Pawtucket, RI Crime Rate & Safety

Pawtucket, RI has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 13% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 252 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 40 chance for property crime. Pawtucket has higher crime than 75% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Pawtucket has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 75% of the city's 8 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Darlington is one of the safest areas, while Downtown Pawtucket has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Pawtucket is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Pawtucket are Darlington, Pine Crest, Fairlawn, Quality Hill, and Oak Hill. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Pawtucket include Downtown Pawtucket, Woodlawn, Pleasant View, Oak Hill, and Quality Hill. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Pawtucket is 397.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 4% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 252 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.7 per 100K (14% above average); aggravated assault at 274.4 per 100K (2% above average); robbery at 84.9 per 100K (15% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Pawtucket is 2,476.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 35% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 40 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 296.8 per 100K (10% above average); larceny/theft at 1,785.8 per 100K (27% above average); vehicle theft at 393.8 per 100K (24% above average).

Pawtucket's overall crime rate is 13% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (27% above average), while rape is 3% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Pawtucket has higher crime than 75% of them.

Visitors to Pawtucket should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 35% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Darlington, Pine Crest, Fairlawn.

Rhode Island as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. Pawtucket's crime rate is 13% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Rhode Island city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Pawtucket, with an estimated rate of 1,785.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 27% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,476 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (397 per 100K) in Pawtucket, which is consistent with national trends.