2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in Rhode Island — 2026

Last updated: July 19, 2026

90 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 02882 (Narragansett, RI) - 71/100
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 90 ZIP codes with data in Rhode Island, these are the highest-ranked areas for purchase risk. See also: National Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers — Hidden Risk Factors | All Rhode Island Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 90
Highest value 71/100
Median value 44/100
State Rhode Island

Top 90 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Purchase Risk Safety Score
1 02882 Narragansett RI 71/100 33/100
2 02888 Warwick RI 69/100 54/100
3 02836 Kenyon RI 66/100 53/100
4 02886 Warwick RI 64/100 54/100
5 02889 Warwick RI 64/100 49/100
6 02891 Westerly RI 63/100 41/100
7 02879 Wakefield RI 62/100 52/100
8 02876 Slatersville RI 60/100 74/100
9 02909 Providence RI 60/100 59/100
10 02833 Hopkinton RI 59/100 59/100
11 02804 Ashaway RI 58/100 69/100
12 02904 Providence RI 58/100 54/100
13 02905 Providence RI 58/100 59/100
14 02852 North Kingstown RI 57/100 54/100
15 02894 Wood River Junction RI 57/100 53/100
16 02907 Providence RI 56/100 64/100
17 02813 Charlestown RI 55/100 53/100
18 02822 Exeter RI 55/100 62/100
19 02840 Newport RI 55/100 67/100
20 02825 Foster RI 54/100 48/100
21 02887 Warwick RI 54/100 64/100
22 02880 Wakefield RI 53/100 67/100
23 02903 Providence RI 52/100 64/100
24 02908 Providence RI 52/100 64/100
25 02910 Cranston RI 51/100 45/100
26 02816 Coventry RI 50/100 55/100
27 02871 Portsmouth RI 50/100 60/100
28 02872 Prudence Island RI 50/100 79/100
29 02906 Providence RI 50/100 64/100
30 02802 Albion RI 49/100 63/100
31 02893 West Warwick RI 49/100 40/100
32 02874 Saunderstown RI 48/100 60/100
33 02878 Tiverton RI 48/100 72/100
34 02832 Hope Valley RI 47/100 64/100
35 02912 Providence RI 47/100 65/100
36 02918 Providence RI 47/100 65/100
37 02807 Block Island RI 46/100 65/100
38 02808 Bradford RI 46/100 53/100
39 02831 Hope RI 46/100 45/100
40 02860 Pawtucket RI 46/100 78/100
41 02863 Central Falls RI 46/100 55/100
42 02895 Woonsocket RI 45/100 74/100
43 02885 Warren RI 44/100 84/100
44 02896 North Smithfield RI 44/100 74/100
45 02898 Wyoming RI 44/100 65/100
46 02919 Johnston RI 44/100 50/100
47 02823 Fiskeville RI 43/100 40/100
48 02858 Oakland RI 43/100 63/100
49 02842 Middletown RI 42/100 72/100
50 02809 Bristol RI 41/100 80/100
51 02826 Glendale RI 41/100 83/100
52 02917 Smithfield RI 41/100 76/100
53 02920 Cranston RI 41/100 45/100
54 02814 Chepachet RI 40/100 78/100
55 02864 Cumberland RI 40/100 78/100
56 02865 Lincoln RI 40/100 78/100
57 02861 Pawtucket RI 39/100 83/100
58 02911 North Providence RI 39/100 50/100
59 02914 East Providence RI 39/100 73/100
60 02806 Barrington RI 38/100 55/100
61 02818 East Greenwich RI 38/100 35/100
62 02837 Little Compton RI 38/100 55/100
63 02815 Clayville RI 37/100 53/100
64 02835 Jamestown RI 37/100 71/100
65 02873 Rockville RI 37/100 40/100
66 02901 Providence RI 37/100 65/100
67 02902 Providence RI 37/100 69/100
68 02940 Providence RI 37/100 69/100
69 02841 Newport RI 36/100 82/100
70 02892 West Kingston RI 36/100 63/100
71 02881 Kingston RI 35/100 70/100
72 02916 Rumford RI 35/100 55/100
73 02875 Shannock RI 34/100 40/100
74 02915 Riverside RI 33/100 55/100
75 02824 Forestdale RI 32/100 53/100
76 02857 North Scituate RI 32/100 63/100
77 02859 Pascoag RI 32/100 78/100
78 02812 Carolina RI 31/100 40/100
79 02828 Greenville RI 31/100 83/100
80 02830 Harrisville RI 31/100 63/100
81 02817 West Greenwich RI 29/100 64/100
82 02838 Manville RI 29/100 63/100
83 02839 Mapleville RI 29/100 53/100
84 02827 Greene RI 28/100 63/100
85 02921 Cranston RI 26/100 55/100
86 02862 Pawtucket RI 25/100 83/100
87 02877 Slocum RI 24/100 53/100
88 02883 Peace Dale RI 24/100 40/100
89 02801 Adamsville RI 21/100 63/100
90 02829 Harmony RI 18/100 53/100

Methodology

The Home Purchase Risk Score combines environmental hazards that create unexpected costs for homebuyers: water system violations requiring filtration, lead service lines requiring replacement, radon requiring mitigation systems, flood zones requiring insurance, and aging infrastructure requiring upgrades. These are factors that standard home inspections may not fully capture.

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: 2026-07-19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Home Purchase Risk Score?

This score (0-100) estimates the hidden environmental costs a homebuyer may face: water filtration needs, lead pipe replacement, radon mitigation, flood insurance, and infrastructure upgrades. Higher scores mean more potential unexpected expenses after purchase.

What should homebuyers do in high-risk ZIP codes?

Request a water quality test, check for lead service lines with the utility, test for radon before closing, verify FEMA flood zone designation, and factor in potential remediation costs ($5,000-$30,000+) to your budget.

Explore More Rankings

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

Related Rankings

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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