What is the property tax rate in Bristol County?

The combined effective property tax rate in Bristol County, Rhode Island is approximately 1.50%.

Bristol County Property Tax Calculator (2026) — Rhode Island Property Tax Almanac

Property Tax in Bristol County, 2026

A calculator and field guide for Bristol-area homeowners — and for anyone considering a move to Bristol County — including Rhode Island's 100% full-and-fair-cash-value assessment, RI's distinctive structure (NO county government — abolished 1842, the FIRST US state to do so; 39 cities/towns assess, each setting its own rate), the dramatic town-variable homestead exemption (Providence 40% AV reduction, East Providence 14%, Cranston $12,495 fixed, many towns 0%), classified rates in some towns (different rates for owner-occupied vs commercial vs non-owner-occupied), the refundable Property Tax Relief Credit (RI-1040H, up to $675 for 65+/disabled with HHI ≤ $40K), and town-variable veteran exemptions ($1,000 state minimum, some towns provide near-full exemption). RI effective rates run ~1.40% statewide median.

Bristol County is part of Rhode Island's town-driven property tax system. Rhode Island assesses at 100% of full and fair cash value. Tax = AV × city/town total rate / 1,000. RI has 39 total municipalities (8 cities + 31 towns) that assess. RI abolished county government in 1842 — the FIRST US state to do so. The 5 counties remain as census/judicial divisions only. Bristol's representative effective rate is ~1.50%. RI runs ~1.40% statewide median, with dramatic town-by-town variation.

How the bill is built

Each city/town's assessor determines FMV; RI requires reassessment every 9 years (RI Gen. Laws §44-5-11.6) plus statistical updates between. Tax = FMV × city/town rate / 1,000. Bristol's representative rate is ~15 mills (~1.50% effective). Some RI cities/towns use CLASSIFIED rates (different for owner-occupied vs commercial vs non-owner-occupied residential vs personal property). Bills typically issue quarterly (August/November/February/May).

Homestead exemptions are town-variable — no statewide program. Each city/town sets its own. Wide range: Providence offers 40% AV reduction (among the most generous owner-occupied exemptions in the US), East Providence 14%, Cranston $12,495 fixed, many towns 0%. Apply with city/town assessor; deadlines vary by municipality (typically Dec 31 of prior year).

RI Property Tax Relief Credit + town-variable vet exemptions. The Property Tax Relief Credit (form RI-1040H) is a REFUNDABLE state income tax credit up to $675 (2025) for homeowners 65+/disabled with HHI ≤ $40K. Veteran exemptions: state minimums ($1,000 standard / $1,000-$10,000 by disability rating) plus town enhancements — some towns (Providence, Warwick, Newport) provide near-full exemption for 100% P&T disabled, but RI is NOT a categorical full-vet-exemption state.

2026 Bristol County rate breakdown (city/town rate per $1,000 of AV (100% full-and-fair-cash-value; cities/towns assess — RI abolished county govt 1842), Bristol district)

Taxing entity	Rate
City/town owner-occupied residential rate (Bristol ~$13.55/$1,000 ~1.30%, Warren ~$17.92/$1,000 ~1.65%, Barrington ~$15.92/$1,000 ~1.55% on substantially higher home values × 100% AR; county avg ~1.50% effective)	15.0000
Combined total	15.0000

As of April 27, 2026 · From City and Town Tax Assessors of Bristol County (no county government — RI abolished county govt 1842; cities and towns assess; Bristol = oldest US continuous July 4th parade since 1785).

