Based on information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reports, Providence County, Rhode Island recorded a crime rate of 31.61 per 1,000 residents in 2020. This figure surpassed the national average of 23.8 per 1,000 residents.
The specific crime rates within Providence County varied depending on the type and location of the incidents. Below, you can find a list of some of the riskier neighborhoods in Providence County, as determined by data from NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade:
West End
In 2020, this neighborhood had a high violent crime rate of 9.42 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 38.86 incidents per 1,000 residents, marking it as one of the least secure areas within Providence County.
Furthermore, it was once the residence of affluent textile and jewelry tycoons. However, following World War II, there was a notable departure of white residents to the suburbs. Since 1980, this neighborhood has undergone a transformation into a diverse community, now inhabited by Hispanics, African-Americans, Asians, Native Americans, Laotians, and Vietnamese Hmong.
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Elmwood
In 2020, this neighborhood exhibited a high violent crime rate of 8.77 incidents per 1,000 residents, coupled with a property crime rate of 36.96 incidents per 1,000 residents in Providence County, establishing it as another high-risk area.
Moreover, it served as a hub for political and social activism throughout history, welcoming suffragists, abolitionists, and labor unions. Today, it retains its status as one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods, boasting a rich tapestry of ethnic, cultural, and racial backgrounds.
Hispanics constitute the majority, while significant African-American and Asian populations further contribute to its vibrant diversity.
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Silver Lake
In 2020, this neighborhood recorded a high violent crime rate of 7.83 incidents per 1,000 residents and a substantial property crime rate of 34.01 incidents per 1,000 residents, earning it a reputation as a hazardous area within Providence County.
Furthermore, over the past few decades, it has experienced a notable increase in its Hispanic and Asian immigrant populations, with a significant number hailing from the Dominican Republic and Cambodia. Consequently, it has evolved into one of Providence’s most densely populated and culturally diverse neighborhoods.
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South Elmwood
In 2020, this locality witnessed a high violent crime rate of 7.51 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 33.06 incidents per 1,000 residents, classifying it as an unsafe region within Providence County.
Within this neighborhood, you’ll discover numerous historic residences showcasing diverse architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and Bungalow designs.
Additionally, the area boasts a variety of churches, educational institutions, and recreational spaces that cater to its residents. Currently, it stands as a culturally diverse neighborhood with a substantial Hispanic population, encompassing residents of mixed income backgrounds.
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Olneyville
In 2020, this locality exhibited a high incidence of crime, with a violent crime rate of 7.14 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 31.58 per 1,000 residents, classifying it as a high-crime district within Providence County.
During this period, it drew a substantial number of immigrants from Ireland, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Lithuania who were employed in local mills and resided in tenement housing. Furthermore, it boasted a thriving cultural milieu, featuring theaters, cinemas, libraries, and social clubs.
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Conclusion
In summary, in the year 2020, Providence County, Rhode Island experienced a crime rate surpassing the national average. Certain neighborhoods within the county exhibited a greater susceptibility to both violent and property-related crimes compared to others.
These neighborhoods further boast a significant historical and cultural tapestry, mirroring the diverse influxes of immigration and the impact of various social movements that have molded them over time.
Though these regions may present security concerns for both residents and tourists, they also serve as windows into the rich cultural and architectural legacy that defines Providence County.
