Downtown Neighborhood, Providence
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Safer than 57% of neighborhoods in Providence
Safety at a Glance
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in Providence
Is Downtown Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Downtown in Providence, RI has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 138, which is 38% above the national average of 100. Downtown is safer than 57% of neighborhoods in Providence.
Compared to the Providence average (crime index 129), Downtown is 9% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 172, 72% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 119).
Downtown Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Providence city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
155 | +55% | High | |
|
Assault
|
124 | +24% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
172 | +72% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
119 | +19% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
162 | +62% | High | |
How Downtown Compares
Crime index by category: Downtown vs Providence average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Downtown Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Downtown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Downtown, Providence?
Downtown in Providence, RI has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 138, which is 38% above the national average. Compared to the Providence average, crime in Downtown is 9% higher. Downtown is safer than 57% of neighborhoods in Providence.
Is Downtown a safe neighborhood in Providence?
Downtown is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Providence, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Rape (index: 172), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 119).
How does Downtown compare to the rest of Providence?
Downtown's overall crime index is 138, compared to the Providence average of 129. This means crime in Downtown is 9% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 145, and for property crime it is 143. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Downtown?
The most prevalent crime type in Downtown is Rape, with a crime index of 172 (72% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Downtown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include College Hill, Jewelry District and Fox Point. These areas are close to Downtown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Downtown?
Downtown has a population of approximately 4,450. The median household income is $31,313. The median home value is $711,458. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Downtown crime compare to the national average?
Downtown's overall crime rate is 38% above the national average (index 138 vs 100). Within Providence, it is safer than 57% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.