| ZIP Code | 02879 |
|---|---|
| City | Wakefield |
| State | Rhode Island (RI) |
| County | Washington County |
| Area Code | 401 |
| Elevation | 119 ft |
| Latitude | 41.428836 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -71.538376 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 44009 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 47.4 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.36 |
| Below Poverty | 5.8% ▼ 42% below avg |
| College Grads | 67.2% ▲ 73% above avg |
| Unemployment | 6.3% ▲ 28% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 120 (0.8%) |
| HS Graduate | 2,271 (14.4%) |
| Some College | 1,086 (6.9%) |
| Associates | 1,682 (10.7%) |
| Bachelors | 1,234 (7.9%) |
| Graduate Degree | 9,326 (59.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $115,848 ▲ 52% above avg ↑ 30% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $515,800 ▲ 85% above avg ↑ 39% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.5x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,281/mo ↑ 3% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 11,959 |
| Vacant Units | 2,460 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.36 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 11,959 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 2,460 |
| Owner Occupied | 79.0% |
| Renter Occupied | 21.0% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.36 |
ZIP code 02879 is located in Wakefield, Rhode Island, within Washington County. With a population of 22,628, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 47.4 years. Economically, 02879 is a upper-middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $115,848 is significantly above the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 02879 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $515,800 is significantly above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,281 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 79.0% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 39% since 2019.
The population of 02879 is primarily White (89.29%). Residents are highly educated — 67.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is significantly above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 5.8%. Household income has grown by 30% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 02879 stands at 6.3%, which is above the national average. About 15% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 77%.
Overall, ZIP code 02879 in Wakefield, RI is characterized as upper-middle-income, highly educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 22,628 residents, a median household income of $115,848, and a median home value of $515,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Rhode Island.