Providence is the capital and largest city in Rhode Island, a state of the
United States of America. As of the 2000 census, it has a population of
173,618, but a July 1, 2002 Census estimate put the city's population at
175,901. It is located in Providence County and is the second largest city
in New England. Sometimes, Downcity' is a term used by Rhode Islanders to
refer to downtown Providence, Rhode Island. Unfortunately, the etymology of
this term is lost in the mists of time.
Providence was named by Roger Williams in honor of "God's merciful
Providence" in his finding this spot to settle when expelled by the Puritans
from Massachusetts. The official name of the state includes the name of the
city, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Providence is the home of Providence College, Brown University, Rhode
Island School of Design (RISD) and Johnson and Wales University. The East
Side neighborhood of Providence includes the largest contiguous area of
National Historic Society-designated buildings in America. Providence also
has a huge new shopping mall and several music venues including AS220, The
Met Cafe, and the excellent Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel. In the center of the
city lies the Providence Place Mall.
Providence has hosted the Gravity Games alternative sports tournament during
several recent summers. Also during the summer months, there are multiple
WaterFire events on the downtown rivers.
Providence is served by T. F. Green Airport, which is located in nearby
Warwick, Rhode Island. The railroad station is served by Amtrak and MBTA
commuter railroad.
History
The area was first settled in 1636 by Roger Williams. It was one of the
original Thirteen Colonies.
In April 2001 Vincent Cianci, Jr, a former mayor, was indicted on federal
charges of racketeering, conspiracy, extortion, witness tampering, and mail
fraud.
Notable people born or living in Providence
Elisabeth Filarski, footwear designer, Survivor: The Australian Outback
contestant, co-host of talk show The View lived in Providence as a child.
H. P. Lovecraft, an author of fantasy and horror fiction was born in
Providence in 1890.
Geography
Providence is located at 41°49'25" North, 71°25'20" West (41.823550,
-71.422132).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of
53.2 km˛ (20.5 mi˛). 47.8 km˛ (18.5 mi˛) of it is land and 5.3 km˛ (2.1 mi˛)
of it is water. The total area is 10.03% water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 173,618 people, 62,389 households, and
35,873 families residing in the city. The population density is 3,629.4/km˛
(9,401.7/mi˛). There are 67,915 housing units at an average density of
1,419.7/km˛ (3,677.7/mi˛). The racial makeup of the city is 54.53% White,
14.54% African American, 1.14% Native American, 6.01% Asian, 0.16% Pacific
Islander, 17.55% from other races, and 6.08% from two or more races. 30.03%
of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The 2000 US Census estimate for the metropolitan statistical area (MSA)
including Providence, Fall River, MA, and Warwick, RI is 1,188,613.
There are 62,389 households out of which 32.3% have children under the age
of 18 living with them, 31.9% are married couples living together, 20.5%
have a female householder with no husband present, and 42.5% are non-families.
32.3% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.1% have someone
living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is
2.56 and the average family size is 3.33.
In the city the population is spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18,
18.9% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 15.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who
are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 28 years. For every 100
females there are 91.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there
are 87.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $26,867, and the median
income for a family is $32,058. Males have a median income of $28,894 versus
$23,472 for females. The per capita income for the city is $15,525. 29.1% of
the population and 23.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the
total people living in poverty, 40.1% are under the age of 18 and 19.0% are
65 or older.
