Rhode Island is the smallest US state by land area, covering only 1,034 square miles. It was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams as a safe place for those seeking religious freedom. Later, on May 29, 1790, it became the last of the original 13 colonies to join the Union, making it the 13th state.
What makes RHode Island from many US states today is that it has county governments; instead, Instead, all governance is handled by its 39 municipalities, which are up of 8 cities and 31 towns. These municipalities operate under charters that allow for self-governance in local matters, as outlined in Article XIII of the state constitution. Municipalities can adopt one of four government forms: council-manager, mayor-council, town council-town meeting, or administrator-council.
The main difference between cities and towns in Rhode Island is evident in their incorporation processes and governance structures. In simple words, Cities are typically more urbanized and operate under charters with mayors and councils, while towns often use town meetings or councils for decision-making.
State Information Overview
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Municipalities | 39 |
| Number of Cities | 8 |
| Number of Towns | 31 |
| Largest City (Population) | Providence (190,934 Residents) |
| Smallest Municipality (Population) | New Shoreham (1,410 Residents) |
| Largest Municipality (Area) | Coventry (59.05 square miles) |
| Smallest Municipality (Area) | Central Falls (1.20 square miles) |
Cities and Towns by Alphabetical Letter
Cities in Rhode Island that start with B
- Barrington
- Bristol
- Burrillville
Cities in Rhode Island that start with C
- Central Falls
- Charlestown
- Coventry
- Cranston
- Cumberland
Cities in Rhode Island that start with E
- East Greenwich
- East Providence
- Exeter
Cities in Rhode Island that start with F
- Foster
Cities in Rhode Island that start with G
Cities in Rhode Island that start with H
Cities in Rhode Island that start with J
- Jamestown
- Johnston
Cities in Rhode Island that start with L
- Lincoln
- Little Compton
Cities in Rhode Island that start with M
- Middletown
Cities in Rhode Island that start with N
- Narragansett
- Newport
- New Shoreham
- North Kingstown
- North Providence
- North Smithfield+
Cities in Rhode Island that start with P
- Pawtucket
- Portsmouth
- Providence
Cities in Rhode Island that start with R
- Richmond
Cities in Rhode Island that start with S
- Scituate
- Smithfield
- South Kingstown
Cities in Rhode Island that start with T
Cities in Rhode Island that start with W
- Warren
- Warwick
- Westerly
- West Greenwich
- West Warwick
- Woonsocket
Note
Rhode Island has no towns in alphabetical order, beginning with the letters A, D, I, K, O, Q, U, V, X, Y, and Z.
Interactive Rhode Island Map
Questions & Answers
How many cities and towns does Rhode Island have?
Rhode Island has 8 cities and 31 towns
What is the name of the city in Rhode Island?
Providence
What cities and towns are in Providence County, RI?
Providence County, Rhode Island, comprises 16 cities and towns: Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, East Providence, Woonsocket, Central Falls, North Providence, Johnston, Cumberland, Lincoln, Smithfield, Burrillville, North Smithfield, Scituate, Glocester, and Foster.
