Median Income
$49,025
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$140,700
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
157/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.6%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$755
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.0%
61% higher than US avg
How Central City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,736
Median Age36.0 yrs
Density1,082/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,025
Per Capita$29,339
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty20.0%
County GDP$1,544M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$140,700
Rent$755
Ownership66.1%
Zillow$120,309
Housing Units2,119
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent157/100K
Property1,537/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault70/100K
Burglary122/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
UninsuredN/A
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain50.8 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation417 ft (127 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.6%
High School+82.3%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score5.93
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute20 min
Broadband89.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Central City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Central City receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Central City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Central City is $49,025, 35% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 20.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Central City is $140,700, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $755 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Central City is below the national average at 157 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,537 per 100,000, 22% below the national average.
Education
9.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Central City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Central City has a population of 5,736 with a density of 1,082 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age is 36.0 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.2% female and 53.8% male. The city is predominantly White (89%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 4.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.6% of residents. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.0yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Central City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.6%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.4%
67% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Central City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Central City is $49,025, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,339 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,050, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 747 business establishments, including 58 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Central City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,025 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,339 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,050 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,215 |
| Gini Index | 0.506 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.0% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 747 |
| County GDP | $1,544M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 58 |
| Healthcare | 69 |
| Retail | 109 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,375 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Central City is $140,700, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,309, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $755 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,119 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $2,375 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $140,700 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $120,309 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $755 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.9% |
| Housing Units | 2,119 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,375 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.69% |
In Central City, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,069. The dentist ratio is 1:3,807. 61.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Central City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:3,069 |
| Dentists | 1:3,807 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,176 |
| Dental Visits | 55.3% |
| Premature Death | 12,123/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 69 |
Central City has a violent crime rate of 157 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 69.9 per 100,000, robbery at 17.5, rape at 69.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,537 per 100,000, 22% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,310, burglary at 122, vehicle theft at 105 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 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 | 157.2/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 69.9/100K |
| Robbery | 17.5/100K |
| Assault | 69.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,536.9/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
| Burglary | 122.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,309.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 104.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Central City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 299 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 50.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 417 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 417 ft (127 m) |
| Area | 5.2 sq mi (13.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,082/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2968°N, 87.1290°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Muhlenberg County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owensboro/Daviess County Regional (OWB) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.8"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
48 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
145 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
145 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
96 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
144 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
109 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
87 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
116 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
144 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
129 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
5 km WSW of Brookport, Illinois |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
6 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Sep 9, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
6 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M3.0 |
32 km |
| Jan 3, 2003 |
9 km SW of Mount Vernon, Indiana |
M2.9 |
97 km |
| Apr 28, 2000 |
6 km W of Equality, Illinois |
M2.9 |
124 km |
| Jun 24, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M2.9 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
488 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 105 fatalities, 1,292 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
72 km |
31 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
92 km |
6 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1970 |
EF4 |
94 km |
3 |
| Jul 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Dec 9, 2023 |
EF3 |
86 km |
4 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
62 km |
16 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2011 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
18 km |
3 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
83 km |
24 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FRANKLIN CREEK RX (2,828 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FRANKLIN CREEK RX |
2,828 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
FLOATING MILL HOLLOW |
2,422 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,282 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
BROOKS KNOB |
2,225 |
82 km |
| 2012 |
FY2012 CRYSTAL CAVE BROADCAST BURN |
2,221 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
JOPPA CHURCH |
2,037 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
JIM LEE |
1,770 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
TEMPLE HILL |
1,628 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
JIM LEE |
1,613 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD DEER |
1,557 |
16 km |
| 2007 |
Big Woods |
1,500 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
GOBLIN KNOB |
1,445 |
93 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,336 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
LBL - NWDA UNIT 3 RX |
1,187 |
96 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,167 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
99 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,039 |
19 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
917 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
LONG RUN RX |
774 |
97 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
750 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
47°F (9°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
38°F (4°C) |
4.6 in |
|
Central City has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 34°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (2.9").
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) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $525 |
| Toddler | $494 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $513 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $520 |
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 5,736 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 1,082 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.2% female and 53.8% male.
Is Central City expensive to live in?
Central City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,025, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $140,700 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $755 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Central City safe?
Central City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 157 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,537 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.8 inches, with 4.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Central City?
Central City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,050. There are 747 business establishments in the area, including 58 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Central City?
The median home value in Central City is $140,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,309. For renters, the median monthly rent is $755. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,375.
How are the schools in Central City?
Schools in Central City score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.6% of adults in Central City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Central City?
The obesity rate in Central City is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 61.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,069.
What is transportation like in Central City?
The average commute in Central City is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 93% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Central City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Central City is 89% White, 4.1% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 95.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 88.7% have health insurance coverage.