Cranston, Rhode Island

Cranston, Rhode Island
City
Location in Providence County and the state of Rhode Island.
Coordinates: 41°46′N 71°27′W / 41.767°N 71.450°W / 41.767; -71.450
CountryUnited States
StateRhode Island
CountyProvidence
Incorporated (town)1754
Incorporated (city)1910
Government
  TypeMayor-council
  MayorKenneth Hopkins (R)
  City Council
  • Jessica M. Marino (D)
  • Richard D. Campopiano (R)
  • Christopher E. Buonanno (R)
  • Bridget R. Graziano (D)
  • Kristen E. Haroian (D)
  • Andy M. Andujar (D)
  • Frank J. Ritz, Jr. (R)
  • Michael A. Traficante (R)
  • Daniel Wall (D)
Area
  Total
30.02 sq mi (77.75 km2)
  Land28.34 sq mi (73.41 km2)
  Water1.67 sq mi (4.33 km2)
Elevation
66 ft (20 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total
82,934
  Density2,925.88/sq mi (1,129.68/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (EST)
  Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes
02823, 02831, 02905, 02907, 02909–02910, 02920–02921
Area code401
FIPS code44-19180
GNIS feature ID1218689
Websitewww.cranstonri.gov

Cranston, formerly known as Pawtuxet, is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The official population of the city in the 2020 United States Census was 82,934, making it the second-largest city in the state. The center of population of Rhode Island is located in Cranston. Cranston is a part of the Providence metropolitan area.

Cranston ranked 36th on the list of "America's 50 Best Cities to Live" in a 2014 survey done by 247wallst.com.

The Town of Cranston was created in 1754 from a portion of Providence north of the Pawtuxet River. After losing much of its territory to neighboring towns and the city of Providence, Cranston itself became a city on March 10, 1910.