Note: Bristol County is **the smallest Rhode Island county by population** (~50K) + the home of the **oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the United States** — anchored by **Bristol** (~22K — for the **Fourth of July Parade** held continuously since **1785** — 240 years and counting — as the **oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States** + annual July 4 parade drawing **200,000+ attendees** + **red-white-and-blue painted center line** down Hope Street + 1797-built **Linden Place** the 1810-built **George DeWolf** American 1810 Federal-style mansion + **Bristol Historical & Preservation Society** + home of **Roger Williams University** the 1956-founded American private university ~5,000 students + annual **Roger Williams University Hawks** NCAA Division III athletics + **Mt. Hope Bay** historic + **Colt State Park** 464-acre coastal park), **Warren** (~11K — 1747-incorporated town along Warren River + 18th-19th-century industrial heritage + **Warren Historic District** + **Maxwell Mays artist home + studio**), and **Barrington** (~18K — affluent Providence suburb across Providence Harbor + **Barrington schools** consistently as among the highest-ranked in Rhode Island + **Barrington Beach** the public Mt. Hope Bay beach). Major employment includes substantial **Roger Williams University**, the annual Bristol July 4 parade tourism (~200K+ annual attendees in single weekend), and substantial Barrington-anchored Providence commuter belt + affluent professional services.

Note: Bristol County effective property tax rates run approximately **1.50%** — moderate-high by Rhode Island standards. Bristol ~$13.55/$1,000 ~1.30% effective, Warren ~$17.92/$1,000 ~1.65%, Barrington ~$15.92/$1,000 ~1.55%. Median home values around $425K (substantially elevated by Barrington premium) combined with the moderate-high effective rate produce median annual bills around $6,375.

Note: For relocation buyers: Bristol County offers **the Bristol July 4 + Roger Williams University + affluent Barrington + Mt. Hope Bay** option — substantial Roger Williams University-anchored economy, the **Bristol Fourth of July Parade** the American oldest continuous Independence Day celebration heritage, exceptional Mt. Hope Bay coastal recreation (the **Colt State Park** + Bristol coastal access), the **Barrington schools** (consistently among the highest-ranked in Rhode Island — **Barrington High School** Massachusetts/Connecticut-rivaling SAT scores), the **Linden Place** historic mansion, and reasonable Providence/Boston reach (Bristol to Providence ~17 mi via I-195/Route 114, Bristol to Boston ~55 mi via I-195 + I-95). The trade-off: aggressive Barrington housing prices (Barrington median home $635K, the **Rumstick Point** waterfront $1.2M+), persistent Warren post-industrial economic transition, substantial seasonal/tourism population variation during Bristol July 4 weekend.

Deductions and exemptions for 2026

Rhode Island homeowner property tax relief operates through several mechanisms — primarily through town-variable homestead exemptions (no statewide uniform), plus the State Property Tax Relief Credit on the income tax return, plus partial veteran AV reductions. Rhode Island's primary relief mechanisms: (1) Town homestead exemptions (varies by city/town — Providence 40%, East Providence 14%, Cranston $12,495 fixed, many towns 0%); (2) the State Property Tax Relief Credit (form RI-1040H — refundable RI income tax credit up to $675 for 65+/disabled with HHI ≤ $40K); (3) the Standard Veteran Exemption ($1,000 statewide minimum AV reduction); (4) the Disabled Veteran Exemption ($1,000-$10,000+ AV reduction by VA disability percentage); and (5) town-variable senior exemptions adopted by individual cities and towns.

Town Homestead Exemption (varies by city/town)

Rhode Island has NO statewide homestead exemption. Each city/town adopts its own through local ordinance — wide variation. Providence: 40% residential exemption (one of the most generous owner-occupied exemptions in the US — applied as a percentage AV reduction to qualifying primary residences). East Providence: 14% AV reduction. Cranston: $12,495 fixed. Warwick: varies by classification. Many smaller towns offer no homestead exemption at all. Eligibility: must be owner-occupied primary residence (typically as of December 31 of prior year for the next tax bill). Apply with city/town tax assessor — application deadlines vary by municipality (typically December 31). The 40% Providence exemption saves substantially (e.g., on a $400K home with the Providence rate of $18.48/$1,000 post-exemption, an investor pays ~$7,392 while an owner-occupant on the same property pays ~$4,435 — a $2,957/year owner-occupant savings).

