Looking for Northeastern safety? Check out 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.
Take a look at the top 10 safest cities in this tiny getaway state.
1. South Kingstown
Coastal calm with top-tier safety
Crime Rate Comparison: 96th percentile for safety (safer than 96% of cities)
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 10.19, Violent: 1.176, Property: 5.468
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $343/$142
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 value is north of $512,000. It’s a water enthusiast’s dream with postcard sunsets. If safety and beauty are tops on your list, schedule your moving van.
2. Richmond
A rural gem with rare peace
Crime Rate Comparison: 94th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 10.89, Violent: 1.154, Property: 5.658
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $422/$150
Sliding in at number two is Richmond. 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.
3. Portsmouth
Safe harbors and smart living
Crime Rate Comparison: 89th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 12.86, Violent: 1.069, Property: 6.450
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $385/$157
This is an affluent town with a host of pleasantries. 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.
4. Barrington
Coastal quiet with commuter convenience
Crime Rate Comparison: 86th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 13.54, Violent: 1.254, Property: 8.530
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $486/$173
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 home value is $592,000.
5. Cumberland
City size, small-town safety
Crime Rate Comparison: 84th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 14.26, Violent: 1.156, Property: 8.204
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $461/$178
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.
6. West Glocester
Hidden charm, low crime
Crime Rate Comparison: 82nd percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 14.81, Violent: 1.254, Property: 8.530
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $522/$193
West Glocester is a smaller, quiet community with a blend of attractions and outdoor recreation. From hiking to covered bridges and antique shops, find what speaks to you in this safe city approximately 30 minutes to the east of the state capital.
7. West Greenwich
Smart, safe, and spread out
Crime Rate Comparison: 77th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 16.11, Violent: 1.559, Property: 9.169
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $524/$188
Education is key here as the public schools spend more 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.
8. East Greenwich
Luxury meets low crime
Crime Rate Comparison: 77th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 16.15, Violent: 1.268, Property: 9.027
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $452/$176
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 $750,000. Residents say it’s worth it for the peace of mind it brings.
9. West Warwick
Safe streets near the city
Crime Rate Comparison: 60th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 20.90, Violent: 1.506, Property: 11.63
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $507/$229
West Warwick is a Kent County gem. This safe community is relatively diverse. With the Jaycee Riverwalk Corridor, stables, flea markets, and more residents enjoy a wide variety of activities. Located just 15 miles to the south of Providence is a nice perk.
10. Bristol
Sailing, scenery, and safety
Crime Rate Comparison: 58th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 21.57, Violent: 1.758, Property: 10.31
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $541/$238
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 in this suburb of Providence. Being a part of this community will cost you a pretty penny, but you’ll sleep like a baby with this low crime rate.
The Bottom Line
Rhode Island may be small, but its safest cities pack in charm, low crime, and high quality of life. From coastal retreats to quiet inland towns, these communities offer security and serenity worth investing in.
The "Safest Cities" series evaluates and ranks the safest cities in each U.S. state using crime data from the FBI and state databases. Our analysis considers population size, violent and nonviolent crime rates, the most common crime, and comparisons to national and state averages. Violent crimes include homicide, assault, robbery, and sexual assault, while nonviolent crimes encompass burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offenses. Each city’s safety score is weighted, emphasizing violent crimes. Data inconsistencies and reporting variations are acknowledged as limitations. This analysis aims to help individuals and families make informed decisions about where to live.
Other Rhode Island Resources
Best Modular Home Builders in Rhode Island
10 Best State Parks in Rhode Island
The Healthiest States to Live In
How to Build a House in Rhode Island
Your Guide to Closing Costs in Rhode Island
The Most Affordable Cities in Rhode Island
The Best Places to Retire in Rhode Island
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.