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Woonsocket, RI

Frequently asked questions

Woonsocket, RI

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.

Before the arrival of European settlers in northern Rhode Island during the 17th century, today's Woonsocket region was inhabited by three Native American tribes: the Nipmuc (Cowesett), Wampanoag, and Narragansett. In 1661, the English theologian Roger Williams purchased the area from the "Coweset and Nipmucks", and in a letter referred to modern-day Woonsocket as Niswosakit.

Woonsocket Falls Village was founded in the 1820s. Its fortunes expanded as the Industrial Revolution developed in nearby Pawtucket. With the Blackstone River providing ample water power, the region became a prime location for textile mills. In 1831 Edward Harris built his first textile mill in Woonsocket.

The town of Woonsocket was not established until 1867, when three villages in the town of Cumberland, namely Woonsocket Falls, Social, and Jenckesville, officially became the town of Woonsocket. In 1871, three additional industrial villages from Smithfield– Hamlet, Bernon, and Globe, were added to the town, establishing its present boundaries. Woonsocket was incorporated as a city in 1888.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.0 square miles (21 km²), of which 7.7 square miles (20 km²) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km²) (3.14%) is water. Woonsocket is drained by the Blackstone River. Adjacent communities include Blackstone and Bellingham, Massachusetts, along with Cumberland and North Smithfield, Rhode Island.

The 2020 United States census counted 43,240 people, 18,287 households, and 9,497 families in Woonsocket. The population density was 5,582.2 per square mile (2,155.3/km²). There were 19,754 housing units at an average density of 2,550.2 per square mile (984.6/km²). The racial makeup was 64.41% (27,850) white or European American (59.68% non-Hispanic white), 7.86% (3,399) black or African-American, 0.62% (267) Native American or Alaska Native, 5.79% (2,502) Asian, 0.06% (28) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 9.64% (4,167) from other races, and 11.63% (5,027) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 21.01% (9,086) of the population.

Health and wellness are paramount in Woonsocket, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Landmark Medical Center is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Woonsocket Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Powerhouse Gym, and The Gym LLC. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Woonsocket, such as the Blackstone River Bikeway Trail and Cold Spring Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Woonsocket, RI are the Museum of Work & Culture, St Ann Arts & Cultural Center, and Polar Express Station.

Population: 42,942 (2022). ZIP Code: 02895. Area code: 401. Elevation: 194 ft (59 m). Area: 7.93 sq mi (20.55 km²).

FAQs

What is Woonsocket, RI famous for?

The first inhabitants of what is today the city of Woonsocket were Eastland woodland Indians - mainly Nipmucs, Wampanoaags, and Narragansetts. By the mid-nineteenth century, Woonsocket had grown to become one of the largest textile manufacturing centers in the United States. The first free public library in Rhode Island was located in what is now City Hall.

What is it like to live in Woonsocket, RI?

Woonsocket is a suburb of Providence with a population of 43,029. Woonsocket is in Providence County. Living in Woonsocket offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Woonsocket, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

Is Woonsocket, RI a safe place to live?

The crime rate in Woonsocket is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 22 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Woonsocket is 1 in 45. Based on FBI crime data, Woonsocket is not one of the safest communities in America.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Woonsocket

Landmark Medical Center 

Woonsocket Parks and Recreation Department 

Planet Fitness

Powerhouse Gym 

The Gym LLC

Blackstone River Bikeway Trail 

Cold Spring Park

Museum of Work & Culture

St Ann Arts & Cultural Center

Polar Express Station

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

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