Centralia, MO
Population 4,615 · Missouri
About Centralia, MO
Centralia is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 4,615 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,868 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.4 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 $165,600, which is 32% 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 $723, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,175 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (1,389 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (618 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Centralia shows an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Centralia have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
32.4% 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 2.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Centralia, MO
Compared to national averages, Centralia has a median household income of $51,868 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $165,600, which is 32% below the national median. Monthly rent at $723 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Centralia's income is 15% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 10% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Centralia, MO?
Centralia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $165,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $723/month, and a low poverty rate of 12.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,868) 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 4,615 with a median age of 45.4 years. Compare Centralia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Centralia
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollister | 4,608 | $57,778 | $154,900 | Compare |
| Lexington | 4,602 | $70,134 | $153,300 | Compare |
| Butler | 4,594 | $36,276 | $124,100 | Compare |
| Holts Summit | 4,572 | $81,927 | $184,400 | Compare |
| Charleston | 4,565 | $35,139 | $107,700 | Compare |
| Salem | 4,673 | $39,200 | $97,200 | Compare |
| Mount Vernon | 4,532 | $49,153 | $175,000 | Compare |
| California | 4,523 | $60,506 | $123,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
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, MO?
The population of Centralia, MO is 4,615 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Centralia?
The median household income in Centralia, MO is $51,868 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Centralia?
The median home value in Centralia, MO is $165,600, which is 32% 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, MO is $723, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Centralia?
The unemployment rate in Centralia, MO is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Centralia, MO a good place to live?
Centralia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,615 and a median age of 45.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Centralia, MO?
32.4% 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, MO: median home value is $165,600 (32% below national), median rent is $723/month, and median household income is $51,868. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Centralia?
The poverty rate in Centralia, MO is 12.0%, 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, MO?
Centralia's population is 2.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.