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Do people live on Block Island full time?

Approximately 1000 year round residents, 15,000 to 20,000 seasonal visitors a day.



Yes, Block Island (part of Rhode Island) has a dedicated year-round population of approximately 1,000 residents. While the island’s population swells to over 15,000–20,000 during the peak summer months, the permanent community is a tight-knit group of families, business owners, and retirees who navigate the challenges of island life in the off-season. Living there full-time requires significant resilience, as many shops and restaurants close for the winter, and the only connection to the mainland is the ferry service, which can be interrupted by severe Atlantic weather. The island has its own K-12 school, which often has graduating classes of fewer than ten students. Year-rounders often describe the winter as a time of incredible peace and natural beauty, though it requires careful planning for groceries and medical needs, as the local "Block Island Medical Center" handles primary care, but serious emergencies require a helicopter or ferry transport to the mainland.

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The roughly 1,000 full-time residents who keep the island running — teachers, policemen, bank tellers, town employees, volunteer firefighters and EMTs — have long been unable to afford the median $1.2-million sales price for a home. Now, many are also struggling to find rentals that they can afford year-round.

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Although there are very few tourists in the winter months the nine hundred or so year round residents manage to keep active and enjoy the quiet time.

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Approximately 1000 year round residents, 15,000 to 20,000 seasonal visitors a day.

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The island is coterminous with the town of New Shoreham and is part of Rhode Island's Washington County. It is named after Dutch explorer Adriaen Block. Pop. Block Island is a popular summer tourist destination known for its bicycling, hiking, sailing, fishing, and beaches.

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The Block Island Medical Center is a Primary Care Facility providing community health care, able to handle urgent and emergent needs.

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The price of a night's stay on Block Island starts at $170. If you're interested in a bed and breakfast rental, the average price is $594 per night. A house rental Block Island will cost on average $1,007 per night.

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Block Island is by and large a very safe locale, but as with any place there are certain precautions you can and should take to stay out of harm's way.

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Block Island School is a public school located in BLOCK ISLAND, RI. It has 129 students in grades K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 6 to 1. According to state test scores, 42% of students are at least proficient in math and 57% in reading.

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Unfortunately, there are no public campgrounds or designated tent camping areas on Block Island. Camping is not allowed on the beaches or in public parks. If you're looking for beach camping options, you might consider nearby Watch Hill in Rhode Island or Shelter Island in New York.

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Block Island to Yourself The wind is strong during the winter but there will be days when it is warm enough (with average temperatures ranging from 27-45°F) to walk on the empty beach. Plus the winter sky on the island produces some of the most amazing sunsets, which you can see all by yourself or with a loved one.

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From July 4th to Labor Day, especially on weekends, Block Island is extremely crowded. If you plan to visit in the height of summer, do so during the week in order to enjoy all the island has to offer without fighting the crowds that daytrip by ferry on weekends.

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The Sullivan House is a much-admired architectural gem. It was built in 1904 for Col. LU Maltby, the owner of the Continental Hotel in Philadelphia. During WWI, a naval base was established on Block Island to hunt German U-boats and protect the coast.

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Q. Is the water on Block Island safe to drink? A. Yes, The water provided by the Block Island Water Company meets or exceeds all Rhode Island Department of Health and E.P.A.

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Most taxi rides will be about $15. There is no Uber or Lyft on the Island.

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Block Island State Airport (IATA: BID, ICAO: KBID, FAA LID: BID) is a public use airport located on Block Island, in Washington County, Rhode Island, United States.

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Block Island is doable as a day trip, but two days would be more fun and more relaxing. You may have trouble renting a hotel for one night on a weekend, as many are 2 night minimum. There are several bike rentals within a 5 minute walk of the ferry dock. They are about $25 a day for a decent 5-15 speed bike.

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