Is Providence or Smithfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Smithfield is safer than Providence (Safety Score 76/100 vs 42/100), with a total crime rate of 964 per 100,000 versus 1,935 for Providence — 50% lower. Providence has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Smithfield has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Providence is 8.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Providence — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Smithfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Providence, RI
Smithfield, RI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Providence | Smithfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,934.6 | 963.7 | +971.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 276.8 | 35.7 | +241.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.2 | 0.0 | +6.2 |
| Rape Rate | 20.7 | 13.4 | +7.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 55.8 | 4.5 | +51.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 194.1 | 17.9 | +176.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,657.9 | 928.0 | +729.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 117.2 | 40.2 | +77.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,330.0 | 865.5 | +464.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 210.7 | 22.3 | +188.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Providence or Smithfield safer?
Smithfield is safer with a total crime rate of 964 per 100K vs 1,935 for Providence — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Providence has a violent crime rate of 276.8 per 100K while Smithfield has 35.7. Smithfield has lower violent crime.
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.
About Smithfield, RI
Smithfield, RI, a suburban town in Providence County, was founded in 1730. It is home to Bryant University and features a mix of residential areas and natural spaces like the Wolf Hill Forest Preserve. With a safety score of 76/100 and a population coverage of 22,414, Smithfield has a total crime rate of 963.7 per 100,000 residents.