Objective: to determine the incidence of falls among the elderly population of the city of Barbacena in the state of Minas Gerais, together with causal factors, circumstances and major consequences. Methods: a cross-sectional study was performed through questionnaires applied to 206 patients over the age of 60, from November 2014 to February 2015 in the city of Barbacena, in the state of Minas Gerais. Risk factors related to falls were analyzed, as well as the incidence of falls and the consequences for the lives of elderly persons. The existence of a relationship between the reporting of falls and possible risk factors was determined by the Chi-squared and Fischer's exact tests as indicated. Results: an incidence of falls of 36.41% was observed among the elderly, 45.95% of which occurred outside the home. A total of 85.71% of respondents had previously suffered strokes and 39.78% were taking medication. Among elderly persons who have fallen and suffered fractures (18.67%), 50% had suffered strokes, 50% were suffering from chronic kidney disease, and 61.54% could not perform their activities of daily living after the fall. Conclusion: it was concluded that the incidence of falls among the elderly was 36.41%, while the most correlated factors were drug use, stroke victims and people with chronic kidney disease. Among those who suffered fractures, 61.54% failed to perform activities of daily living. Preventing falls is a public health concern, and simple changes can reduce its prevalence.