State Property Tax Relief Credit (form RI-1040H)

Rhode Island's structurally distinctive senior/disability relief mechanism — a REFUNDABLE Rhode Island individual income tax credit for property tax (or rent equivalent) paid by homeowners or renters age 65+ or disabled. For 2025 tax year (claimed on 2026 RI income tax return): maximum credit $675, with household income limit at or below ~$40,000 (limit is indexed annually). Claimed on Form RI-1040H with the state income tax return. Paid as state income tax refund regardless of whether income tax is owed. Income limits include Social Security, pensions, IRA distributions — most income types count. The credit is administered by the Rhode Island Division of Taxation, not by the cities/towns.

Standard Veteran Exemption (statewide minimum)

$1,000 statewide minimum AV reduction for veterans (~$14 saving at typical rate). Towns may adopt higher amounts. Eligibility: military service during recognized period + DD-214 + RI residency. Apply with city/town assessor by city/town deadline (typically December 31).

Disabled Veteran Exemption (statewide minimum)

$1,000-$10,000+ AV reduction by VA disability percentage (effective saving ~$282-$5,808 at typical rate). 10-25% rating: $1,000-$2,500; 50-75%: $5,000-$10,000; 100% P&T: up to $20,000+ in some towns. Specially Adapted Housing veterans receive separate higher exemption (some towns provide near-full exemption). Gold Star Parent receives $5,808+ exemption. Surviving spouses of qualifying disabled veterans continue to qualify.

Town Senior Exemptions (city/town option)

In addition to the State Property Tax Relief Credit, individual cities and towns may adopt their own senior property tax exemptions through local ordinance. Providence, Cranston, Warwick, and others provide additional senior exemptions on top of the state credit. Check with your city/town tax assessor for current local senior exemption amounts and eligibility.

Appealing your assessment

Rhode Island property tax appeals follow a 3-tier process. Level 1: City/Town Tax Assessor. File written appeal with city/town assessor within 90 days of first installment due date. The assessor must respond within 45 days. Level 2: Local Tax Board of Review (LTBR). Appeal within 30 days of assessor's decision (or after 45-day response window expires). The LTBR is a 3-member board appointed by the city/town. Level 3: Rhode Island Superior Court. Appeal within 30 days of LTBR decision. Most appeals are resolved at Level 1 or 2.

Cities and towns in Bristol County

Bristol County contains 3 incorporated municipalities, ranging from Bristol to the smallest village. Search volume for property tax is often city-specific, so here is the complete list — with population from the 2020 US Census, rounded to the nearest 100.

Data: US Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census. Populations rounded. Cities marked as "split" straddle a county border — the portion inside Bristol County is subject to Bristol County's tax rolls, while the portion outside is subject to the adjacent county's.

City or town	Type	Population (2020)
Bristol County seat	town	22,000
Barrington	town	18,000
Warren	town	11,000

About city-level property tax rates: The rate breakdown and calculator on this page reflect the Bristol tax district. Other cities in Bristol County may pay into different school districts, city rates, and special districts — so their combined rates can differ, sometimes substantially. Always verify the specific rates for your address with the City and Town Tax Assessors of Bristol County (no county government — RI abolished county govt 1842; cities and towns assess; Bristol = oldest US continuous July 4th parade since 1785) before relying on any estimate.

Frequently asked questions

When are Rhode Island property taxes due?

Rhode Island property tax bills are typically issued in 4 quarterly installments per year — most RI cities/towns due August, November, February, and May (exact dates vary by municipality). RI's tax year aligns with the city/town fiscal year (most: July 1 – June 30). Late payments accrue interest at varying rates by municipality. Most homeowners pay through escrow via mortgage servicer.

Why did Rhode Island abolish county government?

