Central Falls, Rhode Island Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Central Falls, Rhode Island had a total population of 22,701, the 8th largest city in Rhode Island, with a median household income of $49,285, which is 44% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 44% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.1x the median household income.
Central Falls Quick Facts
How Central Falls Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,481 | 22,701 | +1.0% |
| Median household income | $45,921 | $49,285 | +7.3% |
| Median home value | $300,500 | $352,100 | +17.2% |
How Central Falls Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 50 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Central Falls Rankings in Rhode Island
Explore Rhode Island Rankings
Other Cities in Providence County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | 191,767 | $68,119 | 20.7% | $362,200 |
| Cranston | 83,250 | $90,206 | 10.2% | $378,300 |
| Pawtucket | 75,893 | $68,310 | 13.3% | $325,500 |
| East Providence | 47,281 | $75,912 | 10.1% | $365,500 |
| Woonsocket | 43,521 | $61,059 | 18.7% | $311,000 |
| Valley Falls | 12,657 | $92,901 | 4.1% | $375,200 |
| Cumberland Hill | 8,648 | $130,506 | 4.7% | $394,300 |
| Greenville | 8,296 | $97,234 | 4.8% | $434,700 |
| Pascoag | 4,410 | $121,369 | 11.4% | $365,000 |
| Chepachet | 1,923 | $92,971 | 3.5% | $279,400 |
Cities Similar to Central Falls
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport | 24,874 | $86,313 | $746,900 | 57.9% | 16.5% |
| Westerly | 18,411 | $95,207 | $448,800 | 43.3% | 5.7% |
| Woonsocket | 43,521 | $61,059 | $311,000 | 19.8% | 18.7% |
| Valley Falls | 12,657 | $92,901 | $375,200 | 29.1% | 4.1% |
| East Providence | 47,281 | $75,912 | $365,500 | 31.6% | 10.1% |
Population Overview
Central Falls is a small city located in Rhode Island, within Providence County. The total population is 22,701. It ranks as the 8th most populous out of 36 Census-designated places in Rhode Island.
Age Demographics
The median age in Central Falls is 32.5 years. This is 20% lower than the state median of 40.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Central Falls is $49,285. This is 44% lower than the state median of $87,796. It is also 39% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 24.6%. This is 120% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.2%. 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 7.9%. This is 37% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $352,100. Housing costs are 13% lower than the state median of $404,200. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.1x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 25.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 60% lower than the state average of 63.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Central Falls is Hispanic or Latino, making up 69.1% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 15.1%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (15.1%) is well below the state average of 68.0%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (9.7% vs 4.9%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (69.1% vs 17.7%). The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 3.5%.
Education
10.8% 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 71% lower than the state rate of 37.7%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 61.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Central Falls, Rhode Island is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. 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. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Central Falls, Rhode Island?
Central Falls, Rhode Island has a population of 22,701 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Central Falls, RI?
The median household income in Central Falls is $49,285, which is 39% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Central Falls, RI?
The poverty rate in Central Falls is 24.6%. This means approximately 5,364 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Central Falls, Rhode Island?
Central Falls's population is 15.1% White, 9.7% Black, 69.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Central Falls, RI?
The median home value in Central Falls is $352,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.1x.
How educated is Central Falls, Rhode Island?
10.8% of adults (25+) in Central Falls hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.