Is North Smithfield or Providence Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Smithfield is safer than Providence (Safety Score 67/100 vs 42/100), with a total crime rate of 1,196 per 100,000 versus 1,935 for Providence — 38% lower. North Smithfield has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Smithfield has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Providence is 15.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
North Smithfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Providence — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Smithfield, RI
Providence, RI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | North Smithfield | Providence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,195.7 | 1,934.6 | -739.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 62.5 | 276.8 | -214.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 6.2 | -6.2 |
| Rape Rate | 7.8 | 20.7 | -12.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 7.8 | 55.8 | -48.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 46.9 | 194.1 | -147.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,133.2 | 1,657.9 | -524.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 31.3 | 117.2 | -85.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,047.2 | 1,330.0 | -282.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 54.7 | 210.7 | -156.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Smithfield or Providence safer?
North Smithfield is safer with a total crime rate of 1,196 per 100K vs 1,935 for Providence — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
North Smithfield has a violent crime rate of 62.5 per 100K while Providence has 276.8. North Smithfield has lower violent crime.
About North Smithfield, RI
North Smithfield is a rural town in northern Rhode Island, bordering Massachusetts. Historically a mill town, it retains a quiet, residential character with a population of around 16,000. Much of its land is wooded, including portions of the George Washington Management Area. With a safety score of 67/100 and a population coverage of 12,796, North Smithfield has a total crime rate of 1,195.7 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 42/100 and a population coverage of 193,679, Providence has a total crime rate of 1,934.6 per 100,000 residents.