Central City, PA
Population 1,055 · Pennsylvania
About Central City, PA
Central City is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 1,055 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,563 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.9 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 Central City features a median home value of $72,700, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Central City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $588, 49% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 540 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (367 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (60 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Central City 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 15.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Central City have an average one-way commute time of 31.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.3% of Central City 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 0.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Central City Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Central City, PA
Compared to national averages, Central City has a median household income of $46,563 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $72,700, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $588 is 49% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Central City's income is 37% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 62% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Central City, PA?
Central City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $72,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $588/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,563) that falls below the national average. However, Central City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Central City has a population of 1,055 with a median age of 43.9 years. Compare Central City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Central City
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence | 1,055 | $69,007 | $217,700 | Compare |
| West Brownsville | 1,057 | $65,871 | $87,000 | Compare |
| Speers | 1,061 | $67,292 | $153,600 | Compare |
| Clinton CDP (Allegheny County), Pennsylvania | 1,063 | $99,436 | $213,100 | Compare |
| Pughtown | 1,047 | $160,714 | $422,000 | Compare |
| West Middlesex | 1,063 | $82,500 | $156,100 | Compare |
| Dauphin | 1,065 | $0 | $185,500 | Compare |
| Marianne | 1,045 | $61,161 | $159,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Central City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Central City
What is the population of Central City, PA?
The population of Central City, PA is 1,055 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Central City?
The median household income in Central City, PA is $46,563 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Central City?
The median home value in Central City, PA is $72,700, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Central City?
The median monthly rent in Central City, PA is $588, which is 49% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Central City?
The unemployment rate in Central City, PA is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Central City, PA a good place to live?
Central City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,055 and a median age of 43.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Central City, PA?
13.3% of residents in Central City 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 Central City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Central City, PA: median home value is $72,700 (70% below national), median rent is $588/month, and median household income is $46,563. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Central City?
The poverty rate in Central City, PA is 15.7%, 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 Central City, PA?
Central City's population is 0.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.