Central Falls, RI
Population 22,481 · Rhode Island
About Central Falls, RI
Central Falls is a mid-sized city located in Rhode Island with a population of 22,481 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,921 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Central Falls features a median home value of $300,500, which is 23% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Central Falls in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,118, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,341 total housing units, 29% are owner-occupied (2,139 units) and 71% are renter-occupied (5,348 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Central Falls shows an unemployment rate of 10.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Central Falls have an average one-way commute time of 24.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.5% of Central Falls residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.8% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Black or African American, and 48.2% Asian residents, with 40.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Central Falls Ranks in Rhode Island
Cost of Living in Central Falls, RI
Compared to national averages, Central Falls has a median household income of $45,921 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $300,500, which is 23% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,118 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within Rhode Island, Central Falls's income is 51% below the state average of $92,962, and home values are 36% below the state median of $469,914.
Why Live in Central Falls, RI?
Central Falls offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,118/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,921) that falls below the national average. However, Central Falls’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Central Falls has a population of 22,481 with a median age of 31.9 years. Compare Central Falls with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Rhode Island.
Similar Cities Near Central Falls
Cities in Rhode Island with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport | 25,029 | $83,562 | $669,500 | Compare |
| Westerly | 18,528 | $82,333 | $400,200 | Compare |
| Valley Falls | 12,370 | $93,653 | $347,900 | Compare |
| Newport East | 11,262 | $86,310 | $479,200 | Compare |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale | 9,812 | $111,200 | $464,400 | Compare |
| Cumberland Hill | 8,638 | $131,006 | $362,700 | Compare |
| Greenville | 8,586 | $94,567 | $390,900 | Compare |
| Tiverton | 8,151 | $91,493 | $357,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Rhode Island
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Central Falls With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Central Falls
What is the population of Central Falls, RI?
The population of Central Falls, RI is 22,481 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Rhode Island.
What is the median household income in Central Falls?
The median household income in Central Falls, RI is $45,921 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Central Falls?
The median home value in Central Falls, RI is $300,500, which is 23% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Central Falls?
The median monthly rent in Central Falls, RI is $1,118, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Central Falls?
The unemployment rate in Central Falls, RI is 10.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Central Falls, RI a good place to live?
Central Falls offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 22,481 and a median age of 31.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Central Falls, RI?
11.5% of residents in Central Falls aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Central Falls?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Central Falls, RI: median home value is $300,500 (23% above national), median rent is $1,118/month, and median household income is $45,921. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Central Falls?
The poverty rate in Central Falls, RI is 22.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Central Falls, RI?
Central Falls's population is 5.8% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Black or African American, 48.2% Asian, and 7.9% two or more races. 40.2% of residents are foreign-born.