Providence, Rhode Island
Providence: The capital and most populous city of Rhode Island.
About
Providence is a city located in the county of Providence in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. Its population at the 2010 census was 178,042 and a population density of 3,342 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 179,270 inhabitants.
The city was created 390 years ago in 1635.
Founded in 1636, Providence serves as the capital and largest city in America's smallest state. This historic coastal city delights visitors with its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and unique local flavors.
Colonial Charm
Strolling down Benefit Street, visitors admire Georgian and Federalist era mansions now housing private homes, Brown University offices, and museums like the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. Nearby, The Arcade Providence stands as the oldest indoor shopping mall in the U.S.
On College Hill, ivy-covered Brown University campus buildings and student culture add youthful energy. The stately Rhode Island State House presides over downtown with its gleaming marble dome.
Arts and Entertainment
Providence's creative side shines at organizations like the world-renowned Providence Performing Arts Center and Tony Award-winning Trinity Repertory Company. Galleries and indie theaters dot the downtown landscape.
The WaterFire art installation lights up the Providence River with 100 bonfires floating in steel braziers - a magical sight after sunset.
Local Flavor
With culinary influences from its Italian heritage and Rhodes Island's harbors, Providence impresses foodies. The city claims one of the highest densities of locally owned restaurants, like seafood haven Hemenway's and Pane e Vino's Northern Italian cuisine.
With history, culture, food and innovation, Providence delivers authentic New England experiences with cosmopolitan flair.
Quick Facts about Providence
| Population | 179,270 (2020) |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | Rhode Island (United States) |
| County | Providence County |
| Postal code | 02901–02912, 02940, 02919, 02918 |
| Phone Area Codes | 401 |
| Area | 53.27 km2 |
| Official name | Providence |
| Latitude & Longitude | 41.8240,-71.4128 |
| Altitude | 75 feet / 23 meters |
| Capital city | Providence is capital of Providence County, Colony of Rhode Island and Plantations, Rhode Island |
| Establishment | January 01, 1636 (390 years ago) |
| Time Zone | America/New_York |
| Local time | 18:00:22 (22nd April 2026) |
| Density | 3,365 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth | 0.69% (2010-2020) |
Geography
Providence is located at 41°49'26"N 71°24'46"W (41.8239900, -71.4128300).
Providence map
icon to open full mode. View satellite images
Official website of Providence
Official Website- Afula
- Florence
- Kremenchuk
- Kyiv
- Phnom Penh
Demographics
The population of Providence increased by 0.69% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 178,042 | - | census |
| 2011 | 178,332 | 0.16% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 178,813 | 0.27% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 178,692 | -0.07% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 179,119 | 0.24% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 179,252 | 0.07% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 179,548 | 0.16% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 179,252 | -0.17% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 179,520 | 0.15% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 179,883 | 0.2% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 179,270 | -0.34% | estimation process |
Best Things to Do in Providence
1Roger Williams Park Zoo
1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, United States View details
Phone: +14017853510 | Website available
2India Point Park
201 India St, Providence, RI 02903, United States View details
Phone: +14016807201 | Website available
3Waterplace Park
Memorial Blvd, Providence, RI 02903, United States View details
Phone: +18005562484 | Website available
4Providence Children's Museum
100 South St, Providence, RI 02903, United States View details
Phone: +14012735437 | Website available
5RISD Museum
20 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, United States View details
Phone: +14014546500 | Website available
Where to Eat in Providence
1Rooftop at the Providence G
100 Dorrance St, Providence, RI 02903, United States View details
Phone: +14016324904 | Website available
Where to Stay in Providence
1Omni Providence Hotel
1 W Exchange St, Providence, RI 02903, United States View details
Phone: +14015988000 | Website available
Services and Civic Places in Providence
1Providence City Hall
25 Dorrance St, Providence, RI 02903 View details
Phone: +14016805000 | Website available
2City of Providence
444 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903 View details
Phone: +14016805355 | Website available
3Agriculture & Marketing Division
235 Promenade St, Providence, RI 02908, United States View details
Phone: +14012222781 | Website available
4Elementary & Secondary Education RI
255 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903, United States View details
Phone: +14012224600 | Website available
People born in Providence (200)
People born in Providence, including rapper Sage Francis, actor David Hedison, boxer Harold Gomes, .
