Rhode IslandPop. 47,281Small cities
Is East Providence a Good Place to Live? East Providence, Rhode Island: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
East Providence ranks #260 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #50 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (74 per 100,000, #25 of 174), and trails on high living costs (101.8, #176 of 208) and high unemployment (4.6%, #147 of 184).
East Providence by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with East Providence's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in East Providence?
East Providence's cost of living index is 101.8, 2% above the US level of 100 and #770 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,288/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $447,287, 13% below the typical Rhode Island home ($511,233).
| Measure | East Providence | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 101.8#770 of 1,308 | 102.3 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $447,287#726 of 1,187 | $511,233 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,022/mo#726 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $365,500#698 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,288/mo#514 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4.8x#802 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 20.4%#500 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
East Providence housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. East Providence is in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro.
Rhode Island housing market →Is East Providence safe?
East Providence recorded 74 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 78% below the US rate of 328 and 49% below Rhode Island's 144. That ranks #78 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #25 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by East Providence Police Department. Property crime runs 686 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | East Providence | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 74#78 of 1,085 | 144 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 686#84 of 1,085 | 911 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in East Providence?
The median household in East Providence earns $75,912, 9% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Rhode Island ($83,504). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | East Providence | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $75,912#687 of 1,312 | $83,504 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 10.1%#507 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in East Providence?
The median resident of East Providence is 45.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 31.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #727 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | East Providence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 45.1 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 31.6%#727 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 59.9% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are East Providence's schools and health?
East Providence's 7 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Rhode Island 83.3%), with 13.3 students per teacher and $19,096 spent per pupil. 32.4% of adults are obese and 11.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | East Providence | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 85%#705 of 1,063 | 83.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.3#197 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $19,096#256 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 32.4%#564 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.7%#732 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.9%#840 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7.3%#289 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,495 students are enrolled in East Providence's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in East Providence?
The average commute in East Providence is 22.6 minutes (Rhode Island 26.3); 1.2% of workers take transit and 12.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index East Providence scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.9°F and winters 32.6°F, with 47.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | East Providence | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 22.6 min#556 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.7%#674 of 1,312 | 8.6% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 73.7% | 71.3% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.2% | 2.1% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.8% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 12.4% | 11.6% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.1#142 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38.3 | 22.1 | 4 |
| Feb | 40.5 | 23.5 | 3.4 |
| Mar | 47.7 | 30.2 | 4.9 |
| Apr | 58.9 | 39.6 | 4.3 |
| May | 68.9 | 49.2 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 77.7 | 58.8 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 83.6 | 65.2 | 2.9 |
| Aug | 82.2 | 63.9 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 74.8 | 56.5 | 4.2 |
| Oct | 63.8 | 45.1 | 4.2 |
| Nov | 53.2 | 35.8 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 43.4 | 27.6 | 4.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Providence.
| Measure | East Providence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 52.1°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 71.9°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 32.6°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 47.5 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Providence.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in East Providence?
Providence County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Providence County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
| Measure | East Providence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#299 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Providence County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Providence County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.008% | 73% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.083% | 53% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0031% | 53% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0023% | 24% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does East Providence compare with similar-size cities?
East Providence is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #50 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 47,281.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Providence, RIPop. 47,281 | #260 | 63.0 | $75,912 | $1,288/mo | 74 | 22.6 min |
| Minot, NDPop. 47,791 | #301 | 62.1 | $73,219 | $973/mo | 295 | 19.7 min |
| Roswell, NMPop. 47,638 | #1211 | 44.6 | $51,583 | $876/mo | 662 | 18.2 min |
| Charleston, WVPop. 47,421 | #1064 | 48.6 | $65,812 | $908/mo | 596 | 16.9 min |
| Whitney, NVPop. 47,221 | #1225 | 43.9 | $67,155 | $1,574/mo | no data | 28.4 min |
| Binghamton, NYPop. 47,151 | #1038 | 49.3 | $45,578 | $870/mo | 559 | 19 min |
| Wentzville, MOPop. 47,061 | #155 | 66.0 | $112,394 | $1,345/mo | 139 | 27.8 min |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #385 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 | 24.5 min |
| Monroe, LAPop. 47,004 | #1305 | 35.9 | $40,505 | $886/mo | 1,647 | 18.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does East Providence compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
East Providence ranks #7 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 63 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 9% below the Rhode Island median. Violent crime is 49% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% below the typical Rhode Island home.
