Narragansett, Rhode Island
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 to the shore of Narragansett Bay. It was separated from South Kingstown in 1888 and incorporated as a town in 1901. 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 , of which, of it is land and 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). Demographics. 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 people per square mile (446.4/km). There were 9,159 housing units at  an average density of 647.4 per square mile (249.9/km). 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: National Register of Historic Places. Thirteen different buildings and  districts in Narragansett are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: