10 Safest Cities in Rhode Island

Updated On October 10, 2023
Rhode Island

The state of Rhode Island has a population of 1.059 million residents as per the United States Census

According to the latest crime statistics for this state, during the period 2019, there were a total of 18,601 crimes reported in this state.

The state experiences 1,756 crimes per 100,000 residents.

This highlights that there were a total of 2.5 incidents of violent crime per 1,000 residents and 12.5 incidents of property crime per 1,000 residents. 

Rhode Island is in the 81st percentile for safety, which means that 19% of the states in the USA are safer while 81% of the states are less safe. 

In essence, there are 2.26 per 1,000 residents in a standard year. 

10 Safest Cities in Rhode Island

The following data was obtained from the FBI crime report for this state.

Factors included cities and towns that had a population larger than 10,000 residents, the amount of law enforcement per city, and the annual income per resident/household. 

Bristol, Rhode Island
Bristol, Rhode Island

1. Bristol

Bristol is a town located in Bristol County, Rhode Island.

The town has a rather small population of about 21,748 residents and a median income of around $72,610. 

From the period between 2020 to 2022, the town of Bristol has seen a steady decline in both violent and property crime trends.

During the 2022 period, there have thus far only been 0.2 incidents of violent crime reported per 1,000 residents and 3.2 incidents of property crime per 1,000 residents. 

This means that the town of Bristol is rated the safest town to live in in the state of Rhode Island. 

South Kingstown, Rhode Island
South Kingstown, Rhode Island

2. South Kingstown

South Kingstown is a city in as well as the town seat of Washington County, Rhode Island.

The city is known for its scenic beaches, historic landmarks, and tranquil farmland. 

South Kingstown has a population of around 30,238 residents and a median income of around $89,917. 

From the period between 2020 to 2022, the city of South Kingstown has seen a steady decline in both violent and property crime trends.

During the 2022 period, there have thus far only been 0.5 incidents of violent crime reported per 1,000 residents and 4.5 incidents of property crime per 1,000 residents. 

The city of South Kingstown has made it to the number two spot on our list today. 

Cumberland, Rhode Island
Cumberland, Rhode Island

3. Cumberland

Cumberland, the most northeastern town in Providence County, Rhode Island, is the largest city in the state.

The city is known as one of the best places to live in Rhode Island.

Cumberland has a population of around 35,357 residents and a median income of around $91,726. 

From the period between 2020 to 2022, the city of Cumberland has seen fluctuating levels of violent and property crime trends.

During the 2022 period, there have thus far only been 0.8 incidents of violent crime reported per 1,000 residents and 6.1 incidents of property crime per 1,000 residents. 

Smithfield, Rhode Island
Smithfield, Rhode Island

4. Smithfield

Smithfield is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island.

This small town is known for its many historic mills, such as the Georgia Cotton Mill. 

The city is known as one of the best places to live in Rhode Island.

Smithfield has a population of around 21,893 residents and a median income of around $85,337. 

From the period between 2020 to 2022, the city of Smithfield has seen fluctuating levels of violent and property crime trends.

During the 2022 period, there have thus far only been 1.0 incidents of violent crime reported per 1,000 residents and 6.5 incidents of property crime per 1,000 residents. 

Coventry, Rhode Island
Coventry, Rhode Island

5. Coventry

Coventry is a town in  Kent County, Rhode Island.

This small town is known as one of the best places to live in Rhode Island due to its many amazing schools and low crime rates.

Coventry has a population of around 34,740 residents and a median income of around $73,392. 

From the period between 2020 to 2022, the city of Smithfield has seen fluctuating levels of violent and property crime trends.

During the 2022 period, there have thus far only been 1.2 incidents of violent crime reported per 1,000 residents and 7.3 incidents of property crime per 1,000 residents. 

North Providence, Rhode Island
North Providence, Rhode Island

6. North Providence

North Providence is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island.

North Providence has a population of around 32,652 residents and a median income of around $57,135. 

From the period between 2020 to 2022, the city of Smithfield has seen fluctuating levels of violent and property crime trends.

During the 2022 period, there have thus far only been 1.6 incidents of violent crime reported per 1,000 residents and 5.9 incidents of property crime per 1,000 residents. 

This town is very safe, with little to no crime, and companies and businesses opening up everywhere.