Rhode Island abolished county government in 1842 — the FIRST US state to do so, 118 years before Connecticut's 1960 abolition. The 1842 decision was driven by RI's small geography (smallest US state by area) — counties were redundant given the small distances between cities/towns and the RI capital in Providence. RI's 5 counties (Providence, Kent, Washington, Newport, Bristol) are census/judicial divisions only — there is no county-level tax, no county-level government, no county executive or commission. The 39 RI municipalities (8 cities + 31 towns) handle all functions that counties handle in most other states (assessment, tax collection, schools, social services, etc.).

How does Providence's 40% homestead exemption work?

The City of Providence offers a 40% residential exemption (one of the most generous owner-occupied exemptions in the US) applied as a percentage AV reduction to qualifying primary residences. Eligibility: must be owner-occupied primary residence as of December 31 of prior year. Apply with the City of Providence Assessor's Office — annual application required. The 40% exemption substantially reduces taxes for owner-occupants vs investors/landlords. On a $400,000 home: an investor pays Providence's full residential rate (~$30.80/$1,000 pre-exemption) = ~$12,320; an owner-occupant pays the same rate × 60% of FMV = ~$7,392 — a $4,928/year owner-occupant savings. Note: the rate applied to owner-occupants vs non-owner-occupants is structured slightly differently in Providence's classified rate system; net effect is the same.

Why are Rhode Island effective property tax rates so high?

Rhode Island effective rates run ~1.40% statewide median — above the national average of 1.10%. Three structural reasons: (1) School funding — Rhode Island funds K-12 public education almost entirely through municipal property taxes, so property tax does substantial revenue work. (2) Small-state economics — Rhode Island has only ~1.1M residents but maintains a full state government, court system, and 39 municipalities; property tax is a primary funding source. (3) Limited commercial/industrial tax base in many towns — outside Providence, Newport, and Warwick, many RI municipalities have limited large-scale commercial/industrial property; residential property carries proportionally more of the burden. RI rate stratification within the small state is dramatic — Newport City at $8.20/$1,000 (substantial mansion + commercial + tourism tax base) and Block Island at $6.70/$1,000 (substantial summer tourism tax base) at the low end; Providence at $24+/$1,000 owner-occupied residential and Central Falls at $24+/$1,000 at the high end.

How does Rhode Island's State Property Tax Relief Credit work?

The Property Tax Relief Credit (form RI-1040H) is a REFUNDABLE Rhode Island state income tax credit up to $675 (2025) for homeowners or renters age 65+ or disabled with household income at or below $40,000 (limit indexed annually). Claimed on Form RI-1040H with the state income tax return. Paid as state income tax refund regardless of whether income tax is owed. Income includes Social Security, pensions, IRA distributions — most income types count. The credit is administered by the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. In addition, individual cities and towns may adopt their own senior property tax exemptions through local ordinance — Providence, Cranston, Warwick, and others provide additional senior exemptions on top of the state credit.

How does Rhode Island's Disabled Veteran Exemption work?

Rhode Island's veteran exemption is partial AV reduction with significant town variation. The Standard Veteran Exemption is $1,000 statewide minimum AV reduction (~$14 saving at typical rate); towns may adopt higher amounts. The Disabled Veteran Exemption is $1,000-$10,000+ AV reduction by VA disability percentage (10-25% rating: $1,000-$2,500; 50-75%: $5,000-$10,000; 100% P&T: up to $20,000+ in some towns; effective saving ~$282-$5,808 at typical rate). The Specially Adapted Housing Veteran receives separate higher exemption (some towns provide near-full exemption). The Gold Star Parent receives $5,808+ exemption. Surviving spouses of qualifying disabled veterans continue to qualify. Some RI towns (Providence, East Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Middletown, Newport, North Kingstown) provide near-full exemption for 100% P&T disabled veterans through generous town-level exemptions, but this is NOT statewide policy. Rhode Island does NOT provide a categorical full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans statewide — RI joins the partial-treatment list (CT, NH, NV, UT, KY, ME, VT). Apply with city/town assessor by city/town deadline (typically December 31).

About Bristol County

Beyond the property tax — a few things you might not know about the place.

