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CITY · 1990 CENSUS

Providence

Rhode Island · 160,728 residents · 18.406 sq mi
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The short version

Providence has notably lower household income than the US average, with a median household income of $22,147. Population has declined 7% since 2000. Median home value is $111,200. The poverty rate of 23.0% is well above the national figure. Households here earn about 31% less than the Rhode Island median.

At a glance
Lower income
below the US median
US median: $30,130
Younger
median age 29.4
US median: 33.0
Average education
22% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 20%
Less affordable
home values up 44%, inflation adjusted
US median home: $93,722
Section 01

Population & growth

Total population
160,728
−7%vs 2000
vs 173,618 in 2000
1990 – 2025
Population density
8,732 / sq mi
−7%vs 2000
vs 9,433 / sq mi in 2000
US average: 221
Median age
29.4
+4%vs 2000
vs 28.1 in 2000
US average: 33.0
Population, 1990 – 2024
158K167K176K186K195K1990201020202024Providence
2024192K
1990201020202024
Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income
$22,147
+9%inflation adjusted, since 2000
vs $26,867 in 2000
US average: $30,130
1990 – 2024
Per capita income
$11,838
−24%vs 2000
vs $15,525 in 2000
US average: $14,340
Poverty rate
23.0%
−6.2 ptsvs 2000
vs 29.1% in 2000
US average: 13.2%
Section 03

Housing

Median home value
$111,200
+44%inflation adjusted, since 2000
vs $101,700 in 2000
US average: $93,722
1990 – 2024
Median gross rent
$469
+17%inflation adjusted, since 2000
vs $526 in 2000
US average: $450
Owner-occupied
36.3%
+1.7 ptsvs 2000
vs 34.6% in 2000
63.7% rent
Afford Score
5.0
+33%vs 2000
vs 3.8 in 2000
1990 – 2024
RELATED:See current rent listings in Providence on RentDataNow
Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000
White, non-Hispanic45.8%(79,451)
Black12.7%(22,103)
Hispanic / Latino30%(52,146)
Asian5.9%(10,303)
Other0%
Diversity Score80.3%(139,351)
1990
White, non-Hispanic70.2%(112,893)
Black14.6%(23,387)
Hispanic / Latino14.8%(23,744)
Asian6%(9,599)
Other9.2%(14,849)
Diversity Score73%(117,262)
Diversity Score
73
−9%vs 2000
vs 80 in 2000
1990 – 2024
Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
21.6%
−2.8 ptsvs 2000
vs 24.4% in 2000
US average: 20.3%
High school or higher
62.8%
−3.0 ptsvs 2000
vs 65.8% in 2000
US average: 75.2%
Graduate degree
9.6%
−1.7 ptsvs 2000
vs 11.3% in 2000
US average: 7.1%
Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute
16.1 min
+20%vs 2000
vs 13.5 min in 2000
US average: 21.9
Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

Explore

Neighborhoods in Providence

College HillElmwoodFederal HillMount HopeMount PleasantSilverlakeValleyWanskuckWest EndNeighborhoods in Providence
Drill deeper

Places similar to Providence

Grand Rapids
Pop 201,183
Des Moines
Pop 212,086
Worcester
Pop 213,862
Hollywood
Pop 157,019
Places similar to Providence
Head to head

Compare Providence to nearby cities

PROVIDENCE VS
East Providence
Income$75,912+243%
Home value$365,500+229%
Population48,249−75%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
PROVIDENCE VS
Pawtucket
Income$68,310+208%
Home value$325,500+193%
Population77,065−61%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
PROVIDENCE VS
Central Falls
Income$49,285+123%
Home value$352,100+217%
Population23,124−88%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
PROVIDENCE VS
Cranston
Income$90,206+307%
Home value$378,300+240%
Population84,647−57%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
Frequently asked

How many people live in Providence, Rhode Island?

Providence, Rhode Island has about 160,728 residents according to the 1990 Census.

What is the median household income in Providence, Rhode Island?

The typical household in Providence, Rhode Island earns about $22,147 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Providence, Rhode Island expensive?

In Providence, Rhode Island, the median home is worth about $111,200, and the typical rent is about $469 a month.

How educated are people in Providence, Rhode Island?

About 21.6% of adults age 25 and over in Providence, Rhode Island hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Providence, Rhode Island?

About 23.0% of people in Providence, Rhode Island live below the federal poverty line.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

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