Is New York City or Providence Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Providence is safer than New York City (Safety Score 43/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 36% lower. New York City has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Providence has a 70% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 42.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is SAFER than New York City, NY?
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Providence — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New York City, NY
Providence, RI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | New York City | Providence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,039.7 | 1,934.6 | +1,105.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 671.4 | 276.8 | +394.7 |
| Murder Rate | 3.9 | 6.2 | -2.3 |
| Rape Rate | 23.4 | 20.7 | +2.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 187.5 | 55.8 | +131.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 456.2 | 194.1 | +262.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,368.3 | 1,657.9 | +710.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 154.7 | 117.2 | +37.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,015.0 | 1,330.0 | +685.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 198.5 | 210.7 | -12.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York City or Providence safer?
Providence is safer with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
New York City has a violent crime rate of 671.4 per 100K while Providence has 276.8. Providence has lower violent crime.
About New York City, NY
New York City, a global financial hub, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, its five boroughs house over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 8,299,271, New York City has a total crime rate of 3,039.7 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 43/100 and a population coverage of 193,679, Providence has a total crime rate of 1,934.6 per 100,000 residents.