Median Income
$41,472
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$99,000
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
238/100K
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.8%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$758
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.6%
39% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.3%
40% higher than US avg
How Centerville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,377
Median Age47.2 yrs
Density1,111/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans10.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$41,472
Per Capita$24,770
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty17.3%
County GDP$518M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$99,000
Rent$758
Ownership57.0%
Zillow$83,797
Housing Units2,816
Rent Burden28.5%
Crime
F
Violent238/100K
Property2,363/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault183/100K
Burglary641/100K
Health
Obesity44.6%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking21.3%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,006 ft (307 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.8%
High School+89.6%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score5.52
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute15 min
Broadband86.4%
EV Stations5
Libraries3
Is Centerville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Centerville receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Centerville has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Centerville is $41,472, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 17.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Centerville is $99,000, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $758 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Centerville is below the national average at 238 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,363 per 100,000, 21% above the national average.
Education
15.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Centerville experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.0 inches, including 21.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Centerville has a population of 5,377 with a density of 1,111 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age is 47.2 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.1%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 10.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.2yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Centerville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Centerville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Centerville is $41,472, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,770 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $887, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 410 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Centerville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,472 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,770 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $887 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,195 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.1% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.3% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 410 |
| County GDP | $518M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,592 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Centerville is $99,000, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $83,797, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $758 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,816 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $3,592. 28.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $99,000 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $83,797 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $758 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.0% |
| Housing Units | 2,816 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,592 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.63% |
In Centerville, 44.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 36.0% have high blood pressure. 21.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.9% report binge drinking. 30.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,532. The dentist ratio is 1:3,024. 50.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Centerville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.6% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.0% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.3% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.4% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,532 |
| Dentists | 1:3,024 |
| Mental Health | 1:808 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 60.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,751/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Centerville has a violent crime rate of 238 per 100,000 residents, 37% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 183.2 per 100,000, robbery at 18.3, rape at 36.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,363 per 100,000, 21% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,612, burglary at 641, vehicle theft at 110 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Centerville receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Centerville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 238.1/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 36.6/100K |
| Robbery | 18.3/100K |
| Assault | 183.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,363.1/100K |
| 21% above US avg |
| Burglary | 641.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,612.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 109.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 32 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Centerville experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°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 36.0 inches. The area receives 21.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,006 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,006 ft (307 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,111/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7298°N, 92.8720°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Appanoose County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.0"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
413 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 134 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
65 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Centerville has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Centerville. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $578 |
| Preschool | $578 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $453 |
| Toddler | $446 |
| Preschool | $446 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Centerville
What is the population of Centerville?
Centerville has a population of 5,377 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,111 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
Is Centerville expensive to live in?
Centerville is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $41,472, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $99,000 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $758 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Centerville safe?
Centerville is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 238 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,363 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Centerville receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Centerville?
Centerville has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.0 inches, with 21.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Centerville?
The unemployment rate in Centerville is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $887. There are 410 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Centerville?
The median home value in Centerville is $99,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $83,797. For renters, the median monthly rent is $758. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,592.
How are the schools in Centerville?
Schools in Centerville score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.8% of adults in Centerville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Centerville?
The obesity rate in Centerville is 44.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.3% of adults are smokers. 30.4% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 50.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,532.
What is transportation like in Centerville?
The average commute in Centerville is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Centerville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Centerville is 94.1% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 10.5% of the population are military veterans. 22.8% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.