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Providence County, Rhode Island — County Report Card

RI

#5 in Rhode Island

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
36.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 81.8Health 76.6Lawn Care 71.2

County Report Card

About Providence County, Rhode Island

The Trade-offs of Urban Living

Providence County holds a composite score of 36.7, which is lower than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the typical challenges faced by densely populated urban centers.

Rhode Island’s Most Affordable Urban Hub

Providence ranks below the state average of 50.1, yet it remains the state's economic and cultural core. While it scores lower on the composite index, it provides essential urban infrastructure and accessibility.

Solid Incomes and Water Reliability

Residents enjoy an income score of 81.8 and a median household income of $78,204. The county also maintains a decent water score of 68.2, ensuring reliable utility quality for its diverse population.

Environmental Risk and Public Safety

The county struggles with a very low risk score of 6.3 and a safety score of 26.0. Additionally, despite having the state's lowest median rents, the cost score remains low at 9.4 due to general living expenses.

A Hub for Career-Focused Urbanites

Providence is best suited for individuals who prioritize career opportunities and city amenities over environmental risk. It is the go-to choice for those seeking the energy of a metropolitan lifestyle at a lower cost than coastal neighbors.

Score breakdown

Tax18.2Cost9.4Safety26Health76.6Schools48.5Income81.8Risk6.3Water68.2Weather59.3
🏛18.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼81.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡6.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧68.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Kent County
Rhode Island
47.2
Bristol County
Rhode Island
58.6
Bristol County
Massachusetts
45
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
53.5
Newport County
Rhode Island
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Norfolk County
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51.1
Plymouth County
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Worcester County
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Deep Dives

Providence County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Providence County

via TaxByCounty

Providence County taxes rank well above national average

Providence County's effective tax rate of 1.375% is more than 60% higher than the national median of 0.84%, placing it firmly in the nation's highest-tax regions. The median property tax of $4,661 nearly doubles the national median of $2,690, despite a median home value only 20% above the national figure.

Third-highest tax rate among Rhode Island counties

Providence County's effective tax rate of 1.375% ranks third in Rhode Island, behind Kent County at 1.468% and Bristol at 1.385%, but above the state average of 1.248%. The median property tax of $4,661 falls slightly below the state average of $5,269, reflecting Providence's lower median home values.

Providence taxes higher than Washington and Newport

Providence County's 1.375% effective rate exceeds Washington County's 1.054% and Newport County's 0.955%, though it trails Bristol and Kent. On a median home value of $339,100, Providence residents pay $4,661 annually—less than Bristol's $6,483 but more than Washington's $4,954.

Providence homeowners pay $4,661 on median home

Providence County's effective tax rate of 1.375% applied to the median home value of $339,100 yields an estimated annual property tax of $4,661. Mortgage holders average $4,722 in taxes annually, while outright owners typically pay around $4,531.

Challenge your valuation to lower your tax bill

With Providence County's above-average effective tax rate, homeowners benefit significantly from ensuring accurate assessments. If your property's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales in your area, filing an appeal can reduce your annual tax liability and free up resources for other needs.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Providence County

via CostByCounty

Providence's affordability challenge deepens

With a rent-to-income ratio of 19.1%, Providence County renters spend nearly one-fifth of gross income on housing—above national comfort levels. The county's median household income of $78,204 is only slightly above the national median of $74,755, limiting the financial cushion many households enjoy.

Second-least affordable county statewide

Providence County ranks fourth among Rhode Island's five counties for affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 19.1%—2.1 points above the state average. Only Newport County faces a steeper housing burden for renters.

Lower rents, lower incomes than others

Providence's median rent of $1,242 is below the state average of $1,362, yet its median household income of $78,204 trails every other county significantly. This lower-wage environment means Providence renters, despite paying less rent, spend a higher share of income on housing.

Providence's income-to-housing mismatch

Renters pay $1,242 monthly while homeowners spend $1,712, together consuming about 31% of household income—the state's highest proportion. The median home value of $339,100 reflects moderate market conditions in Rhode Island's most populous county.

Providence requires careful budget planning

Providence County offers lower rents than Newport and Washington counties, but wage levels lag significantly, making housing a tighter budget item. If you're relocating for work, compare your job offer carefully against the 19.1% rent-to-income burden.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Providence County

via IncomeByCounty

Providence County lags national income slightly

Providence County's median household income of $78,204 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by just $3,449, placing it only marginally ahead of the typical US household. This modest advantage masks significant income inequality within Rhode Island's largest county.

Lowest earners among Rhode Island counties

Providence County ranks fifth and last among Rhode Island's five counties, earning $18,545 less than the state median of $96,749. Per capita income of $40,689 falls $11,890 below the state average, the lowest in the state and reflecting Providence's urban, diverse economic base.

Providence significantly trails all other counties

Providence County ($78,204) earns substantially less than Bristol ($110,926), Newport ($100,859), Washington ($102,478), and Kent ($91,278). The $13,045 income gap between Providence and its nearest neighbor, Kent, is the largest spread among any county pair in Rhode Island.