| City | Rank in RI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westerly, RIPop. 18,411 | #1 | 70.6 | $95,207 | $1,260/mo | 26 |
| Cumberland Hill, RIPop. 8,648 | #2 | 67.3 | $130,506 | $1,310/mo | no data |
| Warwick, RIPop. 83,175 | #3 | 66.5 | $88,708 | $1,363/mo | 87 |
| Cranston, RIPop. 83,250 | #4 | 64.2 | $90,206 | $1,375/mo | 89 |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #5 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data |
| Tiverton, RIPop. 8,091 | #6 | 64.0 | $99,158 | $1,342/mo | county/metro |
| East Providence, RIPop. 47,281 | #7 | 63.0 | $75,912 | $1,288/mo | 74 |
| Newport, RIPop. 24,874 | #8 | 62.7 | $86,313 | $1,698/mo | 194 |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale, RIPop. 9,302 | #9 | 62.5 | $106,551 | $1,258/mo | no data |
| Pascoag, RIPop. 4,410 | #10 | 59.7 | $121,369 | $1,319/mo | no data |
| Greenville, RIPop. 8,296 | #11 | 59.3 | $97,234 | $1,264/mo | no data |
| Newport East, RIPop. 11,069 | #12 | 58.7 | $89,028 | $1,876/mo | no data |
| Melville, RIPop. 1,631 | #13 | 58.2 | $102,266 | $2,724/mo | no data |
| Valley Falls, RIPop. 12,657 | #14 | 57.9 | $92,901 | $1,362/mo | no data |
| Hope Valley, RIPop. 2,297 | #15 | 57.5 | $101,932 | — | no data |
| Pawtucket, RIPop. 75,893 | #16 | 57.3 | $68,310 | $1,208/mo | 224 |
| Providence, RIPop. 191,767 | #17 | 56.4 | $68,119 | $1,408/mo | 287 |
| Narragansett Pier, RIPop. 3,167 | #18 | 53.6 | $82,192 | $1,649/mo | no data |
| Woonsocket, RIPop. 43,521 | #19 | 51.2 | $61,059 | $1,161/mo | 371 |
| Central Falls, RIPop. 22,701 | #20 | 51.2 | $49,285 | $1,200/mo | 273 |
All 20 Rhode Island cities we track, by overall score. Rhode Island statewide: median income $83,504, violent crime 144.1 per 100,000.
How is East Providence's score calculated?
East Providence scores 63 out of 100, #260 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Rhode Island's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in East Providence. Similar-size median 52.9.
49.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by East Providence's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
97.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in East Providence. Similar-size median 52.2.
54.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in East Providence's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
68.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
East Providence's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
65.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in East Providence. Similar-size median 46.7.
54.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in East Providence. Similar-size median 44.2.
47.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in East Providence. Similar-size median 47.3.
49.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across East Providence's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
68.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
71.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: East Providence's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories East Providence has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in East Providence
Is East Providence, RI a good place to live?
East Providence ranks #260 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #50 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (74 per 100,000, #25 of 174), and trails on high living costs (101.8, #176 of 208) and high unemployment (4.6%, #147 of 184).
What is the cost of living in East Providence?
East Providence's cost of living index is 101.8, 2% above the US level of 100 and #770 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,288/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $447,287, 13% below the typical Rhode Island home ($511,233).
What is the crime rate in East Providence?
East Providence recorded 74 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 78% below the US rate of 328 and 49% below Rhode Island's 144. That ranks #78 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #25 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by East Providence Police Department. Property crime runs 686 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in East Providence?
The median household in East Providence earns $75,912, 9% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Rhode Island ($83,504). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in East Providence?
Median rent in East Providence is $1,288/mo (Census), #514 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,022/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in East Providence?
The typical home value in East Providence is $447,287, up 2% in a year, against $511,233 for Rhode Island and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $365,500.
How are the public schools in East Providence?
East Providence's 7 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Rhode Island 83.3%), with 13.3 students per teacher and $19,096 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in East Providence?
The average commute is 22.6 minutes, #556 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across Rhode Island. 5.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in East Providence?
East Providence averages 52.1°F over the year, 71.9°F in summer and 32.6°F in winter, with 47.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is East Providence walkable?
East Providence scores 14.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is East Providence at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Providence County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
How is the air quality in East Providence?
Providence County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in East Providence?
East Providence has 47,281 residents. The median resident of East Providence is 45.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 31.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #727 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does East Providence compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
East Providence ranks #7 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 63 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 9% below the Rhode Island median. Violent crime is 49% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% below the typical Rhode Island home.
What cities are similar in size to East Providence?
The tracked cities in other states closest to East Providence's population of 47,281 are Minot, ND (#301 overall), Roswell, NM (#1211 overall), Charleston, WV (#1064 overall), Whitney, NV (#1225 overall), and Binghamton, NY (#1038 overall). East Providence is #260.