Is Providence or Westerly Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Westerly is safer than Providence (Safety Score 75/100 vs 42/100), with a total crime rate of 981 per 100,000 versus 1,935 for Providence — 49% lower. Providence has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Westerly has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Providence is 8.2x 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
Westerly — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Providence, RI
Westerly, RI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Providence | Westerly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,934.6 | 981.3 | +953.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 276.8 | 68.0 | +208.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.2 | 0.0 | +6.2 |
| Rape Rate | 20.7 | 12.7 | +7.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 55.8 | 0.0 | +55.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 194.1 | 51.0 | +143.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,657.9 | 913.3 | +744.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 117.2 | 51.0 | +66.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,330.0 | 768.9 | +561.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 210.7 | 93.5 | +117.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Providence or Westerly safer?
Westerly is safer with a total crime rate of 981 per 100K vs 1,935 for Providence — a 49% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Providence has a violent crime rate of 276.8 per 100K while Westerly has 68.0. Westerly 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 Westerly, RI
Westerly, a coastal town in southern Rhode Island, is known for its granite quarries and picturesque beaches like Misquamicut. Its population is approximately 23,000, with a significant portion of seasonal residents. With a safety score of 75/100 and a population coverage of 23,540, Westerly has a total crime rate of 981.3 per 100,000 residents.