Narragansett is a town in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 14,532 at the 2020 census. However, during the summer months the town's population more than doubles to near 34,000. The town of Narragansett occupies a narrow strip of land running along the eastern bank of the Pettaquamscutt River (aka Narrow River) to the shore of Narragansett Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. It was separated from South Kingstown in 1888 and incorporated as a town in 1901. With several ocean beaches and a walkable strip along the ocean front, Narragansett is a resort area in the summer season as well as a popular East Coast surfing spot due to frequent southerly swells from Atlantic Ocean. For geographic and demographic information on the village of Narragansett Pier, which is part of Narragansett, see the article on Narragansett Pier.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.8 sqmi, of which, 14.1 sqmi of it is land and 23.6 sqmi of it (62.56%) is water. The following villages and neighborhoods are wholly or partially located in Narragansett: Saunderstown (shared with North Kingstown), South Ferry, Bonnet Shores, Narragansett Pier, Point Judith, Galilee, Great Island, Salt Pond, Mettatuxet, and Jerusalem (shared with South Kingstown).

Climate

Narragansett is located in the Köppen climate classification Cfa (mild temperate climate). The period from May through mid November is often warm to mild (occasionally hot in June, July, and August) with frequent sunny skies and modest rainfall. The cold season from December through March features cool to cold weather with high temperatures from 40 F (4.4 C) to 49 F (9.4 C). Normally snowfall is light and melts quickly due to the oceanic location. The area averages about 200 frost - free days annually. Narragansett averages 2300 hrs of sunshine annually (slightly higher than the USA average). Narragansett is located in USDA garden zone 7a/7b.

Demographics

2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 3,308 people, 1,596 households, and 954 families in Narragansett Pier. The population density was 927.4 per square mile (358.1/km2). There were 2,310 housing units at an average density of 647.6 per square mile (250.0/km2). The racial makeup was 92.08% (3,046) white or European American (91.54% non-Hispanic white), 1.03% (34) black or African-American, 0.48% (16) Native American or Alaska Native, 1.84% (61) Asian, 0.06% (2) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.94% (31) from other races, and 3.57% (118) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 2.0% (66) of the population. Of the 1,596 households, 10.0% had children under the age of 18; 38.0% were married couples living together; 36.7% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 41.9% of households consisted of individuals and 20.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.0 and the average family size was 2.5. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 42.3% of the population. 9.9% of the population was under the age of 18, 10.9% from 18 to 24, 15.4% from 25 to 44, 30.6% from 45 to 64, and 33.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 56.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 110.6 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 113.2 males. The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $79,056 (with a margin of error of +/- $16,106) and the median family income was $125,357 (+/- $25,707). Males had a median income of $52,738 (+/- $15,287) versus $20,882 (+/- $20,090) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $31,056 (+/- $18,353). Approximately, 8.2% of families and 17.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.0% of those under the age of 18 and 8.0% of those ages 65 or over.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 16,361 people, 6,846 households, and 3,847 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,156.5 PD/sqmi. There were 9,159 housing units at an average density of 647.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 95.84% White, 0.75% African American, 0.90% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 1.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.25% of the population. There were 6,846 households, out of which 22.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.8% were non-families. Of all households 27.2% were made up of individuals, and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.86. In the town, the population was spread out, with 17.3% under the age of 18, 19.6% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males. The median income for a household in the town was $50,363, and the median income for a family was $67,571. Males had a median income of $45,436 versus $31,759 for females. The per capita income for the town was $28,194. About 4.9% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.4% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over. In 2010, Narragansett was estimated to have 2,743 people in poverty; college students represented 71% of that group, and in comparison, statewide college students make up only 13.7 percent of the total population in poverty. This large college factor, in a relatively small community, has a profound impact on the overall poverty rate. From September through May the town is home to many students from the University of Rhode Island located in nearby Kingston.

Recreation

Narragansett is known for its summer recreation and beaches. Fishermen's Memorial State Park, located near Galilee, contains a former military fort (Fort Greene) and a campground. Three beaches in Narragansett that are most famous are:

Education

Narragansett operates its own Pre-K through 12 educational system with three schools: Narragansett Elementary School, Narragansett Pier Middle School, and Narragansett High School. The Narragansett High School principal, Mr. Daniel F. Warner, was voted the 2008 Principal of the Year. The South County Museum is located within the town. The Narragansett Bay Campus of the University of Rhode Island is located in Narragansett.

Housing

Narragansett has prohibited more than three college students from living together per housing unit.

Water supply

The town is served by two drinking water organizations divided into four systems:

Economy

Top employers

According to Narragansett's 2012 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:

Places of worship

National Register of Historic Places

Thirteen different buildings and districts in Narragansett are listed on the National Register of Historic Places:

Notable people

In popular culture