Providence County Crime & Safety

Providence County, Rhode Island

Safety Score

26/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1809.9

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

219.3

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1590.6

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

26/100

Higher = safer

State avg 56/100

State Safety Rank

of 5 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Providence County, Rhode Island

Providence County Outperforms Urban Peers

Providence County maintains a safety score of 97.1, which is higher than many urban centers nationwide. Its total crime rate of 1,809.9 per 100K remains comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5.

Safety in the Urban Core

The county currently ranks fifth in Rhode Island for safety, falling just below the state average score of 98.3. With 17 reporting agencies, it manages the highest volume of safety data in the state.

Regional Trends in Dense Areas

Providence's crime rate is higher than its Rhode Island neighbors, reflecting its status as the state's population and commercial center. However, it still presents a safer profile than many similar-sized metro counties across the U.S.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime sits at 219.3 per 100K, while property crime is more frequent at 1,590.6 per 100K. Despite having the highest rates in the state, the violent crime rate is still much lower than the national average of 369.8.

Layered Defense for Urban Homes

Urban residents benefit significantly from well-lit entryways and smart home security systems. Staying active in community safety initiatives helps lower property crime risks across the county's diverse neighborhoods.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Providence County, RI?

Providence County has a total crime rate of 1809.9 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (219.3 per 100K) and property crimes (1590.6 per 100K).

Is Providence County, RI safe?

Providence County has a safety score of 26/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #5 out of 5 counties in Rhode Island for safety (1 = safest).

How does Providence County crime compare to the Rhode Island average?

The county currently ranks fifth in Rhode Island for safety, falling just below the state average score of 98.3. With 17 reporting agencies, it manages the highest volume of safety data in the state.

What types of crime are most common in Providence County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Providence County?

Crime data for Providence County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Providence County?

Providence County has a safety score of 26/100, which is below the Rhode Island average of 56/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.