Central Falls city, Rhode Island Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Central Falls city, Rhode Island has a total population of 22,481, the 8th largest city in Rhode Island, with a median household income of $45,921, which is 47% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 22.3%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 47% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate of 10.0% is notably above the national average.
Central Falls city Quick Facts
How Central Falls city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 49 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Central Falls city Rankings in Rhode Island
Explore Rhode Island Rankings
Other Cities in Providence County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence city | 190,214 | $66,772 | 20.1% | $322,800 |
| Cranston city | 82,632 | $87,716 | 8.7% | $348,800 |
| Pawtucket city | 75,280 | $67,436 | 13.6% | $286,200 |
| East Providence city | 46,970 | $79,660 | 10.8% | $322,100 |
| Woonsocket city | 43,074 | $58,614 | 19.7% | $268,000 |
Cities Similar to Central Falls city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport city | 25,029 | $83,562 | $669,500 | 55.5% | 15.2% |
| Westerly CDP | 18,528 | $82,333 | $400,200 | 38.0% | 6.0% |
| Woonsocket city | 43,074 | $58,614 | $268,000 | 18.6% | 19.7% |
| Valley Falls CDP | 12,370 | $93,653 | $347,900 | 27.7% | 4.9% |
| Newport East CDP | 11,262 | $86,310 | $479,200 | 44.3% | 14.2% |
Population Overview
Central Falls city is a small city located in Rhode Island, within Providence County. The total population is 22,481. It ranks as the 8th most populous out of 36 cities and towns in Rhode Island.
Age Demographics
The median age in Central Falls city is 31.9 years. This is 21% lower than the state median of 40.5 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Central Falls city is $45,921. This is 47% lower than the state median of $86,372. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 42% lower. The poverty rate stands at 22.3%. This is 104% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.9%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 10.0%. This is 75% higher than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $300,500. Housing costs are 19% lower than the state median of $368,800. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 28.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 55% lower than the state average of 63.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Central Falls city is Hispanic or Latino, making up 69.3% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 16.1%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (16.1%) is well below the state average of 69.1%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (7.9% vs 5.0%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (69.3% vs 17.1%). The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 3.4%.
Education
11.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 69% lower than the state rate of 37.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 60.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Central Falls city, Rhode Island is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Rhode Island state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 36 Census-designated places in Rhode Island. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Central Falls city, Rhode Island?
Central Falls city, Rhode Island has a population of 22,481 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Central Falls city, RI?
The median household income in Central Falls city is $45,921, which is 42% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Central Falls city, RI?
The poverty rate in Central Falls city is 22.3%. This means approximately 4,825 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Central Falls city, Rhode Island?
Central Falls city's population is 16.1% White, 7.9% Black, 69.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Central Falls city, RI?
The median home value in Central Falls city is $300,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.5x.
How educated is Central Falls city, Rhode Island?
11.5% of adults (25+) in Central Falls city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.