Newport County, RI Property Tax: $5,345/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Newport County is 0.95% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $559,700, that works out to about $5,317 per year, or $443 per month. Newport County is located in eastern Rhode Island, and is home to approximately 85,095 residents.
About Newport County
Newport County covers approximately 102.4 square miles in Rhode Island. The county is home to about 85,095 residents living in roughly 43,554 housing units, of which 56.0% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $100,859, and the median home was built in 1963.
Newport County borders Bristol County, Bristol County, Kent County, Washington County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Rhode Island
Property taxes in Rhode Island are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Rhode Island offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Newport County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Newport County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newport County, RI | 0.95% | $559,700 | $5,317 |
| Rhode Island state average | 1.25% | — | $6,996* |
| Bristol County | 1.11% | $421,800 | $4,685 |
| Bristol County | 1.39% | $468,000 | $6,483 |
| Kent County | 1.47% | $333,900 | $4,903 |
| Washington County | 1.05% | $469,800 | $4,954 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Newport County's median home value of $559,700. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Newport County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Rhode Island?
At 0.95%, Newport County is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 1.25%. On a home at the county median of $559,700, that means about $5,317 per year — versus $6,996 at the state average rate, a difference of $1,679 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Newport County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Newport County?
For a home at the county median value of $559,700, the annual property tax in Newport County is approximately $5,317 — or about $443 per month. For a home worth $839,550, expect around $7,976 per year. For a $1,119,400 home, approximately $10,634 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Newport County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Newport County are handled by the Newport County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Newport County?
Rhode Island counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 0.95% shown here. Contact the Newport County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File