Rhode Island Crime Rate By City 2024 – Latest Statistics

Like almost everywhere, Rhode Island has areas with more crime and other areas where there is not much crime at all. Typically, crime is more prevalent in areas where populations are dense, whereas rural areas often have less crime. A similar pattern emerges when looking at the Rhode Island crime rate by city. Unsurprisingly, Providence, the capital and the most populous city in the state, has a higher crime rate than other areas in the region.

Rhode Island Crime Rate By City

Generally, crime statistics look at crime in two different categories. One is violent crime, which involves direct injury or harm, or an attempt to cause injury or harm, to another person. Property crime, on the other hand, tends to involve theft and destruction of property without a threat to other individuals. In most cases, where you see more of one kind of crime, there is also more of the other. Usually, in Rhode Island, less property crime equates to less violent crime.

Rhode Island has some particularly safe cities with low crime rates. For instance, Bristol and South Kingstown have a rate of fewer than five property crimes per 1,000 people, along with violent crime rates of well under one, according to safewise. In fact, Bristol’s violent crime rate was only 0.2 in 2022. Cumberland, North Kingstown, and East Providence all also have fairly low crime rates. Cumberland’s 2023 property crime rate was 4.6, while North Kingston’s was 5.7, and East Providence’s was 7.2.

Other areas of Rhode Island have a bit more crime. However, it’s worth noting that even in areas with higher rates, the majority of crimes tend to be localized to certain neighborhoods and parts of town.

While Providence may have some of the highest rates of crime in the state, there is still plenty of reason to feel safe in much of the city. Providence’s violent crime rate is 275.5 per 100,000 people, while its property crime rate is 1,128.1. These numbers may seem high compared to those of other Rhode Island cities, but they’re still lower than the national rates. Some of the other cities with pockets of higher crime areas include Woonsocket, Pawtucket, and Newport.

Avoiding Crime

While some crimes can’t be avoided, there are also steps that you can take to reduce your risk of becoming a victim. To help defend against crime at home, a security system can often be an effective measure. It can also be important to ensure that your home is secured with locked doors and windows, particularly at night or when you leave.

When in public, it’s important to stay in well-lit areas. It’s also safer to stay in areas that are more populated rather than walking than anywhere secluded, particularly at night.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Rhode Island?

A: The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Rhode Island is based on the severity of the crime. The penalties for misdemeanors are less serious than the penalties given in misdemeanor cases. In some cases, the same crime could be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

For instance, a DUI may be a misdemeanor if it’s a first offense with a blood alcohol concentration barely above the legal limit. However, if it’s a repeated offense or involves other aggravating factors, it could be a felony.

Q: What Is the Impact of a Criminal Record in Rhode Island?

A: The impact of having a criminal record in Rhode Island can be extensive. Most major aspects of your life could be impacted by having a record. It will appear on background checks used by potential employers or educational institutions.

Many professional organizations will not license or certify someone with a criminal record. It could also negatively impact the opportunity to secure a loan or line of credit. Even your social life could be negatively impacted if others discover your criminal background.

Q: What Are Some of the Most Common Criminal Penalties in Rhode Island?

A: The common criminal penalties that someone might receive in Rhode Island are generally the same as those one might find anywhere in the United States. For more minor crimes, such as many misdemeanors, there are often fines involved, community service, and potentially a probation period.

For more serious crimes, there are often increased fines. Generally, the harshest of penalties is incarceration, and the most serious crime could be penalized with imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole.

Q: Is Crime a Problem in Rhode Island?

A: Whether or not crime is a problem in Rhode Island can depend on the exact location in question. In certain parts of some cities, such as Providence or Pawtucket, the risk of falling victim to a crime can be fairly significant.

However, places like Bristol, South Kingstown, and East Providence carry much less risk. There are even parts of cities with higher crime rates, such as Providence, where there may be much less risk.

Criminal Defense Help You Can Count On

Rhode Island’s cities take crime seriously. Part of the strategy for prevention involves creating a deterrent in the form of stiff penalties that set an example. That’s why it’s important for anyone charged with a crime in Rhode Island to have a criminal defense lawyer who understands how to put forth a strong defense and pursue their client’s interests.

At Ellison Law LLC, we are dedicated to defending those facing criminal charges and ensuring that they are given the fair opportunity as is their right under the law. In cases where a plea deal makes sense, we use our experience and understanding of the law to work for the strongest deal that we can get for our clients.

However, if the case is going to trial because a plea deal isn’t an option, we are always ready to put forth a formidable defense on behalf of our clients. If you or someone close to you is facing criminal charges and in need of a dedicated defense, contact our offices today.