The poorest town in Rhode Island is Central Falls. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in Central Falls in 2021 was 24.9%, compared to the statewide poverty rate of 11.3%. The median household income in Central Falls was $40,235, compared to the statewide median household income of $70,305.
Central Falls is a small city in Providence County, Rhode Island, with a population of about 16,000 people. It is one of the densest cities in the United States, and it is also one of the most diverse. Over 80% of the population in Central Falls is Hispanic or Latino.
These statistics paint a stark picture of economic hardship faced by many residents of Rhode Island.
| Characteristic | Central Falls |
| Poverty rate | 24.9% |
| Median household income | $40,235 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.6% |
What Are The Factors That Contribute To Poverty In Central Falls?
There are a number of factors that contribute to poverty in Central Falls. One factor is the city’s high unemployment rate. In 2021, the unemployment rate in Central Falls was 8.6%, compared to the statewide unemployment rate of 5.7%.
Another factor that has contributed to poverty in Central Falls is the city’s high cost of living. The cost of housing in Central Falls is higher than the state average, and the city also has a high sales tax.
Finally, the city of Central Falls has a large immigrant population. Immigrants are more likely to live in poverty than native-born Americans.
Efforts To Revitalize Central Falls
Despite the challenges it faces, Central Falls is a vibrant and diverse community. There are a number of efforts underway to revitalize the city and improve the lives of its residents.
The Central Falls Community Development Corporation (CDC) is one of the organizations working to revitalize the city. The CDC offers a number of programs and services to businesses, including loans, grants, and technical assistance. The goal of the CDC is to help businesses create jobs and grow the local economy.
The Central Falls Promise is another program working to improve the lives of Central Falls residents. The Central Falls Promise provides scholarships and support services to all Central Falls high school graduates. The goal of the program is to help students succeed in college and beyond.
FAQ’S About Rhode Island, Central Falls
Q: What is the poverty rate in Central Falls?
A: The poverty rate in Central Falls is 24.9%, compared to the statewide poverty rate of 11.3%.
Q: What are the factors that contribute to poverty in Central Falls?
A: There are a number of factors that contribute to poverty in Central Falls, including high unemployment, high cost of living, and a large immigrant population.
Q: What is the city of Central Falls doing to address poverty?
A: The city of Central Falls has a number of programs in place to help low-income residents, such as job training programs and affordable housing programs. The city is also working to attract new businesses to Central Falls to create jobs and boost the local economy.
Q: What can be done to address poverty in Central Falls?
A: There are a number of things that can be done to address poverty in Central Falls, such as investing in education and job training, making housing more affordable, and attracting new businesses to the city.
Q: Why is the name Central Falls shocking?
A: The name Central Falls is shocking because it is a relatively small town located in a relatively wealthy state. Rhode Island has the highest median household income in the New England region. However, there is a lot of variation in wealth within Rhode Island, and Central Falls is one of the poorest municipalities in the state.
Q: What is the future of Central Falls?
A: The future of Central Falls depends on a number of factors, including the success of the city’s efforts to address poverty and the continued growth of the Rhode Island economy. If the city is able to successfully address poverty and attract new businesses, Central Falls has the potential to become a more prosperous and vibrant community.
