2026 Rankings

Environmental Justice Areas in Rhode Island — 2026

Last updated: June 4, 2026

88 ZIP codes ranked by EJ Index #1: ZIP 02822 (Exeter, RI) — 70/100
Lead Violations Lowest Score Safest Flood Risk Energy Cost Radon PFAS Reliability EJ Index Homebuyer Risk CO & Gas Safest Gas Remediation Burden Unresolved Violations (by Utility) Water Equity (by Utility)

Out of 88 ZIP codes with data in Rhode Island, these are the highest-ranked areas for ej index. See also: National ZIP Codes with Highest Environmental Justice Concern | All Rhode Island Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 88
Highest value 70/100
Median value 32/100
State Rhode Island

Top 88 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State EJ Index Safety Score
1 02822 Exeter RI 70/100 62/100
2 02825 Foster RI 70/100 48/100
3 02876 Slatersville RI 70/100 74/100
4 02871 Portsmouth RI 62/100 60/100
5 02879 Wakefield RI 62/100 52/100
6 02880 Wakefield RI 62/100 67/100
7 02886 Warwick RI 62/100 54/100
8 02813 Charlestown RI 52/100 53/100
9 02901 Providence RI 52/100 65/100
10 02917 Smithfield RI 52/100 76/100
11 02833 Hopkinton RI 50/100 59/100
12 02852 North Kingstown RI 50/100 54/100
13 02860 Pawtucket RI 50/100 78/100
14 02882 Narragansett RI 50/100 33/100
15 02895 Woonsocket RI 50/100 74/100
16 02907 Providence RI 50/100 64/100
17 02814 Chepachet RI 44/100 78/100
18 02816 Coventry RI 44/100 55/100
19 02872 Prudence Island RI 44/100 79/100
20 02887 Warwick RI 42/100 64/100
21 02888 Warwick RI 42/100 54/100
22 02889 Warwick RI 42/100 49/100
23 02903 Providence RI 42/100 64/100
24 02904 Providence RI 42/100 54/100
25 02905 Providence RI 42/100 59/100
26 02909 Providence RI 42/100 59/100
27 02809 Bristol RI 40/100 80/100
28 02818 East Greenwich RI 40/100 35/100
29 02824 Forestdale RI 40/100 53/100
30 02826 Glendale RI 40/100 83/100
31 02828 Greenville RI 40/100 83/100
32 02835 Jamestown RI 40/100 71/100
33 02840 Newport RI 40/100 67/100
34 02842 Middletown RI 40/100 72/100
35 02864 Cumberland RI 40/100 78/100
36 02881 Kingston RI 40/100 70/100
37 02911 North Providence RI 40/100 50/100
38 02919 Johnston RI 40/100 50/100
39 02863 Central Falls RI 38/100 55/100
40 02874 Saunderstown RI 36/100 60/100
41 02804 Ashaway RI 34/100 69/100
42 02865 Lincoln RI 34/100 78/100
43 02896 North Smithfield RI 34/100 74/100
44 02902 Providence RI 32/100 69/100
45 02906 Providence RI 32/100 64/100
46 02908 Providence RI 32/100 64/100
47 02912 Providence RI 32/100 65/100
48 02918 Providence RI 32/100 65/100
49 02940 Providence RI 32/100 69/100
50 02898 Wyoming RI 30/100 65/100
51 02832 Hope Valley RI 26/100 64/100
52 02878 Tiverton RI 26/100 72/100
53 02817 West Greenwich RI 24/100 64/100
54 02891 Westerly RI 24/100 41/100
55 02892 West Kingston RI 24/100 63/100
56 02806 Barrington RI 20/100 55/100
57 02807 Block Island RI 20/100 65/100
58 02808 Bradford RI 20/100 53/100
59 02812 Carolina RI 20/100 40/100
60 02815 Clayville RI 20/100 53/100
61 02823 Fiskeville RI 20/100 40/100
62 02827 Greene RI 20/100 63/100
63 02830 Harrisville RI 20/100 63/100
64 02831 Hope RI 20/100 45/100
65 02836 Kenyon RI 20/100 53/100
66 02838 Manville RI 20/100 63/100
67 02839 Mapleville RI 20/100 53/100
68 02841 Newport RI 20/100 82/100
69 02858 Oakland RI 20/100 63/100
70 02859 Pascoag RI 20/100 78/100
71 02861 Pawtucket RI 20/100 83/100
72 02862 Pawtucket RI 20/100 83/100
73 02875 Shannock RI 20/100 40/100
74 02883 Peace Dale RI 20/100 40/100
75 02885 Warren RI 20/100 84/100
76 02893 West Warwick RI 20/100 40/100
77 02894 Wood River Junction RI 20/100 53/100
78 02910 Cranston RI 20/100 45/100
79 02915 Riverside RI 20/100 55/100
80 02916 Rumford RI 20/100 55/100
81 02920 Cranston RI 20/100 45/100
82 02921 Cranston RI 20/100 55/100
83 02802 Albion RI 14/100 63/100
84 02801 Adamsville RI 12/100 63/100
85 02837 Little Compton RI 12/100 55/100
86 02873 Rockville RI 12/100 40/100
87 02914 East Providence RI 10/100 73/100
88 02857 North Scituate RI 4/100 63/100

Methodology

The Environmental Justice Index combines environmental risk factors (water violations, lead, flooding) with socioeconomic vulnerability indicators. Higher values indicate communities facing disproportionate environmental burden. This metric highlights areas where infrastructure investment and policy attention are most needed.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-06-04.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Environmental Justice Index?

The EJ Index identifies communities that face disproportionate environmental hazards relative to their socioeconomic resilience. Areas with high violation counts, aging infrastructure, AND vulnerable populations score highest. These areas need the most infrastructure investment.

Why does environmental justice matter for homebuyers?

High EJ Index areas often have deferred infrastructure maintenance, slower violation resolution, and less access to clean water alternatives. For homebuyers, this means potential hidden costs for water filtration, flood insurance, and home remediation.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →

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Water Safety 2026 EPA violations and water quality scores Lead Risk 2026 Lead pipe infrastructure and EPA exceedances Infrastructure 2026 Aging pipes, system age and remediation costs
Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

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