Median Income
$19,539
74% lower than US avg
Home Value
$80,800
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.4%
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
27.6%
14% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Central Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population93
Median Age47.9 yrs
Density0/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans25.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$19,539
Per Capita$25,885
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$7,891M
Housing
A
Home Value$80,800
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$320,632
Housing Units208
Rent Burden28.2%
Health
Obesity27.6%
Uninsured51.6%
Smoking19.6%
Depression16.8%
Heart Disease8.0%
Climate
Avg Temp21°F (-6°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain12.1 in/yr
Elevation755 ft (230 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.4%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Broadband74.5%
Libraries3
Is Central a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Central receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Central offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Central is $19,539, 74% below the national average of $75,149. 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%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Central is $80,800, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 4.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
27.4% 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 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Central has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 21°F. Winters average -16°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Central has a population of 93 with a density of 0 people per square mile, spread across 249.4 square miles. The median age is 47.9 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.2% female and 54.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 25.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 48.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
93
Total Population
2023 Census
47.9yrs
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 Central is $19,539, which is 74% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,885 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,340. 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 2,441 business establishments, including 247 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $19,539 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,885 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,340 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,952 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,441 |
| County GDP | $7,891M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 247 |
| Healthcare | 325 |
| Retail | 270 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,621 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Central is $80,800, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,632, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 208 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $6,621 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $80,800 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $320,632 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,061 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,194 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,467 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,304 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 208 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,621 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.19% |
In Central, 27.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 8.0% of residents, above the national average. 32.3% have high blood pressure. 19.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.4% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 16.8% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 14.4% experience frequent mental distress. 51.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,166. The dentist ratio is 1:706. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Central vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 27.6% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 8.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.3% |
| Asthma | 8.5% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.6% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 16.8% |
| Mental Distress | 14.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 27.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 48.4% |
| Uninsured | 51.6% |
| 500% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,166 |
| Dentists | 1:706 |
| Mental Health | 1:118 |
| Checkup Rate | 53.4% |
| Dental Visits | 38.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,713/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 325 |
Central has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 21°F (-6°C). Winters average -16°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 75°F. Annual precipitation totals 12.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. 58% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 755 feet.
Temperature
-16°F Jan (-26°C)
59°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 21.3°F |
| 61% below US avg |
| January Average | -16°F (-26°C) |
| July Average | 59°F (15°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 755 ft (230 m) |
| Area | 249.4 sq mi (645.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 0/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 65.5091°N, 144.6205°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Fairbanks North Star Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
105 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.1"
68% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.64"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 58.2% |
| Unhealthy Days | 25 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0254 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.74 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.29 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
378 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 3, 2025.
| Feb 5, 2006 |
61 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M5.4 |
124 km |
| Feb 5, 2006 |
64 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M5.1 |
130 km |
| Jun 11, 2023 |
14 km E of Central, Alaska |
M4.8 |
10 km |
| May 5, 1997 |
69 km ESE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.4 |
137 km |
| Feb 1, 2013 |
16 km ESE of Central, Alaska |
M4.3 |
8 km |
| Jan 30, 1998 |
32 km S of Circle, Alaska |
M4.3 |
31 km |
| Jun 10, 2007 |
76 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.3 |
135 km |
| Jul 29, 2002 |
45 km S of Beaver, Alaska |
M4.3 |
132 km |
| Feb 18, 2006 |
76 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.3 |
136 km |
| Jun 14, 2025 |
44 km WNW of Central, Alaska |
M4.2 |
56 km |
| Mar 25, 1992 |
27 km ESE of Beaver, Alaska |
M4.2 |
130 km |
| Mar 29, 2006 |
74 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.2 |
132 km |
| Feb 19, 2010 |
81 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.2 |
137 km |
| Feb 21, 2006 |
77 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.1 |
134 km |
| Feb 7, 2006 |
81 km ESE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.0 |
141 km |
| Mar 14, 2006 |
70 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.0 |
131 km |
| Feb 6, 2006 |
57 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.0 |
123 km |
| Nov 11, 1997 |
89 km NW of Chicken, Alaska |
M4.0 |
115 km |
| Feb 25, 2016 |
22 km SE of Circle, Alaska |
M4.0 |
43 km |
| Feb 7, 2006 |
65 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.0 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CRAZY MOUNTAIN COMPLEX (LITTLE BLACK ONE) (346,582 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
