Centralia, WA
Population 18,457 · Washington
About Centralia, WA
Centralia is a mid-sized city located in Washington with a population of 18,457 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,387 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.8 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 $267,600, which is 9% above 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 $1,003, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,628 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (4,312 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (3,056 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Centralia shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Centralia have an average one-way commute time of 26.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.6% 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 14.1% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 4.4% Asian residents, with 8.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Centralia, WA
Compared to national averages, Centralia has a median household income of $52,387 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $267,600, which is 9% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,003 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Centralia's income is 42% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 42% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Centralia, WA?
Centralia offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,003/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,387) 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 18,457 with a median age of 37.8 years. Compare Centralia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Centralia
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairwood CDP (King County), Washington | 18,437 | $119,013 | $658,000 | Compare |
| Ellensburg | 18,913 | $49,888 | $357,800 | Compare |
| Anacortes | 17,837 | $89,788 | $647,700 | Compare |
| Bryn Mawr-Skyway | 17,577 | $90,258 | $622,000 | Compare |
| Camano | 17,535 | $100,124 | $600,300 | Compare |
| Salmon Creek | 19,594 | $100,534 | $497,000 | Compare |
| Monroe | 19,696 | $107,556 | $594,300 | Compare |
| West Richland | 17,126 | $118,056 | $404,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Washington
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, WA?
The population of Centralia, WA is 18,457 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Washington.
What is the median household income in Centralia?
The median household income in Centralia, WA is $52,387 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Centralia?
The median home value in Centralia, WA is $267,600, which is 9% above 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, WA is $1,003, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Centralia?
The unemployment rate in Centralia, WA is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Centralia, WA a good place to live?
Centralia offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,457 and a median age of 37.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Centralia, WA?
17.6% 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, WA: median home value is $267,600 (9% above national), median rent is $1,003/month, and median household income is $52,387. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Centralia?
The poverty rate in Centralia, WA is 19.9%, 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 Centralia, WA?
Centralia's population is 14.1% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 4.4% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 8.7% of residents are foreign-born.