Centralia, IA
Population 125 · Iowa
About Centralia, IA
Centralia is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 125 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,750 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Centralia features a median home value of $230,000, which is 6% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Centralia in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $975, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 47 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (36 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (11 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Centralia shows an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Centralia have an average one-way commute time of 27.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.3% of Centralia 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Centralia, IA
Compared to national averages, Centralia has a median household income of $73,750 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $230,000, which is 6% below the national median. Monthly rent at $975 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Centralia's income is 9% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 74% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Centralia, IA?
Centralia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $230,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $975/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,750) that falls below the national average. However, Centralia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Centralia has a population of 125 with a median age of 37.4 years. Compare Centralia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Centralia
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center Junction | 125 | $32,679 | $57,800 | Compare |
| Morrison | 125 | $88,750 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Rock Falls | 125 | $66,875 | $156,300 | Compare |
| Swaledale | 125 | $47,500 | $55,000 | Compare |
| Whitten | 125 | $68,750 | $49,000 | Compare |
| Delaware | 126 | $72,083 | $139,500 | Compare |
| East Peru | 126 | $67,083 | $87,500 | Compare |
| South Amana | 126 | $107,250 | $287,500 | 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 Centralia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Centralia
What is the population of Centralia, IA?
The population of Centralia, IA is 125 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Centralia?
The median household income in Centralia, IA is $73,750 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Centralia?
The median home value in Centralia, IA is $230,000, which is 6% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Centralia?
The median monthly rent in Centralia, IA is $975, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Centralia?
The unemployment rate in Centralia, IA is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Centralia, IA a good place to live?
Centralia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 125 and a median age of 37.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Centralia, IA?
20.3% of residents in Centralia 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 Centralia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Centralia, IA: median home value is $230,000 (6% below national), median rent is $975/month, and median household income is $73,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Centralia?
The poverty rate in Centralia, IA is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Centralia, IA?
Centralia's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.