Providence, RI Crime Rate & Safety

Providence, RI has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 91% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 148 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 24 chance for property crime. Providence has higher crime than 94% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Providence has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 71% of the city's 28 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Blackstone is one of the safest areas, while West Broadway has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Providence is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Providence are Blackstone, Elmhurst, Hope, Wayland, and College 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 Providence include West Broadway, Smith Hill, Olneyville, Elmwood, and Valley. 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 Providence is 676.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 78% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 148 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 10.0 per 100K (100% above average); aggravated assault at 475.6 per 100K (77% above average); robbery at 131.1 per 100K (77% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Providence is 4,094.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 123% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 24 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 434.2 per 100K (61% above average); larceny/theft at 2,966.6 per 100K (112% above average); vehicle theft at 693.6 per 100K (118% above average).

Providence's overall crime rate is 91% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (118% above average), while burglary is 61% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Providence has higher crime than 94% of them.

Visitors to Providence should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 123% 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 Blackstone, Elmhurst, Hope.

Rhode Island as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. Providence's crime rate is 91% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Rhode Island city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Providence, with an estimated rate of 2,966.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 112% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (4,094 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (677 per 100K) in Providence, which is consistent with national trends.