| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Providence/100k people | Rhode Island/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5,429 | n/a (estimate) | 2,872 | 1,458 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 7 | n/a | 3.7 | 1.5 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 65 | n/a | 34.4 | 38.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 136 | n/a | 71.9 | 24.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 435 | n/a | 230.1 | 108.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 643 | n/a (estimate) | 340 | 172 | 370 |
| Burglary | 385 | n/a | 203.6 | 128.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 3,687 | n/a | 1,950.1 | 997.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 714 | n/a | 377.6 | 159.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 4,786 | n/a (estimate) | 2,531 | 1,285 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Providence crime rate is higher than the national average by 23.6%. Specifically, there were 643 violent crimes in Providence, equivalent to 340 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 8%. Furthermore, Providence recorded 4786 property crimes, amounting to 2531 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 29.5%.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Providence is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Providence reported 340 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 370.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Providence. Based on the results of the surveys (93 responses), 37% of people felt that there was very little crime in Providence and felt safe walking alone at night. While 63% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Providence is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Providence has an overall crime rate that is 24% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 14.87 daily occurrences, comprising 1.76 violent crimes and 13.11 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Providence as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Providence has decreased by 0.2% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Providence is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 13.7%, while property crime has decreased by 2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Providence.
The Providence region comprises an array of over 24 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Providence are exemplars such as Wayland, Blackstone and College Hill, whereas Olneyville, Smith Hill and Charles grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Providence crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Providence has an unemployment rate of 4.4%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Providence, 72% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
Providence has an average rental rate of $1,015 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Providence | Rhode Island | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 517 | 1,505 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Rhode Island /100K | National /100K |
| Rhode Island | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Chepachet, RI | 1,673 | 59 | 439 | 498 |
| Harrisville, RI | 1,284 | 70 | 525 | 595 |
| North Seekonk, MA | 2,158 | 153 | 510 | 663 |
| Norton Center, MA | 2,758 | 162 | 540 | 702 |
| Ocean Grove, MA | 2,434 | 169 | 561 | 729 |
| East Providence, RI | 47,442 | 66 | 838 | 905 |
| Tiverton, RI | 7,996 | 68 | 856 | 923 |
| Providence, RI | 179,472 | 340 | 2,531 | 2,872 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Newport News, VA | 179,582 | 610 | 2,302 | 2,911 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 178,391 | 339 | 1,359 | 1,698 |
| Ontario, CA | 178,194 | 323 | 2,129 | 2,453 |
| Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 178,060 | 370 | 2,018 | 2,389 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 180,927 | 546 | 3,083 | 3,629 |
| Providence, RI | 179,472 | 340 | 2,531 | 2,872 |
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