Weird fact

The **Bristol Fourth of July Parade** (held continuously since **1785** — **240 years and counting**) is **the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States** — **240 consecutive years** of annual July 4 parades 1785-2025. The 1785 founding by **Reverend Henry Wight** the American Congregational minister as American religious + civic leader. The **red-white-and-blue painted center line** down **Hope Street** in Bristol is the **only permanently-painted patriotic street centerline in America** — repainted annually + extends 2.5 miles down Hope Street from High Street to Memorial Square. The annual July 4 parade draws **200,000+ annual attendees** + **150+ parade units** including marching bands + military units + antique cars + **Bristol Town Council officials** + **Bristol Police + Fire departments** + dozens of American patriotic organizations. The **Bristol July 4 weekend** + **Bristol Concert Series** + **Bristol Independence Day Ball** are as the American patriotic cultural heritage weekend. **Linden Place** in Bristol (built **1810** by **George DeWolf** — American 1810s slave-trade merchant who lost 1825 bankruptcy) is the 1810-built **Federal-style mansion** + 1990 American National Historic Landmark designation + 1973 Universal Pictures *The Great Gatsby* film location + subsequent dozens of film locations. **Roger Williams University** in Bristol (founded **1919** as YMCA-affiliated Junior College of Connecticut, 1956 relocation to Bristol RI + 1992 namesake change) is known for **5,000 students** + **Roger Williams University Hawks** NCAA Division III athletics + **School of Architecture** + **School of Law** the 1993-founded American law school. The **Colt State Park** in Bristol (1965-established RI state park — 464-acre coastal park formerly **Samuel Pomeroy ColtU.S. Rubber Company** 19th-century industrial heir 1850s-1921 estate) draws 800,000+ annual visitors with 4-mile coastal drive + **Stone Walls** coastal trail + Mt. Hope Bay coastal views.

Hometown hero

George DeWolf + Roger Williams University + countless Bristol County figures

**George DeWolf** (1779-1844 — American 1810s slave-trade merchant + **Linden Place** 1810-built Bristol mansion owner) is the American 19th-century slave-trade industrialist who lost 1825 bankruptcy + subsequent **Linden Place** sale to **William Bradford** 1837 5th US Vice President + subsequent **George DeWolf Jr.** 1850s reacquisition. The **DeWolf family** is as American 18th-19th-century Rhode Island slave-trade merchant family — estimated **18,000+ enslaved Africans** trafficked by DeWolf family 1769-1820 51 years (the American largest 18th-19th-century single family slave-trade operation) — subsequent **2008 PBS documentary *Traces of the Trade*** by **Katrina Browne** the DeWolf descendant + **2014 Episcopal Church formal apology** for DeWolf-Episcopal slave-trade complicity. **Other notable Bristol County figures** include: **Reverend Henry Wight** (1750s-1830s — American Congregational minister + 1785 **Bristol Fourth of July Parade** founder); **Sen. John H. Chafee** (1922-1999 — 66th Governor of Rhode Island 1963-1969 + US Secretary of the Navy 1969-1972 under President Nixon + US Senator from Rhode Island 1976-1999 — born in Providence with long-term Newport County residence); dozens of American 19th-20th-century political + business leaders.

Biggest annual event

Bristol July 4 Parade + Roger Williams University + Colt State Park + Linden Place

The **Bristol Fourth of July Parade** (annual since 1785 — American oldest continuous Independence Day celebration) draws **200,000+ annual attendees** over July 4 weekend — as the American patriotic cultural heritage. The **Roger Williams University Hawks** athletic annual NCAA Division III programs (basketball, soccer, lacrosse) annual cultural programming. The **Colt State Park** in Bristol draws 800,000+ annual visitors. The **Linden Place** Bristol historic mansion draws 25,000+ annual visitors. The **Barrington Beach** + **Mt. Hope Bay** coastal recreation draws 200,000+ annual visitors.

Property Tax in Bristol County, 2026