Median Income
$94,478
26% higher than US avg
Home Value
$422,900
50% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
80/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
77.9%
131% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.5%
1% higher 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
Population273
Median Age46.1 yrs
Density163/mi²
Male / Female26% / 74%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans10.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$94,478
Per Capita$57,368
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,015M
Commute31 min
Housing
A
Home Value$422,900
Ownership55.3%
Zillow$323,283
Housing Units202
Rent Burden22.4%
Crime
F
Violent80/100K
Property1,448/100K
Health
Obesity32.5%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking12.8%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain8.8 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation2,880 ft (878 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+77.9%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+18.6%
School Score5.22
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 25%
Commute31 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Is Central a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Central receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. 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 $94,478, 26% 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 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Central is $422,900, 50% above the national median. A price-to-income ratio of 4.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Central is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,448 per 100,000, 26% below the national average.
Education
Central is a highly educated community / 77.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Central enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 8.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Central has a population of 273 with a density of 163 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 46.1 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 73.6% female and 26.4% male. The city is predominantly White (75.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 71.9% of residents, while 28.1% speak Spanish. 10.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.1yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
71.9%
8% below US avg
Spanish
28.1%
110% above US avg
The median household income in Central is $94,478, which is 26% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $57,368 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,100, 23% 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 624 business establishments, including 69 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100.7, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $94,478 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $57,368 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,100 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,621 |
| Gini Index | 0.406 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 624 |
| County GDP | $2,015M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 69 |
| Healthcare | 86 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,214 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Central is $422,900, 50% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,283, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,151 for a one-bedroom to $1,419 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 202 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $2,214 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $422,900 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $323,283 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,053 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,151 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,889 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,158 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.7% |
| Housing Units | 202 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,214 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.52% |
In Central, 32.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 12.8% are current smokers. 17.7% report binge drinking. 19.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.2% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,441. The dentist ratio is 1:1,847. 67.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Central vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.4% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,441 |
| Dentists | 1:1,847 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,718 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.1% |
| Dental Visits | 57.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,353/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 86 |
Central has a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,448 per 100,000, 26% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Central receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Central vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 80.4/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,447.5/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Central enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 330 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 8.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. The city sits at an elevation of 2,880 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 65.1°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,880 ft (878 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 163/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.8692°N, 109.7908°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | Graham County County |
| Nearest Airport | Safford Regional (SAD)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
8.8"
77% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.01"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 71.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 7.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
61 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Jun 29, 2014 |
13 km SW of Franklin, Arizona |
M5.3 |
66 km |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
12 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M4.0 |
73 km |
| Jul 3, 2014 |
11 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.9 |
73 km |
| Oct 8, 2012 |
32 km WNW of Glenwood, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
79 km |
| Jul 10, 2014 |
16 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
16 km SSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.6 |
70 km |
| Jul 12, 2014 |
17 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| May 24, 2010 |
27 km NNE of Morenci, Arizona |
M3.6 |
71 km |
| Jul 9, 2014 |
13 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| May 24, 2010 |
24 km NNE of Morenci, Arizona |
M3.6 |
67 km |
| Jul 11, 2014 |
5 km WSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.6 |
67 km |
| Jul 11, 2014 |
12 km SSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.5 |
69 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
35 km WNW of Glenwood, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
78 km |
| Jul 6, 2014 |
Arizona |
M3.5 |
68 km |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
14 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.5 |
77 km |
| Jun 30, 2014 |
19 km SSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.5 |
74 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
9 km S of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| Apr 27, 2019 |
2 km WSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.4 |
69 km |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
10 km SW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.4 |
66 km |
| Oct 3, 2023 |
3 km WSW of Franklin, Arizona |
M3.3 |
68 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
10 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1. Total: 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 23, 2019 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 1974 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 1974 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1971 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1971 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 2015 |
EF0 |
8 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2014 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1992 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1972 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 1966 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Red Hill (178 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Red Hill |
Volcanic field |
2,300 m (7,546 ft) |
-9450 |
178 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (151,684 ac, 2001).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
151,684 |
47 km |
| 2020 |
BIGHORN |
126,131 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
MESCAL |
79,346 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
SKUNK |
73,774 |
69 km |
| 2017 |
FRYE |
54,202 |
19 km |
| 2021 |
PINNACLE |
35,281 |
39 km |
| 2015 |
WHITETAIL |
33,592 |
87 km |
| 2020 |
COW CANYON |
33,536 |
99 km |
| 2004 |
NUTALL COMPLEX (NUTALL) |
31,880 |
19 km |
| 2002 |
BULLOCK |
31,774 |
96 km |
| 2020 |
VALLEY |
29,331 |
74 km |
| 2020 |
BLUE RIVER |
29,314 |
87 km |
| 2018 |
RATTLESNAKE |
27,383 |
90 km |
| 2020 |
BLUE RIVER 2 |
26,885 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
BURRO |
26,852 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
GREASEWOOD |
24,902 |
40 km |
| 1993 |
MARKHAM |
24,636 |
69 km |
| 2021 |
BEAR |
24,459 |
78 km |
| 2020 |
BRINGHAM |
23,134 |
79 km |
| 2020 |
CASSADORE SPRINGS |
21,534 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
2.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
Central has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 46°F in December to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.0") and April 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) |
$252 ($151–$403) |
| Specialist Visit |
$352 ($201–$554) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$201 ($101–$352) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,215 ($806–$5,035) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$201) |
| Dental Filling |
$252 ($151–$403) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($50–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$302 ($151–$504) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$604 ($403–$1,007) |
| Battery Replacement |
$201 ($101–$352) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($60–$151) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($50–$141) |
| HVAC Repair |
$403 ($151–$806) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,049 ($4,028–$12,084) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,007 ($403–$2,014) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,063 ($5,539–$15,105) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,511 ($504–$3,525) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,105 ($5,035–$30,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,035 ($2,014–$10,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,511 ($806–$3,021) |
| Will Preparation |
$504 ($201–$1,007) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,518 ($1,007–$5,035) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$151 ($76–$252) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($50–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.13 ($3.02–$5.54) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.52 ($2.52–$5.04) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.83 ($2.52–$5.54) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.53 ($3.02–$6.55) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.54 ($4.03–$7.55) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.60–$1.81) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$141 ($81–$252) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$151) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($50–$151) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$201 ($76–$504) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,014 ($1,208–$3,525) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.06–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$252) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,208 ($604–$2,518) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,007 ($504–$2,014) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$403 ($201–$705) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,007 ($403–$2,518) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,588 ($5,035–$30,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($50–$201) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$302 ($151–$504) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$201 ($101–$403) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $931 |
| Toddler | $670 |
| Preschool | $670 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Central
What is the population of Central?
Central has a population of 273 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 163 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 73.6% female and 26.4% male.
Is Central expensive to live in?
Central has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100.7 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $94,478, 26% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $422,900 (50% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Central safe?
Central is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,448 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Central receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Central?
Central enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 8.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
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 $1,100. There are 624 business establishments in the area, including 69 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Central?
The median home value in Central is $422,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,283. The homeownership rate is 55.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,214.
How are the schools in Central?
Schools in Central score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 77.9% of adults in Central hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 18.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Central?
The obesity rate in Central is 32.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.8% of adults are smokers. 19.4% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 67.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,441.
What is transportation like in Central?
The average commute in Central is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Central?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Central is 75.5% White. 71.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 28.1% speak Spanish. 10.9% of the population are military veterans. 6.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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