Providence

Providence, Rhode Island Overview

Providence faces challenges across several categories, earning a C+ grade (52.5/100) and ranking #18 of 20 cities in Rhode Island. Even so, the city scores 73/100 in Safety — a relative bright spot compared to its Fiscal Health score of 32/100.

Income & Employment in Providence

Providence’s median income of $65,206 is 20% below the state median, but positive population growth of 1.1% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%.

Safety in Providence

Providence’s violent crime rate of 312.3 per 100,000 runs above the Rhode Island average of 154. The property crime rate is 1915.2 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Providence

Providence has a cost of living index of 100.9 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly above the national benchmark. The median home value is $322,800. Median monthly rent is $1,333. Renters spend 24.5% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Providence

The adult obesity rate in Providence is 34.4% (CDC PLACES). The diabetes prevalence rate is 11.5%. Residents report an average of 19.6 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Rhode Island ranks #13 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Providence

The high school graduation rate in Providence is 73.6%, below the national average and a challenge for the community. The student-teacher ratio is 14.1:1. Local districts invest $23,788 per student, well above the national median. The city has 57 public schools serving 24,445 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Providence

The annual average temperature in Providence is 53°F. Summers average 69.7°F. Winters average 37.5°F. Precipitation is abundant at 56.1 inches per year.

Frequently Asked Questions