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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
37.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 79.9Health 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.

2040608010021.39.22676.648.579.96.368.259.3Tax21.3Cost9.2Safety26Health76.6Schools48.5Income79.9Risk6.3Water68.2Weather59.337.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Providence County DNA

Foverall

How Providence County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Providence County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (79.9/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (6.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
21.3-30.7
Cost
9.2-38.8
Safety
26-29
Health
76.6+26.599999999999994
Schools
48.5
Income
79.9+28.900000000000006
Risk
6.3-40.7
Water
68.2+10.200000000000003
Weather
59.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$373,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,312/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$373,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$52,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $78,787/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

33.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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37

Nearby counties

Kent County
Rhode Island
47.5
Bristol County
Rhode Island
58.5
Bristol County
Massachusetts
45
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
54.3
Newport County
Rhode Island
52.7
Norfolk County
Massachusetts
51
Plymouth County
Massachusetts
48.8
Worcester County
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46.8

Deep Dives

Providence County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 37.1 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 $4,683, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Providence County a tax score of 21.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Providence County?
The median household income in Providence County, Rhode Island is $78,787 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Providence County earns an income score of 79.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Providence County, Rhode Island a good place to live?
Providence County scores 37.1/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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