Home >> Background Conditions >> Growth Trends

Providence's population has experienced periods of growth and decline. At the turn of the 20th century, the population surged as the city made great strides in the economy [1]. The population continued to increase until post-WWII. At that time, the rise of the automobile coupled with the deterioration of the city triggered a mass exodus of people out of Providence and into suburbia. The population did not grow again until after 1980 with the revitalization of the downtown area. Since then, Providence has experienced rapid economic growth and development. The city is the hub for the state's business, financial, and cultural activities and is home to several major hospitals, universities, and corporations. Population in the city has risen 8% in the last 10 years to 173,000 persons, the largest in Rhode Island, and is expected to grow larger* [3]. The city also employs 25% of the state's private industry workers and has a gross retail annual sales totaling approximately $1.4 billion [5].

*Census Population Estimate for July 2002: 175,000 persons

Printer Version