Editor’s Note: This article has been adapted from Providence-specific data provided by Women’s Fund of RI. Some portions have been edited for clarity.
The Rhode Island Women’s Well-Being Index (WWBI) provides access to publicly available data specific to local, regional, and statewide levels, and aggregated for gender and race, where such data is available. The WWBI encompasses five “dimensions” — Education, Economic Security, Health & Safety, Housing, and Political Empowerment. Each dimension includes key indicators that reflect women’s well-being across Rhode Island. The statistics here reflect comparisons between 2023 and 2024 Census and Community Survey data for the city of Providence only.
Status of Women in Providence: 2023 vs. 2024 Comparison
The latest data comparing 2023 to 2024 reveals several notable shifts in the economic well-being of women in Providence, particularly in full-time earnings, income distribution by race, and reliance on public assistance. These insights are critical for shaping equitable economic policies and targeted interventions.
1. Employment and Earnings Trends
4,251 — The decrease in the number of women in Providence without full-time earnings from 2023 (27,851 women without full-time earnings in 2023 compared to 23,600 women without full-time earnings in 2024). This shows modest improvement in full-time workforce participation.
$5,000 — At the lowest earning levels (under $5,000/year), the number of women decreased—from 36 to 12 for earnings under $2,499, and from 53 to 29 for earnings between $2,500 and $4,999.
- Conversely, there was a noticeable increase in middle-income brackets:
- Earnings between $5,000–$7,499 increased from 223 in 2023 to 361 in 2024.
- Earnings between $7,500–$9,999 increased from 121 to 174.
- These shifts may signal growing income stability among some women, though many remain in low-wage brackets overall.
2. Income Distribution by Race and Ethnicity
196 — the increase in White Non-Hispanic women who earned over $100,000 in 2024, compared to 2023. White Non-Hispanic women continued to earn at higher levels than other racial groups
- Earnings in the $75,000–$99,999 range also rose from 1,578 to 1,749 — a 171 increase.
Almost double — the number of Latina women earning over $100,000 per year (from 167 in 2023 to 306 in 2024).
- Those earning $55,000–$64,999 increased by 66 individuals, from 293 Latina women to 359.
66 — The increase in the number of Black women who earned over $100,000 from 2023 to 2024. Black women had smaller improvements in earnings compared to other female workers of different races/ethnicities in Providence.
- Those earning over $100,000 rose from 220 to 286. But there were still high numbers concentrated in lower brackets ($25,000–$44,999).
538 — The number of Asian women earning over $100,000 in 2024. This is nearly double the number from 2023 (289), showing a sharp increase in high earners.
These racial disparities point to continued occupational segregation and wage gaps by race and ethnicity, although the increases in high-income earners among women of color are a promising trend.
3. Household Economic Security
234 fewer households headed by women with children receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), from 4,238 in 2023 to 4,004 in 2024, suggesting some improvement in food security.
- However, the number of female-headed households without children but receiving SNAP remained nearly constant, with 1,637 in 2023 and 1,628 in 2024.
- The number of female-headed households not receiving SNAP but with children remained stable, indicating persistent financial stress among working mothers not eligible for assistance.
Conclusion
Overall, 2024 shows signs of economic progress for women in Providence, including more women in the workforce and a growing number earning middle and higher incomes — particularly among Latina and Asian women. However, deep racial wage disparities and high numbers of women in low-wage jobs persist, reinforcing the need for policies that address structural barriers in employment, education, and caregiving responsibilities.
