Centerville, IA
Population 5,377 · Iowa
About Centerville, IA
Centerville is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 5,377 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,472 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Centerville features a median home value of $99,000, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Centerville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $758, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,846 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (1,324 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (999 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Centerville shows an unemployment rate of 9.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Centerville have an average one-way commute time of 14.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.8% of Centerville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Centerville, IA
Compared to national averages, Centerville has a median household income of $41,472 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $99,000, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $758 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Centerville's income is 39% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 25% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Centerville, IA?
Centerville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $99,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $758/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,472) that falls below the national average. However, Centerville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Centerville has a population of 5,377 with a median age of 47.2 years. Compare Centerville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Centerville
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winterset | 5,384 | $69,268 | $181,500 | Compare |
| Sheldon | 5,386 | $68,448 | $173,600 | Compare |
| Clarinda | 5,366 | $50,644 | $112,200 | Compare |
| Algona | 5,414 | $52,542 | $156,200 | Compare |
| Spirit Lake | 5,469 | $73,627 | $218,400 | Compare |
| Tiffin | 5,271 | $106,034 | $315,800 | Compare |
| Osceola | 5,495 | $62,363 | $145,300 | Compare |
| DeWitt | 5,535 | $84,474 | $223,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Centerville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Centerville
What is the population of Centerville, IA?
The population of Centerville, IA is 5,377 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Centerville?
The median household income in Centerville, IA is $41,472 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Centerville?
The median home value in Centerville, IA is $99,000, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Centerville?
The median monthly rent in Centerville, IA is $758, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Centerville?
The unemployment rate in Centerville, IA is 9.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Centerville, IA a good place to live?
Centerville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,377 and a median age of 47.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Centerville, IA?
15.8% of residents in Centerville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Centerville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Centerville, IA: median home value is $99,000 (60% below national), median rent is $758/month, and median household income is $41,472. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Centerville?
The poverty rate in Centerville, IA is 26.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Centerville, IA?
Centerville's population is 1.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.