Kent County is located in the Southwestern corner of Rhode Island and is bordered by Washington County to the west, Providence County to the east, and Bristol County to the south. The county covers an area of approximately 372 square miles with a population of 166,158 as of 2019. It is the least populous county in Rhode Island.
The geography of Kent County is mostly rural with rolling hills, flatlands, wetlands and small rivers crisscrossing its landscape. The highest point in Kent County rises to 836 feet and can be found at Brown Hill in Exeter. The county also has several lakes including Worden Pond, Worden’s Mill Pond and Lincoln Woods State Park Pond.
The climate of Kent County is generally temperate with warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from 20-80 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year with July being the hottest month at an average high temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter months are coldest with an average low temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit during January. Rainfall averages around 45 inches per year with snowfall averaging around 40 inches annually.
Economy of Kent County, Rhode Island
The economy of Kent County is primarily based on service industries, manufacturing, and tourism. Major employers in the county include the Department of Defense, Electric Boat Corporation, Amgen, and the University of Rhode Island. The largest manufacturing sector in Kent County is shipbuilding and repair with Electric Boat Corporation being the largest employer. Other major industries include healthcare, retail trade, hospitality and food services.
Tourism is a major economic driver in Kent County, with many attractions such as Newport’s mansions and beaches drawing thousands of visitors each year. Narragansett Bay is also a popular destination for sailing, fishing and other recreational activities. Additionally, there are several golf courses throughout the county including Green Valley Country Club in West Greenwich.
The unemployment rate in Kent County was 4.2% as of May 2019 which is slightly lower than the national average of 3.6%. The median household income for Kent County was $68,392 in 2018 which was higher than both Rhode Island’s median household income of $62,424 and the national median household income of $61,937 for that same year.
Libraries in Kent County, Rhode Island
According to babyinger, the libraries in Kent County, Rhode Island provide a wide variety of resources and services to the community. There are seven public libraries located throughout the county, including the East Greenwich Free Library, Exeter Public Library, Coventry Public Library, North Kingstown Public Library, Richmond Public Library, West Greenwich Free Library and Westerly Public Library. All of these libraries offer wireless internet access and a wide selection of books, magazines and other materials.
In addition to offering patrons access to physical resources such as books and magazines, many of these libraries also provide patrons with access to digital resources such as online databases and e-books. Patrons can also take advantage of the library’s computer lab which offers free internet access as well as printing services. Additionally, each library offers educational programs for children such as story time or after school activities.
The libraries in Kent County also offer patrons access to technology such as 3D printers, virtual reality headsets and other digital media devices. Additionally, many of these libraries have begun offering patrons access to items such as telescopes or musical instruments which can be borrowed for a period of time.
The libraries in Kent County are an invaluable resource for the community providing access to information and technology that would otherwise be out of reach for many people. With their wide range of services and resources available at no cost to patrons, they continue to serve an important role in the county’s education system.
Landmarks in Kent County, Rhode Island
Kent County, Rhode Island is home to a variety of landmarks that represent the history and culture of the area. One of the most notable landmarks in Kent County is the historic Peace Dale Congregational Church. Built in 1839, this church was one of the first churches in what is now South Kingstown. The building features a traditional Greek Revival-style architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. See Ehangzhou for best time to visit Rhode Island.
Another landmark in Kent County is Tower Hill Botanical Garden which covers more than 200 acres and features a variety of gardens, meadows, woodlands and ponds. This botanical garden includes several rare plant species and offers visitors an array of educational programs throughout the year.
The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace Museum in Saunderstown is another landmark in Kent County. This museum celebrates the life and work of renowned colonial-era portrait painter Gilbert Stuart who was born here in 1755. Visitors can explore exhibits that feature Stuart’s artwork as well as tools used for painting during his time period.
The Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area located in West Kingston is another popular landmark in Kent County. This wildlife management area spans over 1,000 acres and provides visitors with access to trails for hiking, fishing spots, birding areas and opportunities to observe wildlife such as white-tailed deer, beavers or muskrats.
Finally, one of the most distinctive landmarks located in Kent County is Fort Adams State Park which features a large stone fortress built between 1824 – 1857 by French architect Joseph-Jacques Ramee for coastal defense purposes during the American Revolution era. Visitors can explore this historic fort as well as take advantage of recreational opportunities such as swimming or sailing at nearby beaches or fishing from Fort Adams Pier.
These landmarks are all part of what makes Kent County special and provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about its history while also enjoying outdoor activities or exploring its natural beauty.