Narragansett is a town in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 16,361 at the 2000 census, although there is a greater population in the summer. The nickname for the town is 'Gansett.'
For geographic and demographic information on the village of Narragansett Pier, which is part of Narragansett, see the article Narragansett Pier.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.8 square miles (97.8 km²), of which, 14.1 square miles (36.6 km²) of it is land and 23.6 square miles (61.2 km²) 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).
The Towers, which pass over Ocean road along Rhode Island Sound, is Narragansett's most famous landmark.
Demographics
As of the census[1] 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/km²). There were 9,159 housing units at an average density of 647.4/sq mi (249.9/km²). 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. 27.2% of all households 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.
From September through May the town is home to many students from the University of Rhode Island located in nearby South Kingstown.
Recreation
Narragansett is known for its summer recreation and beaches.[1]
Three beaches that are most famous are:
- Narragansett Town Beach is located in the center of Narragansett, though it charges a fee- whereas other local beaches are free.
- Scarborough State Beach: The Scarborough Beach Complex comprises two separate areas, the North and South. Each has a pavilion, showers, 75 picnic tables, boardwalk and observation tower. There is a small fee for parking if you can't find a spot on nearby streets.
- Roger Wheeler State Beach
- Galilee (port)
Waves crashing on a rock in the atlantic ocean, visible from the Seawall of Narragansett.
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.
Narragansett Pier Middle School
National Register of Historic Places
Thirteen different buildings and districts in Narragansett are listed on the National Register of Historic Places:[3]
Cultural allusions
References
Coordinates: 41°27′00″N 71°26′58″W / 41.45°N 71.44944°W / 41.45; -71.44944