More notable people
- Lou Lamoriello (American ice hockey coach and executive) he was born in 21/10/1942
- Samuel G. Arnold (Union United States Army officer (1821-1880)) he was born in 12/04/1821
- Jane Kramer (American journalist) she was born in 07/08/1938
- Alice Drummond (American actress) she was born in 21/05/1928
- Norman Taber (athletics competitor) he was born in 03/09/1891
- H. P. Lovecraft (American author) he was born in 20/08/1890
- John H. Clifford (Massachusetts Whig governor and attorney general (1809-1876)) he was born in 16/01/1809
- Daniel L. D. Granger (American politician (1852-1909)) he was born in 30/05/1852
- Marilyn Chambers (American movie actress (1952-2009)) she was born in 22/04/1952
- Jill Craybas (American tennis player) she was born in 04/07/1974
- Kirsten Price (American movie actress, model & cable television host) she was born in 13/11/1981
- Jeffrey Osborne (American singer) he was born in 09/03/1948
- Shanna Moakler (American actress and model) she was born in 28/03/1975
- Clark Donatelli (American ice hockey player) he was born in 22/11/1965
- Cormac McCarthy (American novelist, playwright, and screenwriter) he was born in 20/07/1933
- Clara Thompson (American psychiatrist & psychoanalyst) she was born in 03/10/1893
- Carol Sloane (American singer) she was born in 05/03/1937
- Lee Bontecou (American artist) she was born in 15/01/1931
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Providence, RI. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 217235 | Johnson & Wales University-Providence | Providence (RI) | 02903-3703 |
| 217493 | Rhode Island School of Design | Providence (RI) | 02903-2784 |
| 460349 | Johnson & Wales University-Online | Providence (RI) | 02903 |
| 217156 | Brown University | Providence (RI) | 02912 |
| 217581 | Empire Beauty School-Warwick | Providence (RI) | 02903 |
Nearby Transit Stations (24)
Rail and bus stations connected to Providence, RI. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVD | Providence station | 100 Gaspee Street | RAIL |
| KIN | Kingston station | 1 Railroad Avenue | RAIL |
| RTE | Route 128 station | 50 University Ave | RAIL |
| FRA | Framingham station | 417 Waverly St. | RAIL |
| WOR | Union Station | 2 Washington Square | RAIL |
Closest post offices linked to Providence.
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Annex Finan Post Office | Providence (RI) | 02903 |
| East Sid Post Office | Providence (RI) | 02906 |
| North Station Post Office | Providence (RI) | 02908 |
| Weybosset Hill Post Office | Providence (RI) | 02903 |
| Corliss Park Station Post Office | Providence (RI) | 02904 |
Other places with the same name (8)
- Providence, Utah city in Cache County, Utah, United States with a population of 8,051 people.
- Providence, Pennsylvania township in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with a population of 7,026 people.
- Providence, Ohio ghost town in Lucas County, Ohio with a population of 3,446 people.
- Providence, Kentucky city in Webster County, Kentucky, United States with a population of 3,065 people.
- Providence, Kentucky city in Webster County, Kentucky, United States with a population of 2,986 people.
- Providence, Alabama town in Marengo County, Alabama, United States with a population of 223 people.
- Providence, Alabama town in Marengo County, Alabama, United States with a population of 198 people.
- Providence, Minnesota human settlement in Providence Township, Minnesota, United States of America with a population of 155 people.
Other cities in Providence County
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Providence County , RI.
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Cranston | 81,142 | The second most populous city in Rhode Island. |
| Pawtucket | 71,710 | The second most populous city in Providence County, Rhode Island. |
| East Providence | 47,337 | A city in Providence County, Rhode Island. |
| Woonsocket | 41,545 | The second-largest city in Rhode Island. |
| Cumberland | 35,207 | Town of the United States |
| North Providence | 32,507 | Town in Rhode Island, United States |
| Smithfield | 21,842 | County seat of Johnston County, North Carolina |
| Central Falls | 19,468 | City in Rhode Island |
| North Smithfield | 12,576 | Town in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States |
| Valley Falls | 11,547 | City in Kansas, United States |
| North Scituate | 11,171 | Census designated place in Massachusetts |
| Cumberland Hill | 7,934 | Census-designated place in Providence County, Rhode Island |
| Foster | 4,747 | Town in Providence County, Rhode Island |
| Pascoag | 4,577 | Census-designated place in Providence County, Rhode Island |
Distance to Other Cities
Providence distances to largest Rhode Island cities