Median Income
$62,750
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$82,600
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.8%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$350
70% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.1%
2% lower than US avg
How Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population469
Median Age42.9 yrs
Density1,144/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$62,750
Per Capita$21,611
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty12.1%
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$82,600
Rent$350
Ownership83.6%
Zillow$214,223
Housing Units212
Rent Burden24.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property397/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary198/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking19.2%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Sunny Days265/yr
Elevation722 ft (220 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.8%
High School+88.4%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations2
Is Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Center receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. 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 $62,750, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 12.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Center is $82,600, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $350 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Center is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 397 per 100,000, 80% below the national average.
Education
12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 265 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches, including 5.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Center has a population of 469 with a density of 1,144 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 42.9 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.1% female and 53.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.8%), with 1.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
The median household income in Center is $62,750, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,611 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,750 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,611 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.1% |
| 2% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Center is $82,600, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,223, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $350 (70% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 212 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. 24.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $82,600 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $214,223 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $67 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $350 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.4% |
| Housing Units | 212 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
In Center, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 19.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.9% report binge drinking. 29.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.2% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.5% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 57.8% |
Food & Exercise
Center has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 397 per 100,000, 80% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 198, burglary at 198, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Center receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 396.8/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| Burglary | 198.4/100K |
| Theft | 198.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 265 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 39.3 inches. The area receives 5.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 722 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.0°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 265 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 722 ft (220 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,144/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5081°N, 91.5288°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field (UIN)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.3"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
136 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
31 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
94 km |
| Jan 15, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.5 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
385 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 218 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
84 km |
4 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1998 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1961 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1961 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2023 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.6").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Center
What is the population of Center?
Center has a population of 469 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,144 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.1% female and 53.9% male.
Is Center expensive to live in?
Center is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,750, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $82,600 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $350 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Center safe?
Center is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 397 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Center receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Center?
Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 265 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches, with 5.7 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 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Center?
The median home value in Center is $82,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,223. For renters, the median monthly rent is $350. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.6%.
How are the schools in Center?
Schools in Center score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.8% of adults in Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Center?
The obesity rate in Center is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.2% of adults are smokers. 29.5% are physically inactive. 26.6% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Center?
The average commute in Center is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Center is 96.8% White, 1.9% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
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