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
Ownership69.2%
Zillow$270,351
Housing Units2,045
Rent Burden28.0%
Crime
F
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%
EV Stations16
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 2.8 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
45.4yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
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.
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 |
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% |
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. 69.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. 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 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
| Homeownership | 69.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.8% |
| 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
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
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 |
Geography
| Elevation | 892 ft (272 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,586/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2103°N, 92.1380°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Columbia Regional (COU)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.9"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.96"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
75 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
38 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
124 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
344 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 141 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
32 km |
4 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1998 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1961 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WOOLDRIDGE FIRE (1,323 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
WOOLDRIDGE FIRE |
1,323 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
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 2.8 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. The homeownership rate is 69.2%.
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.
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