Rhode IslandPop. 22,701Towns
Is Central Falls a Good Place to Live? Central Falls, Rhode Island: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Central Falls ranks #937 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #170 of 234 towns and #20 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.4%, #66 of 67) and low graduation rates (75.5%, #147 of 153).
Central Falls by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Central Falls's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Central Falls?
Central Falls's cost of living index is 101.8, 2% above the US level of 100 and #770 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,200/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $382,685, 25% below the typical Rhode Island home ($511,233).
| Measure | Central Falls | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 101.8#770 of 1,308 | 102.3 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $382,685#586 of 1,187 | $511,233 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,606/mo#427 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $352,100#657 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,200/mo#438 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 7.1x#1158 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 29.2%#1236 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Central Falls housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Central Falls is in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro.
Rhode Island housing market →Is Central Falls safe?
Central Falls recorded 273 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% below the US rate of 328 and 89% above Rhode Island's 144. That ranks #510 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #88 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Central Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 787 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Central Falls | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 273#510 of 1,085 | 144 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 787#130 of 1,085 | 911 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Central Falls?
The median household in Central Falls earns $49,285, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 41% below Rhode Island ($83,504). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.3%). 24.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Central Falls | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $49,285#1240 of 1,312 | $83,504 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 5.4%#915 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 24.6%#1229 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.4% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Central Falls?
The median resident of Central Falls is 32.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 10.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1301 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 25.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Central Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 32.5 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 10.8%#1301 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 25.6% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Central Falls's schools and health?
Central Falls's 10 public schools graduate 75.5% of students in four years (Rhode Island 83.3%), with 13 students per teacher and $21,441 spent per pupil. 41.3% of adults are obese and 15.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Central Falls | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 75.5%#981 of 1,063 | 83.3% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 13#169 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $21,441#142 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 41.3%#1175 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 15.5%#1191 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 22.4%#1292 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 26.2%#1276 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,747 students are enrolled in Central Falls's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Central Falls?
The average commute in Central Falls is 27.4 minutes (Rhode Island 26.3); 4.9% of workers take transit and 5.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Central Falls scores 15.4 of 20 (most walkable), #21 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.2°F and winters 30.9°F, with 51.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Central Falls | Rhode IslandRI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 27.4 min#960 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 10%#1056 of 1,312 | 8.6% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 59.3% | 71.3% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 4.9% | 2.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 3.6% | 3.4% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.7% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 5.2% | 11.6% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 15.4#21 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Rhode Island is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37.8 | 18.8 | 4.4 |
| Feb | 39.9 | 21.1 | 3.7 |
| Mar | 47.3 | 28.2 | 4.9 |
| Apr | 59.8 | 38 | 4.7 |
| May | 69.9 | 47.9 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 78.5 | 57.3 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 84 | 63.3 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 82.5 | 61.7 | 4 |
| Sep | 75.4 | 54.4 | 4.2 |
| Oct | 63.9 | 42 | 5.1 |
| Nov | 53.4 | 33.2 | 4.2 |
| Dec | 43 | 24.6 | 5.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Woonsocket.
| Measure | Central Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 51.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 71.2°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 30.9°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 51.9 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Woonsocket.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Central Falls?
Providence County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Providence County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
| Measure | Central Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#299 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Providence County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Providence County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.008% | 73% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.083% | 53% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0031% | 53% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0023% | 24% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Central Falls compare with similar-size cities?
Central Falls is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #170 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 22,701.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Falls, RIPop. 22,701 | #937 | 51.2 | $49,285 | $1,200/mo | 273 | 27.4 min |
| Duncan, OKPop. 22,958 | #1188 | 45.5 | $58,054 | $896/mo | 356 | 21.9 min |
| Prairie Village, KSPop. 22,874 | #133 | 67.1 | $113,530 | $1,794/mo | 96 | 19.6 min |
| Radcliff, KYPop. 22,864 | #1183 | 45.6 | $58,559 | $971/mo | 287 | 24.7 min |
| North Platte, NEPop. 22,831 | #945 | 51.0 | $58,097 | $921/mo | 116 | 13.3 min |
| Chalmette, LAPop. 22,616 | #1276 | 40.0 | $54,904 | $1,110/mo | no data | 29.3 min |
| Portsmouth, NHPop. 22,545 | #84 | 68.9 | $106,219 | $1,869/mo | 203 | 22.2 min |
| Biddeford, MEPop. 22,498 | #446 | 59.1 | $72,333 | $1,292/mo | 264 | 23.7 min |
| Bear, DEPop. 22,370 | #758 | 54.1 | $91,687 | $1,771/mo | no data | 24.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Central Falls compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
Central Falls ranks #20 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 51.2 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 41% below the Rhode Island median. Violent crime is 89% above the statewide rate. Homes are 25% below the typical Rhode Island home.
