Rhode Island is the second most densely populated state in the United States. Wyoming is the second least densely populated state, and the least densely populated in the lower 48.
I would think that this played a significant role.
If there was no vaccine, then population density would explain much/ However there was a ‘vaccine’ pushed as limiting the spread and reducing the chance of becoming ill.
The fact that actually made people more likely to get Covid helped tilt the scales.