Median Income
$83,569
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$239,500
15% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
285/100K
25% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.1%
79% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population436
Median Age47.8 yrs
Density484/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans11.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,569
Per Capita$32,554
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$5,497M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$239,500
Ownership60.5%
Zillow$263,809
Housing Units175
Rent Burden27.7%
Crime
F
Violent285/100K
Property3,645/100K
Health
Obesity34.0%
Smoking13.5%
Depression25.9%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain44.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation843 ft (257 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+19.0%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute11 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations14
Libraries7
Is Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Center receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Center is $83,569, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Center is $239,500, 15% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Center is below the national average at 285 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,645 per 100,000, 86% above the national average.
Education
7.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches, including 34.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Center has a population of 436 with a density of 484 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 47.8 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (86.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 5.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.8yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Center is $83,569, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,554 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,200, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,913 business establishments, including 201 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,569 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,554 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,200 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,076 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,913 |
| County GDP | $5,497M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 201 |
| Healthcare | 265 |
| Retail | 328 |
| Manufacturing | 63 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,758 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Center is $239,500, 15% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $263,809, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 175 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $2,758 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $239,500 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $263,809 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.5% |
| Housing Units | 175 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,758 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.15% |
In Center, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 20.0% report binge drinking. 19.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,819. The dentist ratio is 1:1,114. 73.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.0% |
| Depression | 25.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,819 |
| Dentists | 1:1,114 |
| Mental Health | 1:423 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 69.2% |
| Premature Death | 12,109/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 265 |
Center has a violent crime rate of 285 per 100,000 residents, 25% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,645 per 100,000, 86% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 284.7/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,644.7/100K |
| 86% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches. The area receives 34.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 843 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.6°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 843 ft (257 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 484/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4368°N, 86.0596°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Howard County County |
| Nearest Airport | Delaware County Regional (MIE)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.4"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0478 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.8 on Jun 17, 2021.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
124 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
99 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
106 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
96 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
93 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
102 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
124 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
616 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 91 fatalities, 2,012 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
76 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
91 km |
18 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
27 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
59 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
28 |
| Apr 25, 1961 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Center. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Center
What is the population of Center?
Center has a population of 436 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 484 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Center expensive to live in?
Center is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $83,569, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $239,500 (15% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Center safe?
Center is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 285 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,645 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Center?
Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.4 inches, with 34.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Center?
The job market in Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,200. There are 1,913 business establishments in the area, including 201 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Center?
The median home value in Center is $239,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $263,809. The homeownership rate is 60.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,758.
How are the schools in Center?
Schools in Center score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.1% of adults in Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 19.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Center?
The obesity rate in Center is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 19.0% are physically inactive. 25.9% of residents report depression. 73.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,819.
What is transportation like in Center?
The average commute in Center is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Center is 86.9% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 11.2% of the population are military veterans. 5.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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