Iowa · Metropolitan Area
Centralia is a small town in Iowa with a population of 125. Residents earn $73,750 per year, which is 2% below the national average.
Based on current data, Centralia receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Centralia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
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.
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.
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 5.7/10.
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. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches, including 42.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 98.3% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.7% |
| 87% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $73,750 |
| 2% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $35,204 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,128 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,704 |
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 15.2% |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 3,728 |
| County GDP | $9,160M |
| Restaurants | 242 |
| Healthcare | 316 |
| Retail | 397 |
| Manufacturing | 149 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,807 |
| 66% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.52% |
| Commute Time | 27.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
| Census Median | $230,000 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Census Median Rent | $975 |
| 16% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.6% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,807 |
| 66% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.52% |
| 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% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,844/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 316 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 38.2 inches |
| 1% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 42.5 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,130 ft (344 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 202/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4723°N, 90.8362°W |
| County FIPS | 19061 |
Winner: Republican by 8.6 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 20.3% |
| 40% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 97.3% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 202/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.6 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 47.0% |
| Public Libraries | 8 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 316 |
| Restaurants | 242 |
| Retail Stores | 397 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 27.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |