FoodTruckCost
Home Rhode Island ZIP 02842

Food Truck Market: ZIP 02842

Opportunity Score
79 / 100 Good
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and food truck competition.

Market Profile

ZIP 02842 sits in the above-average walkability at 11.5/20 on the EPA index. Median income runs 37% above the national median — $101,948 vs. $74,580 nationally. High foot traffic and real purchasing power make this one of the stronger food truck markets in the country. The tradeoff: commissary kitchen rates and permit fees are elevated to match.

Market Summary

ZIP 02842 is an urban area with moderate foot traffic. with a population of 16,832 and household incomes well above the national median ($101,948). There are 53 restaurants here but no registered food trucks — an untapped market with proven dining demand.

Area Profile

16,832
Population
$101,948
Median Income
+37% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
11.5/20
Foot Traffic
Walkable
Median Age: 43.8 — older demographic, may prefer sit-down options.
College-Educated: 35.4% — balanced market for quality & value.

Competition

Food service establishments in ZIP 02842.

29
Sit-Down Restaurants
17.2 per 10K residents
24
Fast Food / Counter
14.3 per 10K residents

Operating Costs

Local cost levels affect commissary kitchen rates, permits, and event vendor pricing.

$1,990
Median Gross Rent
$560 K
Median Home Value
8
Bank Branches
$1.2 M deposits

What to Expect Here

Fixed Location Beats Roaming

High-foot-traffic areas reward consistency. If you can secure a recurring spot near offices or transit stops, build your weekly schedule around it. Regular customers drive more revenue than novelty seekers.

Data sources

U.S. Census Bureau (ACS, ZBP) · HUD Fair Market Rents · EPA Walkability Index · USDA RUCA · IRS SOI · FDIC Summary of Deposits