We’re discussing crime rates in Rhode Island. Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the country, but when it comes to crime, it punches well below its weight. With crime rates significantly lower than the national average, Rhode Island consistently ranks among the safest states in the U.S. You can review the top 10 safest cities in Rhode Island or check out the crime rates for all 50 states.
With this new article, we’ll be discussing the most recent data we have available (2023 and 2024), providing a comprehensive look at crime trends, city-by-city comparisons, and the communities leading the charge in public safety.
Statewide Crime Overview
According to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data via USAFacts, Rhode Island reported:
- 168 violent crimes per 100,000 residents (compared to the national average of 374)
- 1,121 property crimes per 100,000 residents (vs. national average of 1,954)
This places Rhode Island’s crime rates:
- 55% lower than the national average for violent crime
- 42% lower for property crime
In fact, from 2022 to 2023, the state saw an 11.7% overall decline in combined violent and property crime—nearly quadrupling the national decline of 3%.
Source: USAFacts
Long-Term Trends (2013–2023)
Over the past decade, Rhode Island has made remarkable strides in reducing crime:
- Violent crime dropped 35%
- Property crime fell 54%
These improvements make Rhode Island one of the safest states in the Eastern U.S., ranking 4th-lowest for both violent and property crime.
Source: Justice Reinvestment Initiative
City-by-City Crime Rates
While Rhode Island ranks as one of the safest states overall, crime is not evenly distributed across its cities and towns. Urban areas, such as Providence, Central Falls, Woonsocket, and Pawtucket, tend to experience higher rates of both violent and property crimes, whereas suburban and rural communities report significantly lower rates.
Cities with the Highest Crime Rates
Woonsocket recorded approximately 433 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, along with 1,580 property crimes per 100,000. These rates place it among the most crime-affected cities in the state.
Pawtucket also experienced an increase in property crime in 2023, with an estimated 1,678 property crimes per 100,000 residents. While exact violent crime numbers weren’t publicly available, multiple sources categorize Pawtucket as having high rates compared to the state average.
Providence, the state’s capital, reported roughly 275 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and about 1,906 property crimes per 100,000—the highest property crime rate among Rhode Island’s major cities.
Central Falls consistently ranks among the highest for both violent and property crime in Rhode Island. Although precise per-capita figures are limited, it is regularly listed alongside Providence and Woonsocket as one of the state’s most crime-challenged cities.
Cities with the Lowest Crime Rates
- Bristol: Bristol, RI’s population sits at just over 22,069. Residents statistically report 4 violent crimes and 55 property crimes each year. The city is safer than 84 percent of U.S. cities.
- South Kingstown: South Kingstown’s 32,025 residents statistically face 13 violent crimes and 159 property crimes each year. The city is safer than 69 percent of U.S. cities.
- Cumberland: This town’s population of 36,591 only reports 16 violent crimes and 175 property crimes annually. The city is safer than 68 percent of U.S. cities.
- North Kingstown: With a population around 27,771 residents, North Kingstown, RI, residents statistically report 20 violent crime and 170 property crimes each year. The city is safer than 58 percent of U.S. cities.
Recommended Article: Top 10 Safest Cities In Rhode Island
Spotlight on Providence (2024)
Rhode Island’s capital city has seen positive change recently:
- Violent crime dropped 10% in 2024, reaching its lowest level since 1990
- 325 guns were seized, the highest number since 2006
- Firearm-related assaults declined, with 69 reported incidents
Chief Oscar Perez credited these outcomes to focused “target enforcement” strategies.
Cost of Crime in Rhode Island
While Rhode Island’s crime rates are relatively low, the financial impact of crime remains substantial. According to estimates from CrimeGrade.org:
- The average cost of crime in Rhode Island is $284 per household annually
- This equals approximately $114 per resident
- Property crime accounts for the majority of these costs, particularly in urban areas like Providence and Woonsocket
These costs include not only direct losses from theft or vandalism but also increased insurance premiums, public safety expenses, and diminished quality of life.
Source: CrimeGrade.org
Firearm Crime and Gun Seizures
Rhode Island has taken a proactive approach to combating gun violence in recent years, especially in its largest city. In 2024:
- Providence Police seized 325 firearms, the most in nearly two decades
- Firearm-related aggravated assaults dropped significantly, from over 100 to 69 incidents
These results were achieved through increased funding for street enforcement teams, community outreach, and intelligence-based operations targeting high-risk areas and repeat offenders.
Source: TurnTo10 News
Public Perception vs. Reality
Despite strong data showing crime is on the decline, many Rhode Islanders, especially in Providence, still report safety concerns. Reasons include:
- Highly publicized incidents (such as shootings or assaults)
- Ongoing issues with homelessness and drug use in certain neighborhoods
- Lower visibility of patrol officers in some areas
In response, community policing initiatives and neighborhood watch groups have begun expanding in multiple municipalities. These grassroots efforts complement law enforcement and help rebuild public confidence.
Crime Prevention and Community Initiatives
While we always recommend having a good home security system, several Rhode Island programs appear to be working to reduce crime through education, prevention, and rehabilitation:
Notable Initiatives
- Project Weber/RENEW – Provides harm reduction and outreach services to high-risk populations in Providence.
- Providence Community-Police Relations Act – Aims to increase transparency and accountability in policing.
- Neighborhood Crime Watch Programs – Active in over a dozen towns, fostering communication between residents and police.
These efforts demonstrate that data alone is insufficient—real improvements stem from community involvement and systemic support.
Sources: City of Providence, Project Weber/RENEW
Rhode Island Home Security Companies
Several home security companies offer home security services in Rhode Island. Here’s our top reviewed home security companies for Rhode Island:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rhode Island a safe state to live in?
Yes. Rhode Island consistently ranks among the top five safest states in the U.S., with crime rates well below national averages.
Which city in Rhode Island has the most crime?
Providence and Woonsocket report the highest rates of both violent and property crime, followed closely by Pawtucket and Central Falls.
What is the safest town in Rhode Island?
Barrington has the lowest violent crime rate in the state, with Scituate and Bristol also ranking highly for safety.
Has crime been increasing or decreasing in Rhode Island?
Crime in Rhode Island has been declining steadily over the past decade. From 2013 to 2023, violent crime fell 35%, and property crime fell 54%.
What is Rhode Island doing to reduce crime?
Efforts include increased police accountability, targeted gun enforcement, community policing, and outreach programs focused on at-risk populations.
Final Thoughts On Rhode Island Crime Rates
Rhode Island continues to stand out as one of the safest places to live in the United States. With violent and property crime rates far below the national average—and long-term trends showing steady decline—the state serves as a model of successful public safety policy. While urban centers still face challenges, local law enforcement and community partners are working together to close the gap.
Whether you’re a resident, a potential homebuyer, or just curious about safety in the Ocean State, the data shows that Rhode Island is heading in the right direction.
