Providence housing report: Rents up 16%, 24,000 evictions since 2020

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A new report from the city’s housing crisis task force shows the depth of the “housing emergency” in Providence and possible solutions.

The more than 40-page report, compiled by several city councilors, highlights skyrocketing rents and mounting evictions. According to the findings, about 60% of Providence residents rent their homes.

Data from Rent.com shows Providence rents jumped 16% between March 2023 and March 2024, one of the highest increases in the country.

Average rent for an apartment in Providence (2025): $1,947 to $2,997
Average rent for a studio in Providence (2025): $1,947, up 13%
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment (2025): $2,100, up 4%
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment (2025): $2,997, up +32%

The most affordable areas are Silver Lake and College Hill.
The most expensive areas are Olneyville and Smith Hill.

City leaders say there have been more than 24,000 evictions since 2020. One recommendation from the task force is to limit how much landlords can raise rent each year. However, landlord groups oppose rent caps, saying they won’t solve the city’s housing challenges.

“housing emergency” in Providence