Is Cranston or Providence Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cranston is safer than Providence (Safety Score 68/100 vs 42/100), with a total crime rate of 1,145 per 100,000 versus 1,935 for Providence — 41% lower. Cranston has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cranston has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Providence is 2.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cranston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Providence — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cranston, RI
Providence, RI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cranston | Providence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,145.4 | 1,934.6 | -789.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 93.1 | 276.8 | -183.7 |
| Murder Rate | 1.2 | 6.2 | -5.0 |
| Rape Rate | 20.3 | 20.7 | -0.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 15.5 | 55.8 | -40.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 56.1 | 194.1 | -138.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,052.3 | 1,657.9 | -605.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 82.3 | 117.2 | -34.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 875.7 | 1,330.0 | -454.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 94.3 | 210.7 | -116.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cranston or Providence safer?
Cranston is safer with a total crime rate of 1,145 per 100K vs 1,935 for Providence — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cranston has a violent crime rate of 93.1 per 100K while Providence has 276.8. Cranston has lower violent crime.
About Cranston, RI
Cranston, Rhode Island, a city with a rich manufacturing past, is home to the historic Sprague Mansion. Situated southwest of Providence, it is the second-largest city in the state by population. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 83,815, Cranston has a total crime rate of 1,145.4 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.