Downtown Providence, Providence, RI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,589
-3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,476/yr
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,096
4.9% year-over-year change

Downtown Providence population

How many people live in Downtown Providence

Downtown Providence is home to 3,589 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 42.6% of Downtown Providence locals are male, and 57.4% are female.

Total population
3,589
-3.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
42.6%
1,530
Female
57.4%
2,059
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,530 42.6% -5.1%
Female 2,059 57.4% -2.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Downtown Providence is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 2.4% are children under 15, then 25.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.1% of the population, while another 20.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
2.4%
15 to 24
25.7%
25 to 44
32.1%
45 to 64
20.1%
Over 65
19.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 86 2.4% 2.4%
15 to 24 923 25.7% -6.4%
25 to 44 1,151 32.1% 2.3%
45 to 64 722 20.1% -7.2%
Over 65 708 19.7% -6.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Downtown Providence, 74.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 62.1% of locals are Caucasian, 9.8% are African American and 13.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
74.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.5%
Non-citizens
13%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,673 74.5% -5.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 448 12.5% 8.7%
Non-citizens 468 13% -3.7%
Racial breakdown
White
62.1%
Black or African American
9.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
13.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8%
Other
6.4%
Value Percent
White 2,228 62.1%
Black or African American 351 9.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4 0.1%
Asian 488 13.6%
Two or more races 287 8%
Other 231 6.4%

Households in Downtown Providence

A peek inside Downtown Providence households

Downtown Providence has 1,818 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 17.4% are families, while the remaining 82.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,818
6.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
1,503
Family households
316
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,503 82.7% 6.5%
Family households 316 17.4% 4.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Downtown Providence

The housing landscape of Downtown Providence

Downtown Providence's housing consists of 2,096 units, with 3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,096
4.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 63 3%
1 unit, attached 13 0.6%
2 units 171 8.2%
3 or 4 units 341 16.3%
5 to 9 units 193 9.2%
10 to 19 units 88 4.2%
20 to 49 units 148 7.1%
50 or more units 1,076 51.3%
Mobile home 3 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
94
74.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Downtown Providence

In Downtown Providence, the median construction year is 1955. About 44.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 930 44.4% 2.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 70 3.3% -17.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 92 4.4% -14.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 209 10% 14.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 191 9.1% -7.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 84 4% 15.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 66 3.2% -33.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 220 10.5% 30.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 139 6.6% 24.1%
Built in 2020 or later 94 4.5% 74.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Downtown Providence occupancy rates

Out of the 1,818 occupied housing units in Downtown Providence, 24.8% are owner-occupied, while 75.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,818
6.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,368
Owner occupied
451
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,368 75.2% 2.3%
Owner occupied 451 24.8% 20.3%
Unoccupied housing units
13.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Downtown Providence housing costs

Housing costs in Downtown Providence come to a median of $1,804 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,713.

Median housing costs per month
$1,804/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Downtown Providence
$1,713/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Downtown Providence

Downtown Providence education at a glance

About 26.3% of the population in Downtown Providence went to high school, while 20.9% pursued college studies. Another 1.8% earned an associate degree and 25% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 109 3.1% -35.9%
High school diploma 919 26.3% -7.1%
College diploma 731 20.9% -7.1%
Associate degree 62 1.8% 26.5%
Bachelor's degree 875 25% -4.3%
Graduate degree 797 22.8% 7.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Downtown Providence

How much people earn in Downtown Providence

The average annual household income in Downtown Providence was $102,363 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $64,476, reflecting a +2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Downtown Providence
$102,363/year
5.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Downtown Providence
$64,476/year
2.4% year-over-year change

Downtown Providence income by age

In Downtown Providence, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,553. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $98,068 overall. Overall, 79.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $85,553 -6.5%
45 - 64 $98,068 39.6%
Over 65 $21,329 3.0%
Above poverty level
2,131
Below poverty level
558
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,131 79.2% 2.9%
Below poverty level 558 20.8% 1.4%

Employment in Downtown Providence

Workforce and job types in Downtown Providence

94.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.4% run their own businesses, 60.2% are employed by private companies, and 7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,844
Blue collar
115
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,844 94.1% 2.2%
Blue collar 115 5.9% 22.3%
Employer type
Self employees
9.4%
Private companies
60.2%
Governmental workers
7%
Not for profit companies
23.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 185 9.4% 60.9%
Private companies 1,180 60.2% -1.2%
Governmental workers 137 7% -19.4%
Not for profit companies 458 23.4% 8.8%

Transportation in Downtown Providence

How people get around in Downtown Providence

In Downtown Providence, the average commute time is 7 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 61.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 25.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
7 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 902 61.4% 3.0%
Taxicab 5 0.3% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 66 4.5% -23.3%
Railroad 84 5.7% 23.5%
Bicycle 41 2.8% -2.4%
Walk 370 25.2% -9.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Downtown Providence by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02903 11,836 5,996 $64,476 $102,397

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FAQs about Downtown Providence demographics 

What is the total population of Downtown Providence?

Downtown Providence has a total population of 3,589 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -3.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Downtown Providence?

The gender ratio in Downtown Providence is as follows:
  • 42.6% males (1,530 residents)
  • 57.4% females (2,059 residents)

What is the median age in Downtown Providence?

The median age in Downtown Providence is 35.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Downtown Providence?

The age distribution in Downtown Providence is as follows:
  • Under 15: 2.4% (86 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 25.7% (923 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.1% (1,151 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.1% (722 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.7% (708 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Providence?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Providence is as follows:
  • White: 62.1% (2,228 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.8% (351 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (4 residents)
  • Asian: 13.6% (488 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8% (287 residents)
  • Other: 6.4% (231 residents)

What percentage of the population in Downtown Providence are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 74.5% of the population in Downtown Providence.

How many housing units are there in Downtown Providence?

There are 2,096 housing units in Downtown Providence, reflecting a +4.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Downtown Providence and what is the average household size?

Downtown Providence has a total of 1,818 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in Downtown Providence?

Downtown Providence has a median household income of $64,476, representing a +2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Downtown Providence?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.1% (1,844 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.9% (115 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.4% (185 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.2% (1,180 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7% (137 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 23.4% (458 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025