Median Income
$81,607
9% higher than US avg
Home Value
$166,400
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
134/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.1%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$715
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.5%
88% lower than US avg
How Central City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,266
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density1,183/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$81,607
Per Capita$36,861
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty1.5%
County GDP$21,899M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$166,400
Rent$715
Ownership79.0%
Zillow$277,558
Housing Units565
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent134/100K
Property1,442/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking14.7%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation825 ft (251 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.1%
High School+97.8%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Commute30 min
Broadband82.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries12
Is Central City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Central City receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Central City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Central City is $81,607, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Central City is $166,400, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $715 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Central City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,442 per 100,000, 26% below the national average.
Education
18.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Central City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Central City has a population of 1,266 with a density of 1,183 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Central City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Central City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Central City is $81,607, which is 9% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,861. The average weekly wage is $1,300. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,760 business establishments, including 543 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 17.9% of workers work from home.
Income: Central City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,607 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,861 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,300 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,771 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.5% |
| 88% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,760 |
| County GDP | $21,899M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 543 |
| Healthcare | 760 |
| Retail | 691 |
| Manufacturing | 202 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,996 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.9% |
The median home value in Central City is $166,400, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,558, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 77.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $715 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 565 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $5,996 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $166,400 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $277,558 |
| Median List Price | $230,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $230,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $81 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 77.6% |
| Price Drops | 100.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $715 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.0% |
| Housing Units | 565 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,996 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.60% |
In Central City, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 21.6% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,601. The dentist ratio is 1:1,347. 92.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Central City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.6% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,601 |
| Dentists | 1:1,347 |
| Mental Health | 1:322 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,001/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 760 |
Central City has a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,442 per 100,000, 26% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Central City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Central City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 134.3/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,441.9/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Central City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 825 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 825 ft (251 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,183/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2014°N, 91.5230°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Linn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Monticello Regional (MXO)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0481 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.46 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 11.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
632 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 425 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
62 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
9 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
70 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Central City has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Central City. 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 | $719 |
| Toddler | $619 |
| Preschool | $619 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $483 |
| Toddler | $475 |
| Preschool | $475 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Central City
What is the population of Central City?
Central City has a population of 1,266 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,183 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Central City expensive to live in?
Central City 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 $81,607, 9% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $166,400 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $715 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Central City safe?
Central City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,442 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Central City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Central City?
Central City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Central City?
Central City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,300. There are 7,760 business establishments in the area, including 543 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 17.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Central City?
The median home value in Central City is $166,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,558. For renters, the median monthly rent is $715. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,996.
How are the schools in Central City?
Schools in Central City score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.1% of adults in Central City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.8% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Central City?
The obesity rate in Central City is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 21.6% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 92.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,601.
What is transportation like in Central City?
The average commute in Central City is 30 minutes. 70.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Central City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Central City is 97.9% White. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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