Housing costs squeeze household budgets

Providence County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio is the second-highest in the state despite the lowest median income, creating serious affordability pressure. At median home values of $339,100, many Providence households struggle to build equity while managing monthly expenses.

Maximize resources for financial stability

Providence residents face real income constraints that require disciplined budgeting and intentional saving, even small amounts compound over time. Explore free or low-cost financial counseling through nonprofit organizations to build emergency funds and plan for future stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Providence County

via CrimeByCounty

Providence County Outperforms Urban Peers

Providence County maintains a safety score of 97.1, which is higher than many urban centers nationwide. Its total crime rate of 1,809.9 per 100K remains comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5.

Safety in the Urban Core

The county currently ranks fifth in Rhode Island for safety, falling just below the state average score of 98.3. With 17 reporting agencies, it manages the highest volume of safety data in the state.

Regional Trends in Dense Areas

Providence's crime rate is higher than its Rhode Island neighbors, reflecting its status as the state's population and commercial center. However, it still presents a safer profile than many similar-sized metro counties across the U.S.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime sits at 219.3 per 100K, while property crime is more frequent at 1,590.6 per 100K. Despite having the highest rates in the state, the violent crime rate is still much lower than the national average of 369.8.

Layered Defense for Urban Homes

Urban residents benefit significantly from well-lit entryways and smart home security systems. Staying active in community safety initiatives helps lower property crime risks across the county's diverse neighborhoods.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Providence County

via HealthByCounty

Providence health outcomes lag significantly

Providence County residents live to just 78.2 years, falling 5.8 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years and 1.7 years below Rhode Island's 79.9-year average—a notable gap. At 17.1% reporting poor or fair health, Providence's rate is 27% higher than the national average of 13.5%, signaling widespread chronic disease burden.

Rhode Island's lowest life expectancy county

Providence County ranks last among Rhode Island counties for life expectancy at 78.2 years and has the highest poor/fair health rate statewide at 17.1%. The county's 6.1% uninsured rate is the worst in the state, far exceeding Rhode Island's 4.2% average by 45%, leaving over 15,000 residents without coverage.

Health gap widens versus neighboring counties

Providence's 78.2-year lifespan trails Newport by 3.9 years and Bristol by 2.5 years, revealing significant disparities within the state. Providence's 6.1% uninsured rate is 1.6 percentage points above the next-worst county (Kent at 4%), suggesting systemic access barriers.

Uninsured rate and provider gaps collide

Providence's 6.1% uninsured rate means roughly 15,000+ residents lack health coverage, likely delaying or forgoing care despite having 97 primary care providers and 587 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. Many insured residents also face affordability challenges that keep them from using available providers.

Getting covered is the first step.

If you're among Providence's 6.1% uninsured, visit HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 today—coverage is more affordable than you may think. With strong mental health resources available, insurance unlocks the care you need to improve your health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Providence County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rhode Island’s Largest Educational Hub

Providence County hosts a massive educational network of 202 public schools serving 87,715 students. The landscape is broad and diverse, featuring 111 elementary schools, 40 middle schools, and 43 high schools across 41 districts. This county serves the vast majority of the state's student population with a wide array of specialized facilities.

Navigating Challenges in a Massive System

The county faces significant hurdles with a graduation rate of 80.6%, which trails the state average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $9,895, the lowest among the featured counties and well below the national average of $13,000. Despite these figures, the school score of 54.8 indicates a resilient system working to improve outcomes for its diverse student body.

Providence and Cranston Lead in Choice

The Providence district is the largest in the state, serving 20,463 students across 39 schools, followed by Cranston with 10,029 students. Charter schools play a vital role here, with 37 institutions representing 18.3% of the total schools. This high density of charter and alternative options provides families with significant choice in their children's education.

A Tale of Two Environments: City and Suburb

Providence County schools are split between 128 suburban locations and 61 city locales, with 13 rural schools on the outskirts. Large campuses like Cranston High School West (1,715 students) contrast with an overall county average of 441 students. This mix offers everything from bustling, diverse urban high schools to quiet suburban elementary campuses.

Abundant Choices for Every Family

With over 200 schools and 41 districts, Providence County offers more educational variety than anywhere else in the state. Whether you are looking for specialized charter programs in the city or established suburban districts like Cranston, your home search can be tailored to your specific school needs. Explore this diverse region to find the right fit for your student.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Providence County

via RiskByCounty

Providence: Highest Risk in Rhode Island

Providence County's composite risk score of 93.67 ranks as Relatively Moderate nationally, but represents the state's most elevated hazard exposure. Flood (96.60), tornado (78.31), and hurricane (91.70) risks all substantially exceed national averages.

Clear Risk Leader in Rhode Island

Providence County's 93.67 score exceeds every other Rhode Island county—37.08 points above the state average of 56.59 and far ahead of second-place Kent (69.43). The state capital's density and geography create compounded hazard exposure.

