Rhode IslandPop. 191,767Mid-size cities
Is Providence a Good Place to Live? Providence, Rhode Island: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Providence ranks #617 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #98 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (73.1%, #196 of 205) and high poverty (20.7%, #219 of 256).
Providence by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with 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 Providence?
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 $1,408/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $434,698, 15% below the typical Rhode Island home ($511,233).
| Measure | Providence | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 101.8#770 of 1,308 | 102.3 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $434,698#701 of 1,187 | $511,233 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,213/mo#805 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $362,200#689 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,408/mo#646 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.3x#901 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.8%#980 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
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. Providence is in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro.
Rhode Island housing market →Is Providence safe?
Providence recorded 287 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% below the US rate of 328 and 2 times Rhode Island's 144. That ranks #537 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #94 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Providence Police Department. Property crime runs 1,575 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Providence | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 287#537 of 1,085 | 144 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,575#512 of 1,085 | 911 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Providence?
The median household in Providence earns $68,119, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Rhode Island ($83,504). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 20.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Providence | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $68,119#855 of 1,312 | $83,504 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.5%#929 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 20.7%#1136 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Providence?
The median resident of Providence is 32.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 34.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #625 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Providence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 32.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 34.6%#625 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 41.4% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Providence's schools and health?
Providence's 55 public schools graduate 73.1% of students in four years (Rhode Island 83.3%), with 14 students per teacher and $23,822 spent per pupil. 34.4% of adults are obese and 11.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Providence | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 73.1%#1005 of 1,063 | 83.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14#282 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $23,822#78 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 34.4%#726 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.5%#702 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.6%#1122 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 14.6%#1052 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 24,010 students are enrolled in Providence's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Providence?
The average commute in Providence is 25 minutes (Rhode Island 26.3); 4.1% of workers take transit and 14.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Providence scores 15.6 of 20 (most walkable), #11 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 | Providence | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 25 min#782 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 9.5%#1025 of 1,312 | 8.6% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 60.5% | 71.3% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 4.1% | 2.1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 7.3% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 14.3% | 11.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 15.6#11 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | Providence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 52.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 71.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 32.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 47.5 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 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 | Providence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#299 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Providence compare with similar-size cities?
Providence is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #98 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 191,767.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence, RIPop. 191,767 | #617 | 56.4 | $68,119 | $1,408/mo | 287 | 25 min |
| Montgomery, ALPop. 197,494 | #1152 | 46.5 | $56,811 | $1,089/mo | 645 | 20.7 min |
| Vancouver, WAPop. 195,300 | #737 | 54.3 | $81,338 | $1,702/mo | 556 | 23.2 min |
| Knoxville, TNPop. 195,185 | #897 | 51.8 | $54,039 | $1,191/mo | 685 | 20.2 min |
| Glendale, CAPop. 190,748 | #900 | 51.7 | $88,393 | $2,182/mo | 234 | 27.1 min |
| Akron, OHPop. 189,247 | #1246 | 42.6 | $48,076 | $955/mo | 871 | 22.2 min |
| Brownsville, TXPop. 189,177 | #1243 | 42.7 | $52,130 | $923/mo | 405 | 21.4 min |
| Tempe, AZPop. 188,065 | #538 | 57.4 | $79,663 | $1,743/mo | 418 | 20.9 min |
| Paradise, NVPop. 185,913 | #1205 | 44.7 | $59,190 | $1,372/mo | no data | 23.2 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 Providence compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
Providence ranks #17 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 56.4 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 18% below the Rhode Island median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% 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 Providence's score calculated?
Providence scores 56.4 out of 100, #617 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Providence. Similar-size median 52.9.
40.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Providence's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
77.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Providence. Similar-size median 53.8.
48.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Providence's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
63.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Providence's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
64.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Providence. Similar-size median 51.2.
31.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Providence. Similar-size median 42.1.
40.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Providence. Similar-size median 50.1.
59.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Providence's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
76.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
71.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Providence's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories 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 Providence
Is Providence, RI a good place to live?
Providence ranks #617 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #98 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (73.1%, #196 of 205) and high poverty (20.7%, #219 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Providence?
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 $1,408/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $434,698, 15% below the typical Rhode Island home ($511,233).
What is the crime rate in Providence?
Providence recorded 287 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% below the US rate of 328 and 2 times Rhode Island's 144. That ranks #537 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #94 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Providence Police Department. Property crime runs 1,575 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Providence?
The median household in Providence earns $68,119, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Rhode Island ($83,504). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 20.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Providence?
Median rent in Providence is $1,408/mo (Census), #646 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,213/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Providence?
The typical home value in Providence is $434,698, up 2.3% in a year, against $511,233 for Rhode Island and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $362,200.
How are the public schools in Providence?
Providence's 55 public schools graduate 73.1% of students in four years (Rhode Island 83.3%), with 14 students per teacher and $23,822 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Providence?
The average commute is 25 minutes, #782 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across Rhode Island. 9.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Providence?
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 Providence walkable?
Providence scores 15.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #11 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 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 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 Providence?
Providence has 191,767 residents. The median resident of Providence is 32.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 34.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #625 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Providence compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
Providence ranks #17 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 56.4 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 18% below the Rhode Island median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Rhode Island home.
What cities are similar in size to Providence?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Providence's population of 191,767 are Montgomery, AL (#1152 overall), Vancouver, WA (#737 overall), Knoxville, TN (#897 overall), Glendale, CA (#900 overall), and Akron, OH (#1246 overall). Providence is #617.