2), is the city's only public pool. Budlong, which is much larger than an Olympic-sized swimming pool, was built in the 1930s as a Works Progress Administration project. [31] The pool was closed in 2019 after an architect's report stated that the pool was "close to the end of its serviceable life” and would cost $2 million to repair. [31] The pool has since become a subject of political debate in the city. Mayor Ken Hopkins proposed in 2023 to completely replace the aging structure with a new $3.5-million redesign which, at 7,000 square feet, would be one-third the current size. [31] 2,000 Cranston residents signed a petition opposing the project. [31]
Sprague Mansion, an 18th-century homestead, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. [32] The Thomas Fenner House, built around 1677, is one of the oldest houses in Rhode Island. Edgewood Yacht Club has long popular among local sailors and is a historic landmark located on the Providence River.
Year | GOP | DEM | Others |
---|---|---|---|
2020 | 42.22% 17,313 | 56.12%23,039 | 1.71% 701 |
2016 | 43.30% 15,934 | 50.99%18,763 | 5.70% 2,099 |
2012 | 37.20% 13,008 | 61.16%21,388 | 1.64% 574 |
2008 | 37.72% 13,981 | 60.76%22,520 | 1.51% 561 |
2004 | 40.95% 14,471 | 57.54%20,331 | 1.51% 532 |
2000 | 31.00% 10,420 | 63.09%21,204 | 5.90% 1,984 |
1996 | 26.71% 9,098 | 61.37%20,901 | 11.92% 4,059 |
1992 | 31.45% 12,450 | 46.96%18,589 | 21.59% 8,549 |
1988 | 46.33% 17,129 | 53.32%19,711 | 0.35% 128 |
The Rhode Island Department of Corrections has its headquarters and its adult prison facilities in Cranston. [34] The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families operates the Rhode Island Training School (RITS), a juvenile correctional facility, in Cranston. The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles is headquartered in Cranston. [35]
The City of Cranston operates under a mayor-council form of government. General city elections are held on the first Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years. [36] Terms for elected officials begin on the first Monday in January of the year following their election. [37] The City Council consists of nine members: six representing each of the City wards, and three city-wide representatives. Council members are elected to a two-year term, and are limited to five consecutive two-year terms. [38] The current Cranston city council president is Jessica M. Marino, a city-wide representative and first woman to hold the office. [39] The council elected for the 2025-2027 term has a 5-4 Democratic majority.
The current mayor, Kenneth J. Hopkins, was sworn in on January 6, 2025, following his re-election to a second four-year term in November 2024. Hopkins succeeded Mayor Allan Fung, the state's first Asian-American mayor, who served four terms from 2009 to 2021. As of 2012 [update] , mayors may be elected to no more than two consecutive four-year terms. [38]
In the Rhode Island Senate, Cranston is split into four senatorial districts, all represented by Democrats: Todd M. Patalano (District 26), Hanna M. Gallo (District 27), Lammis J. Vargas (District 28), and Matthew LaMountain (District 31). The city is divided into all or parts of nine Rhode Island House of Representatives districts, including Districts 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 41, and 42. At the federal level, Cranston is a part of Rhode Island's 2nd congressional district and is currently represented by Democrat Seth Magaziner.
In presidential elections, Cranston is reliably Democratic, as no Republican presidential nominee has won the city in over three decades.
The school district is Cranston School District. [40]
Public high schools:
Public middle schools:
Public elementary schools:
Other public schools:
Private schools:
The Cranston School Committee consists of seven nonpartisan members, six representing each of the city wards and one city-wide representative. Committee members are elected at city general elections to a two-year term, and as of 2014 [update] , members are limited to five consecutive two-year terms. [41] The current Cranston School Committee chairperson is Domenic F. Fusco, Jr., the Ward 3 representative.
Four freeways travel through Cranston: I-95, I-295, RI 10 (the Huntington Expressway), and RI 37. Other state-numbered roads in Cranston are US 1, US 1A, RI 2, RI 5, RI 12, RI 33, RI 51, RI 115, and RI 117.
Cranston is served by Rhode Island Public Transit Authority buses. Amtrak's Northeast Corridor passes through, but has no station in the city. The MBTA's Providence/Stoughton Line also passes through, but does not include a station in Cranston, but a station stop has been proposed. Currently, the nearest MBTA stations are in Providence and Warwick at T.F. Green Airport, the former which is also served by Amtrak.