North Kingstown, Rhode Island
North Kingstown, Rhode Island

7. North Kingston

North Kingston is a town in Washington County, Rhode Island.

North Kingston offers residents a suburban feel and has a population of around 26,221 residents and a median income of around $91,796.

The town has highly rated public schools, many restaurants, coffee shops, and parks and most residents own their own homes.

From the period between 2020 to 2022, the city of Smithfield has seen fluctuating levels of violent and property crime trends.

During the 2022 period, there have thus far only been 1.0 incidents of violent crime reported per 1,000 residents and 8.4 incidents of property crime per 1,000 residents. 

This town is very safe, with little to no crime.

Warwick, Rhode Island
Warwick, Rhode Island

8. Warwick

Warwick is the third-largest city in the state of Rhode Island and is located in Kent County, Rhode Island.

Warwick has a population of around 80,605 residents and a median income of around $73,757.

The town has 40% less crime than the national average. 

From the period between 2020 to 2022, the city of Warwick has seen fluctuating levels of violent and property crime trends.

During the 2022 period, there have thus far only been 0.8 incidents of violent crime reported per 1,000 residents and 12.3 incidents of property crime per 1,000 residents. 

This town is very safe, with little to no crime.

Cranston, Rhode Island
Cranston, Rhode Island

9. Cranston

Cranston was previously known at once known as Pawtuxet, and it is a city in Providence County, Rhode Island.

The city has a population of around 81,313 residents and a median income of around $72,017.

Money magazine has voted this city as one of the top 100 places to live in the US.

It also falls under the top 25 safest US cities to live in.

Not to mention that the standard and cost of living are not nearly as high as in other New England cities. 

This is a nice, family-friendly city in Rhode Island.

From the period between 2020 to 2022, the city of Warwick has seen fluctuating levels of violent and property crime trends.

During the 2022 period, there have thus far only been 1.4 incidents of violent crime reported per 1,000 residents and 10.6 incidents of property crime per 1,000 residents. 

This town is very safe, with little to no crime.

Westerly, Rhode Island
Westerly, Rhode Island

10. Westerly

Westerly is situated on the southwestern shoreline of Washington County, Rhode Island.

Residents of this city experience a sparse suburban feel and high levels of security as the crime rate in this city is very low.

There are great public schools as well as restaurants, public parks, and a lot of outdoor family-friendly activities.

The city has a population of around 22,277 residents and a median income of around $70,784.

From the period between 2020 to 2022, the city of Warwick has seen fluctuating levels of violent and property crime trends.

During the 2022 period, there have thus far only been 0.8 incidents of violent crime reported per 1,000 residents and 13.1 incidents of property crime per 1,000 residents. 

This city is fairly safe with an overall crime rate of approximately 13 incidents per 1,000 residents.

Many residents in Westerly are fairly well off and own their own homes. It is one of the safest cities in Rhode Island.

5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Rhode Island

When traveling to this state, there are a few things to keep in mind and pay attention to so as to secure your own safety and the safety of your family.

Overall, this state is relatively safe. 

  1. The roads are pretty bad, so visitors need to stay aware of this while driving to avoid any accidents. 
  2. There is a lot of traffic in and out of this state. This is especially true during the peak season. Prepare for heavy traffic.
  3. This is a state that is known for hurricane activity, so check reports before heading out.
  4. Wintertime can be pretty extreme. Avoid traveling to and from this state during this time. 
  5. Always notify your bank and credit cards when traveling

Rhode Island Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Rhode Island Safety Review

Safety Index:
85
Rhode Island
  • OVERALL RISK: LOW
  • TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
  • PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
  • NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
  • MUGGING RISK: LOW
  • TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
  • SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
  • WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most dangerous city in Rhode Island?

Foster in Rhode Island is considered to be the most dangerous city and should preferably be avoided.

What is the most common crime in this state?

Property crime accounts for 87% of all crimes.

What is the major tourist attraction in this state?

You must visit The Breakers in New Port.

2 Comments on 10 Safest Cities in Rhode Island

  1. E
    Emmett Webster says:

    I’ve always been drawn to the charm of Rhode Island, and knowing I can explore its safest cities without worrying about safety concerns makes me even more excited to plan my trip!

  2. D
    Derrick Yates says:

    Traveling with kids can be stressful, but knowing we can choose from these safe cities in Rhode Island for our next family getaway puts my mind at ease.

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