Property Tax Rate in Rhode Island 2025 — Effective Rate, Median Bill, Homestead

1.40% Effective property tax rate

$4,734 Median annual bill (ACS 2022)

137% Of U.S. national median

4% annual levy cap Annual assessment cap

    Homestead exemption: Set by municipality. Providence 40% homestead exemption for owner-occupied 1–5 unit residential.

    Statutory authority: R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-3-31

What the median Rhode Island homeowner pays

Median annual property tax (ACS 2022, B25103)$4,734

= Median monthly property tax$395

Effective rate (Tax Foundation 2024)1.40%

Tax per $100,000 of home value$1,400

Median bill is the actual ACS 2022 figure for owner-occupied housing units in Rhode Island. Your specific bill will vary by county and municipality — local mill rates can swing the effective rate by 30%+ within a single state.

What This Means for Investment Property in Rhode Island

The effective property tax rate is the single most important fixed operating expense for buy-and-hold rental property. At 1.40%, every $100,000 of Rhode Island property value generates approximately $1,400 in annual property tax — money that comes off the top before any other expense, debt service, or vacancy reserve.

Rhode Island's effective rate of 1.40% is roughly in line with the U.S. median (~1.02%). Within the state, however, county and municipal mill rates can vary widely — always verify the actual bill from the county assessor before underwriting.

Investor warning: Rhode Island's 4% annual levy cap applies only to owner-occupied primary residences. When you acquire a property as a non-owner-occupant rental, the cap typically does NOT apply, and the property may be reassessed to current market value at transfer. Build the post-transfer reassessment into your year-1 underwriting.

Homestead Exemption Detail for Rhode Island

Set by municipality. Providence 40% homestead exemption for owner-occupied 1–5 unit residential.

The exemption is granted under R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-3-31. To claim it, owner-occupants must typically file an application with the county assessor (most states require filing once, with renewal triggered only by change of ownership or use). Failure to file the application means full taxation at the non-homestead rate.

How Rhode Island Compares Nationally

U.S. national median effective rate: ~1.02% (Tax Foundation 2024).
Highest effective rate state: New Jersey (2.23%).
Lowest effective rate state: Hawaii (0.32%).
Rhode Island rank: Effective rate of 1.40% — see the full ranking table.

Sources & Methodology

Effective rate: Tax Foundation, "Property Taxes Paid as a Percentage of Owner-Occupied Housing Value," 2024 publication using U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2022 5-year estimates (Tables B25103 and B25077).
Median bill: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2022 5-year, Table B25103 (Median Real Estate Taxes Paid for Owner-Occupied Housing Units).
Homestead exemption and assessment cap: R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-3-31 and Rhode Island Department of Revenue / Assessor publications.

Related Guides for Rhode Island Landlords

← Rhode Island Eviction Risk Overview Landlord Insurance Guide Security Deposit Limits Rent Increase Rules

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in Rhode Island?

The effective property tax rate in Rhode Island is 1.40% of fair market value, according to Tax Foundation analysis of U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2022 data published in 2024. The median Rhode Island homeowner pays $4,734 annually in property taxes. That is approximately 137% of the U.S. national median effective rate of 1.02%.

What is the homestead exemption in Rhode Island?

Set by municipality. Providence 40% homestead exemption for owner-occupied 1–5 unit residential. Statutory authority: R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-3-31.

Do investment properties get the same tax breaks in Rhode Island?

Generally no. Homestead exemptions, primary-residence assessment caps, and senior/disabled credits in Rhode Island apply only to owner-occupied primary residences. Rental properties are typically taxed at full assessed value with no cap on annual reassessment growth, unlike owner-occupied homes which benefit from the 4% annual levy cap.

How are property taxes calculated in Rhode Island?

Local assessors determine fair market value (or taxable value, depending on the state). The taxable value is then multiplied by the local millage rate set by counties, municipalities, school districts, and special districts. Rhode Island's effective rate of 1.40% reflects the combined burden of all local taxing jurisdictions on the underlying market value of the property.

Effective rate source: Tax Foundation analysis of Census ACS 2022 (published 2024). Statutory citation: R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-3-31. Last updated April 29, 2026. For informational purposes only — not tax or legal advice. Consult a CPA or tax attorney for your specific situation.