Is Pawtucket or Providence Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pawtucket is safer than Providence (Safety Score 46/100 vs 42/100), with a total crime rate of 1,819 per 100,000 versus 1,935 for Providence — 6% lower. Pawtucket has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Pawtucket has a 37% lower rate.
Note: Providence is 2.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Pawtucket — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Providence — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pawtucket, RI
Providence, RI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Pawtucket | Providence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,819.4 | 1,934.6 | -115.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 307.6 | 276.8 | +30.8 |
| Murder Rate | 3.9 | 6.2 | -2.3 |
| Rape Rate | 56.3 | 20.7 | +35.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 56.3 | 55.8 | +0.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 191.1 | 194.1 | -3.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,511.8 | 1,657.9 | -146.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 178.0 | 117.2 | +60.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,091.6 | 1,330.0 | -238.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 242.2 | 210.7 | +31.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pawtucket or Providence safer?
Pawtucket is safer with a total crime rate of 1,819 per 100K vs 1,935 for Providence — a 6% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Pawtucket has a violent crime rate of 307.6 per 100K while Providence has 276.8. Providence has lower violent crime.
About Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket, birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, sits along the Blackstone River. This densely populated city in northern Rhode Island is home to a diverse, working-class population. With a safety score of 46/100 and a population coverage of 76,400, Pawtucket has a total crime rate of 1,819.4 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.