Is Bristol or Providence Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bristol is safer than Providence (Safety Score 99/100 vs 42/100), with a total crime rate of 243 per 100,000 versus 1,935 for Providence — 87% lower. Bristol has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bristol has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Providence is 8.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bristol — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Providence — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bristol, RI
Providence, RI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bristol | Providence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 242.6 | 1,934.6 | -1,692.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 27.0 | 276.8 | -249.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 6.2 | -6.2 |
| Rape Rate | 4.5 | 20.7 | -16.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 55.8 | -55.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 22.5 | 194.1 | -171.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 215.6 | 1,657.9 | -1,442.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 13.5 | 117.2 | -103.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 179.7 | 1,330.0 | -1,150.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 22.5 | 210.7 | -188.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristol or Providence safer?
Bristol is safer with a total crime rate of 243 per 100K vs 1,935 for Providence — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bristol has a violent crime rate of 27.0 per 100K while Providence has 276.8. Bristol has lower violent crime.
About Bristol, RI
Bristol, Rhode Island, a charming coastal town, boasts a rich maritime history, home to the oldest continuously celebrated Fourth of July parade. Situated on a peninsula, it offers picturesque waterfront views and a population of around 22,000. With a safety score of 99/100 and a population coverage of 22,262, Bristol has a total crime rate of 242.6 per 100,000 residents.
About Providence, RI
Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, is a historic New England city situated at the head of Narragansett Bay. Home to Brown University, it boasts a diverse population and a rich architectural heritage. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 193,679, Providence has a total crime rate of 1,934.6 per 100,000 residents.