Valley Falls CDP, RI: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Valley Falls CDP: The Data Profile (2026)

Valley Falls CDP represents a distinct statistical anomaly within the Rhode Island housing landscape. With a population of 12,370, it operates as a high-income satellite community. The median household income stands at $93,653, a robust 25.6% premium over the US median of $74,580. However, this earning power is not matched by educational attainment; only 27.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly trailing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "Post-Rural Affluent" sector: blue-collar managers and trade professionals earning above the national median who prioritize housing space over urban amenities. This group leverages the -1.1% housing index to purchase larger properties than they could afford in adjacent metropolitan hubs, accepting a trade-off in local services for equity growth.

Cost of Living Analysis

While housing and groceries remain competitive, the cost of living in Valley Falls is heavily skewed by New England energy and service premiums. The most critical data point for relocators is the electricity rate, which sits at 28.65 cents/kWh—a staggering 79.1% increase over the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. This creates a fixed-cost floor that impacts every household, regardless of size.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis: A single earner making the median income of $93,653 takes home approximately $5,650 monthly (after taxes). With a monthly burn rate of $2,965, the disposable income is roughly $2,685. This savings rate is healthy but vulnerable to the +47.9% healthcare inflation.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary value proposition of Valley Falls. The Housing Index of 98.9 indicates that real estate is slightly cheaper than the national baseline, which is rare for the Northeast corridor. The divergence between buying and renting is significant: renting a 1-bedroom unit is priced at $1,050, while the median home price is $385,000.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis: The data strongly favors buying for long-term residents. The price-to-rent ratio on a 3-bedroom home ($385k purchase vs $1,950 rent) suggests that purchasing builds equity faster than renting, provided the buyer holds the property for 5+ years. The -6.0% discount on Price/SqFt allows buyers to acquire approximately 1,640 sq ft for the national median price of $405,000.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

RTO (Return to Office) mandates have had a muted impact on Valley Falls. The community relies on a "Hybrid-Commuter" model. The local economy is anchored by healthcare support services and manufacturing, insulating it from pure tech-sector volatility.

• Unemployment: The rate is 4.3%, which is statistically identical to the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly growing, job market.
• Commute: Proximity to Providence and the I-95 corridor is key. Average commute times are 26 minutes, significantly lower than the 32-minute average for the Greater Providence area.
• RTO Impact: With only 27.6% college education, the workforce is less reliant on white-collar office mandates. The shift to remote work has increased local disposable income as fewer residents pay for commuter rail passes (estimated at $240/month).

Quality of Life Audit

Valley Falls presents a complex health profile. The aggregate Health Score is 80.5/100, which is considered "Good." However, this masks a high obesity rate of 32.0%, which is slightly above the US average of 31.9%. Conversely, the smoking rate is notably lower at 12.5%.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Crime: Violent crime is 12% below the national average, while property crime is 8% above average. Residents must prioritize home security systems.
• Air Quality: The AQI of 35 and PM2.5 of 5.0 µg/m³ are exceptional, ranking in the top 10% of US breathable environments.
• Schools: The student-teacher ratio is 14:1, slightly better than the national average of 16:1, though college readiness scores lag due to lower parental education levels.
• Weather: Today’s conditions of 52.0°F and Mostly Cloudy are indicative of the region: distinct seasons with long, gray winters and humid summers.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: You get 6.0% more square footage for your dollar compared to the US average.
• Income vs. COL: Median income is $93,653 against a slightly sub-par cost of living, creating a favorable wealth-building environment.
• Air Quality: AQI of 35 is a significant health asset.

Cons:

• Healthcare & Energy Costs: Budget +48% for healthcare and +79% for electricity. These are non-negotiable expenses.
• Health Risks: The obesity rate of 32.0% suggests an environment that may not support active lifestyle goals.
• Education: If you have college-bound children, the 27.6% education rate suggests you may need to supplement with private schooling.

Final Recommendation:
Valley Falls is a Buyer's Market for the Financially Disciplined. It is ideal for households earning between $85,000 - $110,000 who want to maximize home size and equity. It is not recommended for retirees on fixed incomes due to the high healthcare and utility premiums, nor for those requiring a vibrant, highly educated social scene.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Valley Falls?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 is required to cover the $2,965 monthly budget and maintain a 20% savings rate. For a family of four, the threshold rises to $115,000 due to the high cost of healthcare and utilities.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Providence?
Valley Falls offers -4.9% lower home prices than the Providence metro average but requires a 26-minute commute. However, you save approximately 16% on rent compared to the city center.

3. Are the crime statistics a concern?
While violent crime is low (12% below national average), property crime is slightly elevated (8% above). The data suggests investing in a home security system is a statistical necessity here.

4. When is the best time to move?
Move in late Spring (May-June). The weather is optimal (averaging 65°F), and the housing inventory peaks, allowing buyers to leverage the -4.9% price differential effectively before winter sets in.