10 Safest Cities in Rhode Island

It’s no wonder the state’s nickname is the Ocean State; it has over 400 miles of coastline. In the nation’s smallest state, residents can step back in time as they amble along cobblestone streets. It’s a living, breathing historical mecca in which you can tour palatial mansions.

This includes several stunning architectural wonders owned by Gloria Vanderbilt, who displayed her Gilded Age design. You may not need one that exceeds 100,000 square feet, but you are sure to find one in Rhode Island that will give you and your family all the space you need – and where you will feel safe. Take a look at the top 10 safest cities in this tiny getaway state.

Gloucester

• Population: 9,948
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 29
• Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 326
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

93% Below National Crime Rate

Gloucester takes the gold medal once again for safest city in Rhode Island. It’s a smaller, quiet community nestled in the northwestern corner. The young professionals in this community lean moderate conservative and the nightlife is one to experience. With stats like these, you better hurry because real estate is going fast. 

Scituate

• Population: 10,631
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 47
• Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 404
• Most Common Crime: Larceny

89% Below National Crime Rate

It may take you a few times to pronounce its name correctly, but Scituate is a city to remember; it takes the second-place trophy for safest city. This charming little town has a history of safety all the way back to WWII when she was the site of a radio monitoring system that intercepted enemy signals. A historical slice of the pie in Scituate will cost you upwards of $300,000.

Richmond

• Population: 7,708
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 45
• Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 639
• Most Common Crime: Property

80% Below National Crime Rate

Sliding in at number three is Richmond, with only 45 incidents of violent crimes in 2020; this is a town worth investing in ASAP. If low crime rates and high quality of life are what you’re searching for, then you’ve hit the jackpot. Not only will you rest easy, you’ll awake to breathtaking sunrises.

South Kingstown

• Population: 30,823
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 45
• Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 639
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

85% Below National Crime Rate

Safety scores a beautiful A rating in South Kingston, while the schools and neighborhoods also hold a solid ranking. You’ll have to reach deep into your pockets to enjoy this seaside community, as the median home lists north of $300,000. It’s a water enthusiast’s dream with postcard sunsets. If safety and beauty are tops on your list, schedule your moving van.

Cumberland

• Population: 33,512
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 42
• Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 769
• Most Common Crime: Property

83% Below National Crime Rate

A town the size of Cumberland normally doesn’t make it to the safest cities’ list. Residents say they manage to give the city a small town feel with all the coffee shops and abundant parks. It is one of the best places to live, earning high marks for housing, schools and entertainment.

Bristol

• Population: 22,255
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 67
• Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 435
• Most Common Crime: Property

60% Below National Crime Rate

Safety isn’t the only highlight of this town; Bristol Harbor is loaded with boutiques and restaurants. The panoramic views are spellbinding, and you’ll quickly discover that sailing is a must. She’s a suburb of Providence and has a suburban feel. Being a part of this community will cost you a pretty penny, but you’ll sleep like a baby with this low crime rate.

West Greenwich

• Population: 6,167
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 32
• Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 1,037
• Most Common Crime: Larceny

87% Below National Crime Rate

Education is key here as the public schools spend almost double the national average on each student. Parents rest assured their children get unequivocal attention with a 12:1 student/teacher ratio. West Greenwich offers a rural feel with exceptional home-town amenities.

Portsmouth

• Population: 17,381
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 63
• Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 586
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

80% Below National Crime Rate

This is an affluent town with a host of pleasantries. She brags of sitting in the center of liberal intellectual thought. Portsmouth is bursting with family-friendly opportunities. It’s a diverse town with a top-notch school system. Portsmouth is a sailor’s dream; US Sailing, which is the National Governing Board of Sailing, is headquartered here.

East Greenwich

• Population: 13,139
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 45
• Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 1,035
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

86% Below National Crime Rate

Like most Rhode Island cities, East Greenwich also takes the cake for schools, housing and family life. Residents here enjoy Greenwich Bay on lazy sunny days. Be sure to start saving now as homes have a luxury flavor; your new home will cost almost $500,000. Residents say it’s worth it for the peace of mind it brings.

Barrington

• Population: 16,307
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 61
• Non-Violent Crimes Per Capita: 778
• Most Common Crime: Property

73% Below National Crime Rate

This commuter town sits close to the Massachusetts border and is a quick 20-minute drive to the capital city of Providence. Barrington is a coastal town with friendly neighborhoods and even a yacht club. This seaside retreat also has some pricy homes; the median price tag is $434,000.