| City | Rank in RI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westerly, RIPop. 18,411 | #1 | 70.6 | $95,207 | $1,260/mo | 26 |
| Cumberland Hill, RIPop. 8,648 | #2 | 67.3 | $130,506 | $1,310/mo | no data |
| Warwick, RIPop. 83,175 | #3 | 66.5 | $88,708 | $1,363/mo | 87 |
| Cranston, RIPop. 83,250 | #4 | 64.2 | $90,206 | $1,375/mo | 89 |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #5 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data |
| Tiverton, RIPop. 8,091 | #6 | 64.0 | $99,158 | $1,342/mo | county/metro |
| East Providence, RIPop. 47,281 | #7 | 63.0 | $75,912 | $1,288/mo | 74 |
| Newport, RIPop. 24,874 | #8 | 62.7 | $86,313 | $1,698/mo | 194 |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale, RIPop. 9,302 | #9 | 62.5 | $106,551 | $1,258/mo | no data |
| Pascoag, RIPop. 4,410 | #10 | 59.7 | $121,369 | $1,319/mo | no data |
| Greenville, RIPop. 8,296 | #11 | 59.3 | $97,234 | $1,264/mo | no data |
| Newport East, RIPop. 11,069 | #12 | 58.7 | $89,028 | $1,876/mo | no data |
| Melville, RIPop. 1,631 | #13 | 58.2 | $102,266 | $2,724/mo | no data |
| Valley Falls, RIPop. 12,657 | #14 | 57.9 | $92,901 | $1,362/mo | no data |
| Hope Valley, RIPop. 2,297 | #15 | 57.5 | $101,932 | — | no data |
| Pawtucket, RIPop. 75,893 | #16 | 57.3 | $68,310 | $1,208/mo | 224 |
| Providence, RIPop. 191,767 | #17 | 56.4 | $68,119 | $1,408/mo | 287 |
| Narragansett Pier, RIPop. 3,167 | #18 | 53.6 | $82,192 | $1,649/mo | no data |
| Woonsocket, RIPop. 43,521 | #19 | 51.2 | $61,059 | $1,161/mo | 371 |
| Central Falls, RIPop. 22,701 | #20 | 51.2 | $49,285 | $1,200/mo | 273 |
All 20 Rhode Island cities we track, by overall score. Rhode Island statewide: median income $83,504, violent crime 144.1 per 100,000.
How is Central Falls's score calculated?
Central Falls scores 51.2 out of 100, #937 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Rhode Island's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Central Falls. Similar-size median 41.9.
33.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Central Falls's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
83.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Central Falls. Similar-size median 56.5.
25.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Central Falls's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
63.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Central Falls's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
67.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Central Falls. Similar-size median 50.8.
16.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Central Falls. Similar-size median 35.2.
42.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Central Falls. Similar-size median 48.3.
46.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Central Falls's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
75.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
71.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Central Falls's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Central Falls has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Central Falls
Is Central Falls, RI a good place to live?
Central Falls ranks #937 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #170 of 234 towns and #20 of 20 in Rhode Island. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.4%, #66 of 67) and low graduation rates (75.5%, #147 of 153).
What is the cost of living in Central Falls?
Central Falls's cost of living index is 101.8, 2% above the US level of 100 and #770 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,200/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $382,685, 25% below the typical Rhode Island home ($511,233).
What is the crime rate in Central Falls?
Central Falls recorded 273 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% below the US rate of 328 and 89% above Rhode Island's 144. That ranks #510 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #88 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Central Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 787 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Central Falls?
The median household in Central Falls earns $49,285, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 41% below Rhode Island ($83,504). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.3%). 24.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Central Falls?
Median rent in Central Falls is $1,200/mo (Census), #438 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,606/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 29.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Central Falls?
The typical home value in Central Falls is $382,685, up 1.4% in a year, against $511,233 for Rhode Island and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $352,100.
How are the public schools in Central Falls?
Central Falls's 10 public schools graduate 75.5% of students in four years (Rhode Island 83.3%), with 13 students per teacher and $21,441 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Central Falls?
The average commute is 27.4 minutes, #960 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across Rhode Island. 10% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Central Falls?
Central Falls averages 51.1°F over the year, 71.2°F in summer and 30.9°F in winter, with 51.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Central Falls walkable?
Central Falls scores 15.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #21 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Central Falls at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Providence County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Central Falls?
Providence County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Central Falls?
Central Falls has 22,701 residents. The median resident of Central Falls is 32.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 10.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1301 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 25.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Central Falls compare with the rest of Rhode Island?
Central Falls ranks #20 of the 20 Rhode Island cities we track, with a score of 51.2 against Rhode Island's statewide 62. Its households earn 41% below the Rhode Island median. Violent crime is 89% above the statewide rate. Homes are 25% below the typical Rhode Island home.
What cities are similar in size to Central Falls?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Central Falls's population of 22,701 are Duncan, OK (#1188 overall), Prairie Village, KS (#133 overall), Radcliff, KY (#1183 overall), North Platte, NE (#945 overall), and Chalmette, LA (#1276 overall). Central Falls is #937.