Dramatically Higher Risk Than All Peers

Providence (93.67) ranks nearly 30 points higher than Kent (69.43), 57 points above Washington (64.03), 30 points above Newport (36.42), and 74 points above Bristol (19.40). No other Rhode Island county approaches Providence's risk profile.

Flood, Tornado, and Hurricane Triple Threat

Providence's composite score is driven by exceptional flood risk (96.60—nearly worst-case nationally), tornado risk (78.31), and hurricane risk (91.70). Earthquake (89.38) and wildfire (31.71) add meaningful secondary hazards across the county.

Flood Insurance Is Mandatory, Not Optional

With flood risk at 96.60, Providence residents must secure federal flood insurance regardless of FEMA zone—lender requirements and personal protection demand it. Combine flood coverage with tornado-rated safe rooms, hurricane-impact windows, and earthquake-braced water heaters to address Providence's multi-hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Providence County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the national average

Providence County’s 50.1°F annual average is several degrees cooler than the national median. This area experiences a robust humid continental climate with significant precipitation throughout the year.

The coolest county in the state

Providence County ranks as the coolest in Rhode Island, falling over a full degree below the state average of 51.2°F. It is also the wettest county, receiving 52.8 inches of annual precipitation.

A regional leader in snowfall

With 51.8 inches of annual snow, Providence County far outpaces Newport's 32.0 inches. It also records the coldest January temperatures in the state, averaging a brisk 27.5°F.

Significant snow and humid summers

Winters are defined by over 50 inches of snow and a Dec-Feb average of 30.0°F. Summers remain warm with 9 days exceeding 90°F, often accompanied by high humidity from the 52.8 inches of annual rainfall.

Winter readiness is a top priority

Homeowners must prioritize heavy-duty snow removal equipment and high-quality home insulation for the cold 27.5°F January nights. The high annual rainfall also necessitates well-maintained gutters and basement drainage systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Providence County

via SoilByCounty

Providence's Soil Characteristics

Providence County does not currently have recorded data for its dominant soil texture or average pH levels. Reaching the national median pH of 6.5 often requires local amendments depending on your specific neighborhood's history.

Analyzing Soil Components

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages for the county are missing from our current data set. These numbers are vital for understanding drainage and nutrient storage, making personal testing a priority for local farmers.

Seeking Better Soil Fertility

Data for organic matter content and water capacity is not available for this area. Residents should focus on incorporating organic materials to reach the national average of 2.0% for healthier plant growth.

Hydrology in the Urban Core

Centralized records for drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unavailable for Providence. Given the urban landscape, understanding how water interacts with your soil is essential for successful gardening and construction.

Garden Success in Zone 6b

Providence County sits in Hardiness Zone 6b, which supports many hearty varieties of crops and ornamental plants. Whether you have a backyard or a raised bed, the current season is a great time to begin.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Providence County

via LawnByCounty

Providence's Unique Lawn Challenges

Providence County has a lawn difficulty score of 71.2, which is slightly below the state average but still far better than the national median of 50.0. As a Hardiness Zone 6b region, it faces cooler winters and shorter seasons than the coastal counties. Despite the lower score, the environment remains generally favorable for most traditional grass types.

Abundant Rainfall for Turf

Providence receives a significant 52.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is the highest in the state and slightly above the ideal lawn range. The county records 9 extreme heat days and 2,766 growing degree days per year. This high moisture level means you must ensure your yard has proper drainage to avoid fungal issues.

Addressing Local Soil Needs

With no specific county data available for soil pH or drainage, homeowners should prioritize a standard soil test before the growing season. Aiming for the national ideal of 6.0-7.0 pH will help your grass maximize the nutrients from the county's frequent rainfall. Proper aeration is often necessary in this region to prevent compaction from heavy precipitation.

A Year of Reliable Moisture

Providence County saw only one week of drought over the past year, highlighting its relatively stable water supply. While the entire county currently sits in an abnormally dry phase, the risk of severe drought remains at 0.0%. This consistent moisture allows for a more relaxed irrigation schedule compared to drier parts of the country.

Timing the Providence Frost

Seeding should wait until after the final spring frost on April 25 to ensure young shoots aren't damaged. The season typically concludes with the first frost on October 19, giving you a solid six-month window for maintenance. Hardier grasses like Fine Fescue are excellent choices for the varied terrain of Providence County.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Providence County's county score?
Providence County, Rhode Island has a composite county score of 36.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Providence County rank among counties in Rhode Island?
Providence County ranks #5 among all counties in Rhode Island on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Providence County, Rhode Island?
The median annual property tax in Providence County is $4,661, with an effective tax rate of 1.37%. This earns Providence County a tax score of 18.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Providence County?
The median household income in Providence County, Rhode Island is $78,204 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Providence County earns an income score of 81.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Providence County, Rhode Island a good place to live?
Providence County scores 36.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Rhode Island. The best way to evaluate Providence County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Providence County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.