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City Report · RI

Central Falls

Pop. 22,701·23rd most expensive in Rhode Island·Central Falls rents are up 6.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,721/mo
Year-over-Year
+6.2%
Month-over-Month
+3.4%
vs US Median
-$244
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Central Falls · $1,721
More affordable than 60% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
42% of income
STRETCHED
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $1,721/mo, rent takes about 42% of the local median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$69,000/yr
Local median income
$49,285/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Central Falls's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,170
1 BR
$1,260
2 BR
$1,530
3 BR
$1,850
4 BR+
$2,290
Research median
$1,530/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$20,652/yr
At $1,721/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 6.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+6.2% YoY, +3.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Central Falls, RI is majority renter-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income below the national average, 10.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
22,701
Median income
$49,285
Median age
32.5
Renters
74.4%
Age distribution
26.1%
27.2%
25%
Under 1826.1%
18–3427.2%
35–5425%
55–6410.9%
65+10.7%
Gender
52.5%
47.5%
Male52.5%
Female47.5%
Race & ethnicity
20.9%
69.1%
White20.9%
Black11.1%
Hispanic69.1%
Education (25+)
38.8%
31.1%
19.2%
No HS diploma38.8%
HS diploma31.1%
Some college19.2%
Bachelor's+10.8%
Housing tenure
25.6%
74.4%
Owner25.6%
Renter74.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Central Falls, RI has changed in 5 years

Income
$40,235 → $49,285
up 22.5%
Population
22,192 → 22,701
up 2.3%
Renter share
74.4% → 74.4%
+0.0 pts
Bachelor's+
9.2% → 10.8%
+1.6 pts
Median age
31.6 → 32.5
+0.9 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $40,235 to $49,285 across the same window, up 22.5% versus 2021. Census counts show Central Falls, RI adding about 509 residents over the five-year window, up 2.3% on net.

Community

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View Central Falls rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Central Falls on your salary?

At $1,721/mo, how Central Falls rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Central Falls rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Central Falls. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Central Falls

About renting in Central Falls, RI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Central Falls is $1,721/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,170/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,530/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,260/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,850/mo.

At 42% of local median household income ($49,285/yr), Central Falls ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Central Falls an affordable city for renters?

Central Falls is considered stretched for renters. At $1,721/mo, rent takes approximately 42% of the local median household income ($49,285/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Central Falls significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Central Falls?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $69,000/year (~$33/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,721/mo in Central Falls. The local median household income is $49,285/yr, meaning the typical Central Falls household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Central Falls?

Rent in Central Falls has increased 6.2% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Central Falls rent compare to other cities in Rhode Island?

Central Falls is one of the more affordable cities in Rhode Island for rent, ranking #23 out of 24 tracked cities at $1,721/mo.

What percentage of Central Falls residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 74.4% of Central Falls households are renters, while 25.6% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Central Falls has a strong rental market.

How does Central Falls rent compare to the national average?

Central Falls's median rent of $1,721/mo is $244 (12%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Rhode Island, it ranks #23 out of 24 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
42%
STRETCHED

At $1,721/mo, rent takes ~42% of Central Falls's median household income ($49,285/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Central Falls 42%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.75–5.99%
Run the Central Falls affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Central Falls
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Central Falls, RI

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