Median Income
$73,750
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$230,000
18% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
248/100K
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.3%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$975
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.2%
23% higher than US avg
How Centralia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population125
Median Age37.4 yrs
Density202/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans84.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$73,750
Per Capita$35,204
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty15.2%
County GDP$9,160M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$230,000
Rent$975
Ownership76.6%
Zillow$422,873
Housing Units52
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent248/100K
Property2,590/100K
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking13.2%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,130 ft (344 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.3%
High School+97.3%
Graduate+11.3%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute28 min
Broadband47.0%
EV Stations16
Libraries8
Is Centralia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Centralia receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Centralia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Centralia is $73,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. The poverty rate of 15.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Centralia is $230,000, 18% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $975 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Centralia is below the national average at 248 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,590 per 100,000, 32% above the national average.
Education
20.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Centralia experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°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 38.2 inches, including 42.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Centralia has a population of 125 with a density of 202 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 37.4 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.8% female and 47.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 84.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.4yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Centralia vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Centralia vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Centralia is $73,750, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,204. The average weekly wage is $1,128, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,728 business establishments, including 242 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 1.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Centralia vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,750 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,204 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,128 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,704 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,728 |
| County GDP | $9,160M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 242 |
| Healthcare | 316 |
| Retail | 397 |
| Manufacturing | 149 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,807 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
The median home value in Centralia is $230,000, 18% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $422,873, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $975 (16% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 52 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $5,807 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $230,000 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $422,873 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $975 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.4% |
| Housing Units | 52 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,807 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.52% |
In Centralia, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 26.7% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 23.9% report binge drinking. 20.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 19.9% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,299. The dentist ratio is 1:1,233. 82.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Centralia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.7% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 31.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,299 |
| Dentists | 1:1,233 |
| Mental Health | 1:497 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 73.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,844/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 316 |
Centralia has a violent crime rate of 248 per 100,000 residents, 35% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,590 per 100,000, 32% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Centralia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Centralia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 248.2/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,589.8/100K |
| 32% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Centralia experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 19°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 38.2 inches. The area receives 42.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,130 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,130 ft (344 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 202/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4723°N, 90.8362°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dubuque County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.2"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very 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 Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
548 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 578 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
89 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
92 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
35°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Centralia has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Centralia. 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 | $620 |
| Preschool | $620 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $486 |
| Toddler | $478 |
| Preschool | $478 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Centralia
What is the population of Centralia?
Centralia has a population of 125 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 202 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.4 years. The population is 52.8% female and 47.2% male.
Is Centralia expensive to live in?
Centralia 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 $73,750, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $230,000 (18% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $975 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Centralia safe?
Centralia is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 248 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,590 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Centralia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Centralia?
Centralia has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 19°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 38.2 inches, with 42.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Centralia?
The job market in Centralia is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,128. There are 3,728 business establishments in the area, including 242 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 1.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Centralia?
The median home value in Centralia is $230,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $422,873. For renters, the median monthly rent is $975. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,807.
How are the schools in Centralia?
Schools in Centralia score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.3% of adults in Centralia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. 11.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Centralia?
The obesity rate in Centralia is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 20.6% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,299.
What is transportation like in Centralia?
The average commute in Centralia is 28 minutes. 88.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Centralia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Centralia is 100% White. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 84.0% of the population are military veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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