Centralia, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $51,868

31% lower than US avg

Home Value $165,600

41% lower than US avg

Violent Crime 239/100K

37% lower than US avg

Bachelor's+ 32.4%

4% lower than US avg

Median Rent $723

38% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 31.9%

1% lower than US avg

Unemployment 3.7%

3% higher than US avg

Poverty Rate 5.5%

56% lower than US avg

How Centralia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population4,615

Median Age45.4 yrs

Density1,586/mi²

Male / Female44% / 56%

Largest GroupWhite 88%

Veterans9.0%

Economy

B+

Median Income$51,868

Per Capita$26,812

Unemployment3.7%

Poverty5.5%

Commute20 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$165,600

Rent$723

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$270,351

Housing Units2,045

Rent Burden28.0%

Crime

Violent239/100K

Property2,245/100K

Murder0.0/100K

Assault215/100K

Burglary191/100K

Health

Obesity31.9%

Uninsured8.9%

Smoking16.2%

Depression25.7%

Heart Disease5.6%

Climate

Avg Temp53°F (12°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain39.9 in/yr

Sunny Days264/yr

Elevation892 ft (272 m)

Education

B+

Bachelor's+32.4%

High School+88.6%

Graduate+4.8%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute20 min

Broadband90.3%

Is Centralia a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Centralia receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. 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 $51,868, 31% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Centralia is $165,600, 41% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $723 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Violent crime in Centralia is below the national average at 239 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,245 per 100,000, near the national average.

Education

32.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Centralia experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 264 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.9 inches, including 5.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Centralia has a population of 4,615 with a density of 1,586 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age is 45.4 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.3% female and 43.7% male. The city is predominantly White (88.3%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.4% have health insurance coverage.

Population

4,615

Total Population

1,586

People / sq mi

45.4yrs

Median Age

17% above US avg

2.9mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 43.7%

Female 56.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Centralia vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	100.0%
	27% above US avg
Spanish	0.0%
	100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Centralia vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Centralia is $51,868, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,812 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Centralia vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$51,868
	31% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$26,812

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	3.7%
	3% above US avg
Poverty Rate	5.5%
	56% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	20.4 min
Drive Alone	66.9%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	10.8%

Walkability

The median home value in Centralia is $165,600, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,351, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $723 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 2,045 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. 28.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$165,600
	41% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$270,351
Median List Price	$237,500

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price	$237,500
$/Sq Ft	$142
Homes Sold	8
Sale-to-List Ratio	95.2%
Price Drops	15.4%
Inventory	13

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$723
	38% below US avg
Rent Burden	28.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$732
1 Bedroom	$775
2 Bedrooms	$970
3 Bedrooms	$1,265
4 Bedrooms	$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	69.2%
Housing Units	2,045
Median Year Built	1976

Property Tax

In Centralia, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 18.8% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance.

Health Metrics: Centralia vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	31.9%
	1% below US avg
Diabetes	9.7%
Heart Disease	5.6%
High Blood Pressure	31.5%
Asthma	10.8%
COPD	7.4%
Cancer	7.5%
Stroke	3.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	16.2%
	16% above US avg
Binge Drinking	18.8%
Physical Inactivity	26.7%
Depression	25.7%
Mental Distress	18.4%
Physical Distress	13.7%
Short Sleep	35.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	94.4%
Uninsured	8.9%
	3% above US avg
Checkup Rate	75.7%
Dental Visits	60.5%

Food & Exercise

Centralia has a violent crime rate of 239 per 100,000 residents, 37% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 214.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 23.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,245 per 100,000, 15% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,982, burglary at 191, vehicle theft at 72 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Centralia receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Centralia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent	238.8/100K
	37% below US avg
Murder	0.0/100K
	100% below US avg
Rape	23.9/100K
Robbery	0.0/100K
Assault	214.9/100K

Property Crime

Total Property	2,244.5/100K
	15% above US avg
Burglary	191.0/100K
Theft	1,981.9/100K
Vehicle Theft	71.6/100K
Arson	0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety Grade	F
Safety Score	1.0 / 5.0

Centralia experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 264 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 39.9 inches. The area receives 5.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 892 feet.

Temperature

26°F Jan (-3°C) 77°F Jul (25°C)

Annual Average	53.4°F
	1% below US avg
January Average	26°F (-3°C)
July Average	77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days	264 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	39.9 inches
	5% above US avg
Snowfall	5.7 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	892 ft (272 m)
Area	2.9 sq mi (7.5 km²)
Population Density	1,586/sq mi
Coordinates	39.2103°N, 92.1380°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	26°F (-3°C)	1.5 in	Coldest, Driest
February	32°F (-0°C)	1.8 in
March	43°F (6°C)	3.2 in
April	54°F (12°C)	3.9 in
May	64°F (18°C)	5.0 in	Wettest
June	73°F (23°C)	4.4 in
July	77°F (25°C)	3.9 in	Warmest
August	75°F (24°C)	3.7 in
September	67°F (20°C)	3.9 in
October	56°F (13°C)	3.2 in
November	43°F (6°C)	3.2 in
December	32°F (-0°C)	2.4 in

Centralia has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F — from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (1.5").

32.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 4% below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 90.3% of households have broadband internet access. 66.9% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	32.4%
	4% below US avg
High School+	88.6%
Graduate Degree+	4.8%
School Test Score	5.51

B+ Education Grade (3.6/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	1,586/sq mi
Total Area	2.9 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	90.3%
Alt Fuel Stations	2

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	20.4 min
Drive Alone	66.9%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	10.8%

Frequently Asked Questions About Centralia

What is the population of Centralia?

Centralia has a population of 4,615 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,586 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.3% female and 43.7% male.

Is Centralia expensive to live in?

Centralia is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $51,868, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $165,600 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $723 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, 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 239 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,245 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 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 264 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.9 inches, with 5.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Centralia?

Centralia has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 10.8% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Centralia?

The median home value in Centralia is $165,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,351. For renters, the median monthly rent is $723. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Centralia?

Schools in Centralia score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.4% of adults in Centralia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Centralia?

The obesity rate in Centralia is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance.

What is transportation like in Centralia?

The average commute in Centralia is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.8% work from home.

What are the demographics of Centralia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Centralia is 88.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Sturgeon, MO 1,143 pop · 7.8 mi Hallsville, MO 2,049 pop · 7.8 mi Mexico, MO 11,487 pop · 13.9 mi Auxvasse, MO 1,385 pop · 18.5 mi Paris, MO 1,326 pop · 20.1 mi Columbia, MO 127,200 pop · 20.7 mi Moberly, MO 13,634 pop · 21.5 mi Huntsville, MO 1,806 pop · 27.0 mi Fulton, MO 12,611 pop · 27.1 mi Fayette, MO 2,800 pop · 29.5 mi Ashland, MO 4,811 pop · 30.8 mi Wellsville, MO 1,197 pop · 31.9 mi Shelbina, MO 2,108 pop · 33.8 mi New Franklin, MO 1,015 pop · 34.8 mi

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