Cranston is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island. It is part of the Providence metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, Cranston had a population of 81,274, making it the second largest city in Rhode Island after Providence.
Population
The population of Cranston grew rapidly in the years following World War II. In the 1950 census, the population was 55,020. By 1970 it had grown to 76,060. The population peaked in the 2000 census at 79,269 residents. As of the 2020 census, the population had declined slightly to 81,274 residents.
Cranston has a fairly diverse population. As of the 2010 census, the racial and ethnic makeup of the city was:
- 77.6% White
- 6.3% Black or African American
- 0.5% Native American
- 4.8% Asian
- 8.7% Some other race
- 2.1% Two or more races
- 20.8% Hispanic or Latino of any race
Cranston saw its peak population in 2000 before declining slightly. The population is fairly diverse with significant white, black, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian populations.
Economy and Major Employers
The economy of Cranston is diverse with major industries including healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and financial services. Some of the largest private sector employers in Cranston are:
- Citizens Bank – 2,200 employees
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island – 1,567 employees
- Hasbro – 1,464 employees
- AAA Southern New England – 965 employees
- CVS Health – 700 employees
The single largest employer in the city is the Cranston Public Schools system with over 1,200 employees. Healthcare and financial services are major industries, while manufacturing remains an important sector with employers like Hasbro and CVS Health.
Points of Interest
Some of the most popular landmarks and points of interest in Cranston include:
- Cranston City Hall – The historic city hall building dates back to 1910 and is located in downtown Cranston. It houses the city’s administrative offices.
- Roger Williams Park – This 435 acre park is home to a zoo, botanical center, carousel village, and museum of natural history.
- Meshanticut State Park – Located in western Cranston, this state park offers hiking trails, fishing, and a freshwater beach.
- Cranston Stadium – The stadium hosts sporting events and concerts. It is home to the Cranston Western Little League.
- Historic Pawtuxet Village – This historic district along the Pawtuxet River has over 80 preserved colonial buildings, shops, and restaurants.
The city has numerous historic sites, outdoor recreational areas, and entertainment venues that make it an attractive place to live, work, and visit.
Sports
The main professional sports team in Cranston is the Cranston Western Little League baseball team. They have won multiple state championships and represented Rhode Island in regional tournaments. Games are played at Cranston Stadium.
The city is also home to the Cranston High School East football team. They have had success at the high school level, winning a state championship in 2016.
For fans of minor league sports, the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, play just outside the city limits. The team is scheduled to relocate to Worcester, Massachusetts in 2021 where they will be renamed the WooSox.
You can follow news and events happening in the city on the official City of Cranston Facebook page. The page has over 7,500 followers and shares information about city government, local events, job openings, and more.