Is Portsmouth or Providence Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Portsmouth is safer than Providence (Safety Score 96/100 vs 42/100), with a total crime rate of 358 per 100,000 versus 1,935 for Providence — 81% lower. Portsmouth has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Portsmouth has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Providence is 11.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Portsmouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Providence — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Portsmouth, RI
Providence, RI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Portsmouth | Providence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 358.4 | 1,934.6 | -1,576.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 11.4 | 276.8 | -265.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 6.2 | -6.2 |
| Rape Rate | 5.7 | 20.7 | -15.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 55.8 | -55.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 5.7 | 194.1 | -188.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 347.0 | 1,657.9 | -1,310.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 39.8 | 117.2 | -77.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 284.4 | 1,330.0 | -1,045.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 22.8 | 210.7 | -187.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portsmouth or Providence safer?
Portsmouth is safer with a total crime rate of 358 per 100K vs 1,935 for Providence — a 81% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Portsmouth has a violent crime rate of 11.4 per 100K while Providence has 276.8. Portsmouth has lower violent crime.
About Portsmouth, RI
Portsmouth, RI, a coastal town on Aquidneck Island, was settled in 1638 by religious dissidents. Its scenic waters are home to numerous sailing events and a significant portion of its residents commute to nearby cities. With a safety score of 96/100 and a population coverage of 17,579, Portsmouth has a total crime rate of 358.4 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.