CRAZY MOUNTAIN COMPLEX (LITTLE BLACK ONE) |
346,582 |
86 km |
| 1988 |
832604 |
294,208 |
76 km |
| 2004 |
EDWARDS CREEK |
286,203 |
69 km |
| 2004 |
CENTRAL COMPLEX (WOLF CREEK) |
228,337 |
54 km |
| 1993 |
332557 |
214,280 |
61 km |
| 2004 |
PREACHER CREEK |
212,441 |
60 km |
| 2004 |
BOLGEN CREEK |
202,572 |
23 km |
| 1990 |
032042 |
123,334 |
37 km |
| 1985 |
531047 |
79,003 |
60 km |
| 2019 |
LITTLE CRAZY MOUNTAIN |
78,294 |
77 km |
| 2005 |
PREACHER CREEK |
69,376 |
49 km |
| 2021 |
MUNSON CREEK |
54,099 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
CRAZY MOUNTAIN COMPLEX (JAGGED RIDGE) |
50,271 |
27 km |
| 2004 |
CRAZY |
49,649 |
35 km |
| 2017 |
BEAR MOUNTAIN |
48,086 |
97 km |
| 1986 |
EUREKA CK |
45,333 |
56 km |
| 1997 |
B 484 |
44,843 |
95 km |
| 1996 |
SLENDER SMOKE |
42,683 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
PADDLE |
42,649 |
46 km |
| 2021 |
CULTAS CREEK |
42,178 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-16°F (-26°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
-9°F (-23°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
1°F (-17°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| April |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| May |
45°F (7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| June |
56°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
59°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
52°F (11°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| September |
40°F (4°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
-4°F (-20°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
-12°F (-25°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Central has a seasonal temperature swing of 75°F / from -16°F in January to 59°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.6") and March the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Central. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$256 ($154-$410) |
| Specialist Visit |
$358 ($205-$563) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$205 ($102-$358) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,253 ($819-$5,120) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$133 ($77-$205) |
| Dental Filling |
$256 ($154-$410) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26-$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($51-$123) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$307 ($154-$512) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($20-$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$614 ($410-$1,024) |
| Battery Replacement |
$205 ($102-$358) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$102 ($61-$154) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$92 ($51-$143) |
| HVAC Repair |
$410 ($154-$819) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,168 ($4,096-$12,288) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,024 ($410-$2,048) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,216 ($5,632-$15,360) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,536 ($512-$3,584) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,360 ($5,120-$30,720) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,120 ($2,048-$10,240) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,536 ($819-$3,072) |
| Will Preparation |
$512 ($205-$1,024) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,560 ($1,024-$5,120) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15-$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($31-$102) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$154 ($77-$256) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15-$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26-$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($51-$133) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.20 ($3.07-$5.63) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.58 ($2.56-$5.12) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.89 ($2.56-$5.63) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.61 ($3.07-$6.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.63 ($4.10-$7.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.02 ($0.61-$1.84) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$143 ($82-$256) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$154) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$123) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$102) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31-$102) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$87 ($51-$154) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$205 ($77-$512) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,048 ($1,229-$3,584) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$133) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.19-$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$102 ($31-$256) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15-$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,229 ($614-$2,560) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,024 ($512-$2,048) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$410 ($205-$717) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($26-$102) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,024 ($410-$2,560) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,800 ($5,120-$30,720) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($31-$102) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$102 ($51-$205) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($31-$102) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($20-$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$307 ($154-$512) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$205 ($102-$410) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,711 |
| Toddler | $1,239 |
| Preschool | $1,148 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,368 |
| Toddler | $1,018 |
| Preschool | $933 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Central
What is the population of Central?
Central has a population of 93 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 0 people per square mile, spread across 249.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.2% female and 54.8% male.
Is Central expensive to live in?
Central has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $19,539, 74% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $80,800 (71% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Central?
Central has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 21°F (-6°C). Winter temperatures average -16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 59°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 12.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Central?
The job market in Central is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,340. There are 2,441 business establishments in the area, including 247 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Central?
The median home value in Central is $80,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,632. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,621.
How are the schools in Central?
Schools in Central score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.4% of adults in Central hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Central?
The obesity rate in Central is 27.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 19.6% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 16.8% of residents report depression. 51.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,166.
What are the demographics of Central?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Central is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 25.8% of the population are military veterans. 23.7% of residents have a disability. 48.4% have health insurance coverage.