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Center, MO

Missouri

Center is a small town in Missouri with a population of 469. Residents earn $62,750 per year, which is 16% below the national average.

3.4 /5.0
B Good
469 Population 1,144/sq mi density
$62,750 Median Income $21,611 per capita
$82,600 Home Value $214,223 Zillow
$350 Median Rent 24.3% income on rent
53°F Avg Temperature 265 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.4 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.9 / 5.0
$62,750 median income, 2.2% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$82,600 home value, $350/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
0 violent crimes/100K (100% below avg)
C
Education
2.0 / 5.0
12.8% bachelor's degree or higher
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
OwnershipN/A
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%

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

469
Total Population
1,144
People / sq mi
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
0.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 53.9%
Female 46.1%

Race & Ethnicity

Center vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish3.5%
74% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Center vs U.S. Average

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: Center vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$62,750
16% below US avg
Per Capita Income$21,611

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.2%
39% below US avg
Poverty Rate12.1%
2% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time21.6 min
Drive Alone89.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home4.2%

Walkability

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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$82,600
71% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$214,223

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

$/Sq Ft$67
Homes Sold1
Sale-to-List Ratio98.0%
Price Drops0.0%
Inventory1

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$350
70% below US avg
Rent Burden24.3%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied83.6%
Housing Units212
Median Year Built1977

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

Obesity38.9%
21% above US avg
Diabetes10.1%
Heart Disease6.0%
High Blood Pressure32.9%
Asthma10.8%
COPD7.9%
Cancer7.4%
Stroke3.2%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking19.2%
37% above US avg
Binge Drinking18.9%
Physical Inactivity29.5%
Depression26.6%
Mental Distress19.8%
Physical Distress14.6%
Short Sleep37.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate95.6%
Uninsured10.0%
16% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.0%
Dental Visits57.8%

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 Violent0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape0.0/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault0.0/100K

Property Crime

Total Property396.8/100K
80% below US avg
Burglary198.4/100K
Theft198.4/100K
Vehicle Theft0.0/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 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 Average53.0°F
2% below US avg
January Average26°F (-4°C)
July Average77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days265 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall39.3 inches
3% above US avg
Snowfall5.7 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation722 ft (220 m)
Area0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²)
Population Density1,144/sq mi
Coordinates39.5081°N, 91.5288°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

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").

12.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 62% below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 87.1% of households have broadband internet access. 89.2% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+12.8%
62% below US avg
High School+88.4%
Graduate Degree+0.9%
School Test Score5.51
C Education Grade (2.0/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1,144/sq mi
Total Area0.4 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access87.1%
Alt Fuel Stations1

Safety & Disasters

C+ Safety Grade (2.5/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute21.6 min
Drive Alone89.2%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home4.2%

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.

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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