Kent County, one of Rhode Island’s five counties, boasts a population of approximately 164,000 residents and is situated in the state’s central region. It encompasses the municipalities of Warwick, West Warwick, East Greenwich, and Coventry.
In 2018, Kent County reported 236 instances of violent crimes and 2,940 incidents of property crimes, according to the Rhode Island State Police. These figures reflect a noteworthy decline in crime rates compared to 2014, with violent crime dropping by 7.1% and property crime decreasing by 23.6%.
However, it’s important to note that Kent County’s crime rates still surpass the national average. In 2017, the county’s arrest rate stood at 1,588.02 per 100,000 residents, which is 114.88% higher than the national average of 739.02 per 100,000 individuals. Of the total arrests made, 206 were related to violent crimes, including murder, rape, and robbery.
Drawing on crime data from NeighborhoodScout, the following neighborhoods in Kent County are identified as the top five with the highest crime rates:
West Warwick
This city experiences a high violent crime rate of 18.72 incidents per 1,000 residents and a substantial property crime rate of 82.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. In West Warwick, there is a 1 in 54 chance of falling victim to either a violent or property crime.
Additionally, West Warwick gained notoriety as the location of the tragic Station nightclub fire, which took place on February 20, 2003, resulting in the loss of 100 lives and injuries to 230 others. The former site of the Station has since been transformed into a lasting memorial known as Station Fire Memorial Park.
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Warwick
Warwick boasts a violent crime rate of 9.41 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 153.44 incidents per 1,000 residents. Residents face a 1 in 6 likelihood of falling victim to either violent or property crime.
Furthermore, Warwick is rich in historical landmarks, including Warwick City Hall, the Caleb Greene House, and the General Nathanael Greene Homestead. The city is renowned for its picturesque parks, serene beaches, and charming marinas that grace the bay.
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East Greenwich
This town boasts a violent crime rate of 3.81 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 69.37 incidents per 1,000 residents. In East Greenwich, the likelihood of falling victim to either violent or property crime stands at 1 in 14.
Additionally, East Greenwich takes pride in its rich cultural heritage and annually organizes the Gaspee Days celebration. This event serves as a commemoration of the 1772 burning of the British revenue schooner Gaspee by Rhode Island patriots.
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Cranston
This city boasts a violent crime rate of 15.59 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 136.24 incidents per 1,000 residents. Your likelihood of falling victim to either a violent or property crime in Cranston stands at 1 in 7.
Additionally, Cranston sustains a robust economy encompassing the production of jewelry, textiles, machinery, and metal products. Cranston is also home to Rhode Island’s largest correctional facility, the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI), which detains the majority of the state’s prison population. The city further features a lively downtown district adorned with numerous eateries, stores, and art galleries.
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Coventry
This town boasts a violent crime rate of 8.92 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 111.08 incidents per 1,000 residents. Your odds of falling victim to either a violent or property crime in Coventry stand at 1 in 9.
Coventry holds the distinction of being Rhode Island’s largest town by land area, with only South Kingstown surpassing it in total area. It spans 62.3 square miles and was home to a population of 35,688 as of the 2020 census.
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Conclusion
Kent County, situated in the heart of Rhode Island, is a dynamic and multicultural region that provides an array of attractions and conveniences for both its inhabitants and guests.
Nevertheless, the county encounters certain difficulties concerning criminal activity and safety, with crime rates surpassing the national average, particularly in certain neighborhoods where incidents of violence and property offenses are more frequent.
Consequently, fostering collaboration between county officials and the local community is essential in order to deter and diminish crime, bolster public safety, and elevate the overall quality of life for all Kent County residents.
