Richmond
The Town of Richmond, originally a part of Charlestown, was incorporated August 18, 1747. It was most likely named in honor of Edward Richmond, the Attorney General of the colony from 1671 to 1680, who took an active part in the original settlement of the area. A large portion of the town was included in the Shannock Purchase, a tract of vacant land sold by the Commissioners of the General Assembly to a company of purchasers in 1709.
Like many other communities in Washington County, 17th Century Richmond was home for many early settlers. After purchasing land from the Indians, these wealthy Narragansett planters, who were educated, intelligent land gentry, settled in South County and brought an accumulated wealth to the area making it the wealthiest area in Rhode Island for many years.
Primarily a farming area, Richmond is known for its untainted rural beauty. Hiking, fishing and canoeing the Wood River are all popular activities. But it is the golf courses in Richmond that are increasingly gaining recognition throughout New England. Richmond Country Club and Foxwoods Golf & Country Club at Boulder Hills, offer pristine, picturesque courses with excellent dining and banquet facilities.
Richmond hosts the annual Washington County Fair in mid-August at the fairgrounds on Route 112. This is the state's largest fair, complete with crafts, food, an amusement park, and performances by country music artists.
While the town prides itself on its rural charm, a business district on Route 138 has virtually everything one needs for modern, comfortable living. From financial institutions to grocery stores and retailers, residents have it all within reach.
Total Population: 7,222
Square Miles (land): 40.6
Age Distribution
<15 years: 24% 16-24 years: 11% 25-44 years: 34% 45-64 years: 25% >65: 6%
Education
Some college/ Associate’s Degree: 31%
Bachelor’s Degree: 16%
Master’s, Professional or Doctorate Degrees: 10%
Housing
Percent of owner-occupied units: 87.8%
Average Number of household members: 2.9
Average number of rooms: 6.2
Median year homes were built: 1982
Median home value(2006): $320,800
Income
Median household income: $59,840
School Data
2005 Assessment Results: Chariho Regional High School |
| | Math: Skills | Math: Concepts | Math: Problem Solving | Reading: Understanding | Reading: Analysis | Writing: Effectiveness | Writing: Conventions |
% of Proficient Students: Chariho | 67% | 51% | 48% | 62% | 57% | 50% | 78% |
& of Proficient Students: RI Average | 57% | 38% | 39% | 51% | 44% | 42% | 71% |
| | Math SAT Average | Verbal SAT Average | % of Students taking SATs |
Chariho | 527 | 525 | 60% |
|
RI | 501 | 495 | 56% |
| | Graduation Rate: | 89% |
| | Student/Teacher Ratio: | 11:1 |
All statistics gathered from Information Works!, Rhode Islands annual report on public education, and is from the school year 04-05.
This school is characterized as high performing with caution.
All census data as of 2000.