Providence County is the most populous county in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. As of the 2020 census, the county's population was 660,741, or 60.2% of the state's population. Providence County contains the city of Providence, the state capital of Rhode Island and the county's most populous city, with an estimated 190,934 residents in 2020. Providence County is included in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Metropolitan Statistical Area, which in turn constitutes a portion of the greater Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT Combined Statistical Area. As of 2010, the center of population in Rhode Island is located in Providence County, in the city of Cranston.
Coventry is a town in Kent County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 35,688 at the 2020 census and is part of the Pawtuxet River Valley.
Warwick is a city in Kent County, Rhode Island, United States, and is the third-largest city in the state, with a population of 82,823 at the 2020 census. Warwick is located approximately 12 miles (19 km) south of downtown Providence, Rhode Island, 63 miles (101 km) southwest of Boston, Massachusetts, and 171 miles (275 km) northeast of New York City.
East Providence is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 47,139 at the 2020 census, making it the fifth-largest city in the state.
Johnston is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 29,568 at the 2020 census. Johnston is the site of the Clemence Irons House (1691), a stone-ender museum, and the only landfill in Rhode Island. Incorporated on March 6, 1759, Johnston was named for the colonial attorney general, Augustus Johnston.
Lincoln is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 22,529 at the 2020 census. Lincoln is located in northeastern Rhode Island, north of Providence. Lincoln is part of the Providence metropolitan statistical area and the Greater Boston combined statistical area.
Pawtucket is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 75,604 at the 2020 census, making the city the fourth-largest in the state. Pawtucket borders Providence and East Providence to the south, Central Falls and Lincoln to the north, and North Providence to the west. The city also borders the Massachusetts municipalities of Seekonk and Attleboro.
Scituate is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 10,384 at the 2020 census.
Woonsocket, is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 43,240 at the 2020 census, making it the sixth largest city in the state. Being Rhode Island's northernmost city, Woonsocket lies directly south of the Massachusetts state line and constitutes part of both the Providence metropolitan area and the larger Greater Boston Combined Statistical Area.
West Warwick is a town in Kent County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 31,012 at the 2020 census.
Kingston is a village and a census-designated place within the town of South Kingstown in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States, and the site of the main campus of the University of Rhode Island. The population was 6,974 at the 2010 census. Much of the village center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Kingston Village Historic District. It was originally known as Little Rest.
Greene is an unincorporated village and census-designated place in the western part of the town of Coventry, Rhode Island, United States. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 888. It is 2 miles (3 km) east of the Connecticut border and the same distance north of West Greenwich. The name derives from Nathanael Greene, a Rhode Island-born general in the American Revolution.
The Pawtuxet River, also known as the Pawtuxet River Main Stem and the Lower Pawtuxet, is a river in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. It flows 12.3 miles (19.8 km) and empties into the upper Narragansett Bay of the Atlantic Ocean. Together with its two main tributary branches, the North Branch Pawtuxet River and the South Branch Pawtuxet River, it drains a watershed of 231.6 square miles (600 km2), all of which is in the state of R.I.
Pawtuxet Village is a section of the New England cities of Warwick and Cranston, Rhode Island, United States. It is located at the point where the Pawtuxet River flows into the Providence River and Narragansett Bay.
The Providence metropolitan area is a region extending into eight counties in two states. Its core is in the states of Rhode Island and Massachusetts; its largest city is Providence, Rhode Island. With an estimated population of 1,622,520, exceeding that of Rhode Island by slightly over 60%, the Providence MSA is the 38th largest metropolitan area in the United States. The MSA covers all of Rhode Island and Bristol County, Massachusetts, with an average population density of 2300 per mi2.
Providence is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Rhode Island. The county seat of Providence County, it is one of the oldest cities in New England, founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a Reformed Baptist theologian and religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He named the area in honor of "God's merciful Providence" which he believed was responsible for revealing such a haven for him and his followers. The city developed as a busy port, as it is situated at the mouth of the Providence River at the head of Narragansett Bay.
Kenneth Hopkins is an American Republican politician who is serving as the mayor of Cranston, Rhode Island, since 2021. He is a former Rhode Island councilman, having been elected in 2016.
Westcott is a village in the town of West Warwick in Kent County, Rhode Island, United States. It is located between the two Pawtuxet River bridges on Providence Street, at the juncture of New London Avenue, Tollgate Road, and Providence Street in northeastern West Warwick. The community derives its name from the Westcott family who lived on 341 Providence Street.