Woonsocket, a Rhode Island city with around 43,000 residents, faces a higher-than-average crime rate of 22.82 incidents per 1,000 people, surpassing the national median of 14.6. According to NeighborhoodScout, Woonsocket ranks as safer than only 18% of U.S. cities.
In Woonsocket, the majority of crimes fall under property offenses, including burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, making up 76.5% of the total crime rate. The property crime rate in Woonsocket stands at 17.46 per 1,000 residents, exceeding the national median of 19.
The second most prevalent category of crime in Woonsocket is violent offenses, such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, accounting for 23.5% of the total crime. The violent crime rate in Woonsocket is 5.36 per 1,000 residents, slightly higher than the national median of 4.
Based on crime data and statistics, here are the top five neighborhoods in Woonsocket with the highest crime rates:
Social District
This neighborhood is in the southeastern part of the city and is home to around 3,000 people. Unfortunately, it has a higher crime rate, about twice as high as the city’s average, at 44.33 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Additionally, this neighborhood is one of the oldest and most historic areas in Woonsocket. It started as a mill village for workers from the nearby Social Manufacturing Company, which made cotton textiles.
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Constitution Hill
This neighborhood is in the northeastern part of the city and has roughly 2,000 residents. The crime rate here is 40.5 per 1,000 people, which is significantly above the city’s average.
Additionally, it’s situated on a hill with a view of the Blackstone River and the city of Woonsocket. It got its name from the Constitution House, a historic tavern where local patriots met during the American Revolution.
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Fairmount
This part of the city, in the east, is home to around 4,000 people. The crime rate here is 34.75 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the city’s average.
Moreover, this neighborhood sits on a plateau near the city of Cumberland. It used to be a farming area, providing food and dairy products to nearby mill towns.
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Globe District
This area is right in the middle of the city and has roughly 5,000 residents. The crime rate here is a bit higher than the city’s average at 32.8 incidents per 1,000 people.
This neighborhood boasts several historic landmarks, including the Globe Mill Complex, the Globe Theatre, and the Globe Dye Works. It’s also famous for its vibrant art and creative community, with numerous galleries, studios, and events happening here.
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North End
This area is in the northern part of the city and is home to approximately 6,000 people. The crime rate here is nearly the same as the city’s average, with 29.67 incidents per 1,000 residents.
In the past, it used to be a rural area with lots of trees and open land. However, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it became more urbanized as mills and factories were constructed along the Branch River.
This neighborhood also attracted immigrants from places like Lithuania, Russia, Germany, and other nations, who established their own ethnic communities here.
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Conclusion
Woonsocket is a city known for its higher crime rate and lower safety rating compared to other cities in the U.S. Specifically, five neighborhoods—Social District, Constitution Hill, Fairmount, Globe District, and North End—experience more frequent and severe crimes.
Nevertheless, these neighborhoods have rich histories, unique cultures, and distinctive identities that add value to the city. While Woonsocket faces challenges, it also possesses opportunities for progress and development.
