Central Falls has historic significance as the site of a major battle during King Philip's War.

[10] In the 18th century, Captain Stephen Jenks built a trip hammer and blacksmith shop along the Blackstone River, forming the nucleus of what eventually became Central Falls.

While Quakers made up the majority of the first European settlers in the area, they were soon followed by a diverse mix of immigrants from Ireland, Scotland and French Canada.

[11][12] In recent decades, a large number of Hispanic immigrants have resided in Central Falls.

The 2020 United States census counted 22,583 people, 7,700 households, and 4,315 families in Central Falls.

[21][22] As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Central Falls was the only majority-minority municipality in Rhode Island with 60.31 percent of its residents identifying as Hispanic/Latino with Puerto Ricans, Guatemalans, and Colombians making up the largest share among the ethnicity.

[23] According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, Central Falls had a median household income of $28,901 during the 2012-2016 estimates, making it the poorest municipality in Rhode Island.

The superintendent chose the "turnaround model", which requires a district to fire the entire staff (teachers and administrators).

[27] As of the 2000 U.S. census, 5.9% of Central Falls residents 25 and older have a bachelor's or advanced college degree.

In 1995, these three schools combined to create St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Academy, which is in the building originally serving St. Matthew's.

In the Rhode Island Senate, Central Falls is in the 16th District, represented by Democrat Jonathan Acosta.

At the federal level, Central Falls is a part of Rhode Island's 1st congressional district, represented by Democrat Gabe Amo.

The city council consists of five wards and is represented by Jonathan Acosta, Robert Ferri, Hugo Figueroa, Franklin Solano, and Jessica Vega.

[30] On April 25, 2010, the Providence Journal Bulletin ran an article detailing rampant fraud and corruption by Mayor Charles D. Moreau, outlining no-bid contracts and kickbacks from a high school friend, Michael G. Bouthillette, who was granted almost $2 million in overpriced property boarding fees.

[32] On August 1, 2011, Central Falls filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 9, Title 11 of the United States Code.

[needs update] Like most other majority-minority urban municipalities, Central Falls is overwhelmingly Democratic in presidential elections.

No Republican has come remotely close to winning the city in over three decades, during which time voters have consistently backed Democratic nominees with lopsided majorities.

In 2020, however, Donald Trump won a massive increase in the vote, mirroring his performance in other majority-Hispanic areas.