Providence

The City in Brief

Founded: 1636 (incorporated, 1832)

Head Official: Mayor David N. Cicilline (D) (since 2003)

City Population

1980: 156,804

1990: 160,281

2000: 173,618

2003 estimate: 176,365

Percent change, 1990–2000: 8.3%

U.S. rank in 1980: 99th

U.S. rank in 1990: 110th (State rank: 1st)

U.S. rank in 2000: 119th (State rank: 1st)

Metropolitan Area Population (PMSA)

1980: 919,000

1990: 1,134,350

2000: 1,188,613

Percent change, 1990–2000: 4.8%

U.S. rank in 1980: 41st (CMSA)

U.S. rank in 1990: 35th (CMSA)

U.S. rank in 2000: 40th (CMSA)

Area: 18.5 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 80 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 51.1° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 46.45 inches total; 36.0 inches snowfall

Major Economic Sectors: Health care, information, manufacturing, tourism, wholesale and retail trade, services

Unemployment Rate: 4.3% (May 2005)

Per Capita Income: $15,525 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 12,478

Major Colleges and Universities: Brown University;

Rhode Island School of Design; Providence College; Johnson and Wales University; Rhode Island College

Daily Newspaper: The Providence Journal