PROVIDENCE – Providence County was the fastest-growing county in the Ocean State from July 1, 2013, to July 1, 2014, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Providence County’s population rose 0.3 percent – an addition of 1,803 people – during that time period for a population total of 631,974 residents. It also was the most populous county in Rhode Island.
Kent County was next, with growth of one-tenth of a percentage point, or 205 people, for a total of 165,128 residents. Third place went to Washington County with growth of one-tenth of a percentage point, or 113 people, for a total of 126,653 residents.
Bristol and Newport counties did not have an increase, the Census Bureau said.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Rhode Island ranked third, behind only the District of Columbia and New Jersey for “highest density” in 2014 with a population of 1,055,173, or a population of 1,020.6 per square mile.