A legacy of unhealthy housing conditions, inadequate food and air pollution take an unfair toll on kids in Providence.
61% – Percent of children in Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls and Woonsocket (RI’s “Four Core Cities”) entering kindergarten who tested positive for lead levels of 5 or more in 2004.
7% – Percent of children in RI’s Four Core Cities entering kindergarten who tested positive for lead levels of 5 or more in 2024.
39% – Percent of all Rhode Island children ages 2 to 16 diagnosed as overweight or obese.
50% – Percent of Providence children ages 2 to 16 diagnosed as overweight or obese.
2,245 – Babies born to Providence residents in 2022.
39,903 – Number of Providence children protected by RIte Care or other subsidized health care coverage.
50,963 – Children ages 0 to 19 living in Providence in 2020.
Sources:
U.S. Census Bureau, Community Profile for Providence, RI 2020 Census data
RI KIDSCount 2023 Factbook, Health data section
