Centralia, KS
Population 496 · Kansas
About Centralia, KS
Centralia is a small community located in Kansas with a population of 496 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,125 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.7 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 Centralia features a median home value of $80,600, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Centralia one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $930, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 215 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (151 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (44 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Centralia shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Centralia have an average one-way commute time of 18 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
33.1% of Centralia residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Centralia, KS
Compared to national averages, Centralia has a median household income of $58,125 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $80,600, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $930 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Centralia's income is 9% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 29% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Centralia, KS?
Centralia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $80,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $930/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,125) 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 496 with a median age of 45.7 years. Compare Centralia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Centralia
What is the population of Centralia, KS?
The population of Centralia, KS is 496 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Centralia?
The median household income in Centralia, KS is $58,125 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Centralia?
The median home value in Centralia, KS is $80,600, which is 67% 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, KS is $930, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Centralia?
The unemployment rate in Centralia, KS is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Centralia, KS a good place to live?
Centralia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 496 and a median age of 45.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Centralia, KS?
33.1% 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, KS: median home value is $80,600 (67% below national), median rent is $930/month, and median household income is $58,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Centralia?
The poverty rate in Centralia, KS is 7.1%, 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, KS?
Centralia's population is 0.4% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.