Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Centralia, WA
Considering a move to Centralia, WA? This city of 18,183 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $301,000 and average rents at $1,120. Centralia's commute times are a manageable 22 minutes, and the local climate provides mild summers and cool, rainy winters. While the property crime rate is higher than national averages, the town features small class sizes in schools and access to the local Centralia College. Explore Centralia for its budget-friendly housing, accessible healthcare, and welcoming community atmosphere.
Demographics - Centralia, WA
Demographics - Centralia, WA
Centralia is home to about 18,183 people, offering a moderately dense community with a median age of 37.8 years. The city is predominantly White (80%), with a small but notable mix of other ethnic backgrounds and roughly 9% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The gender balance is nearly even, which contributes to a family-friendly atmosphere.
Population:
18,183
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
80.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
17.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Centralia, WA?
Centralia provides a cost of living slightly below the national average, with median home values at $301,000 and average rents around $1,120 per month. Utilities and transportation costs remain reasonable, and Washington’s state tax rates are moderate, making the city attractive for budget-conscious residents. Overall, daily expenses such as groceries and healthcare are also competitively priced.
Median House Value:
$301,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,550
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$435
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
95.6
Grocery:
98.1
Housing:
87.9
Utilities:
91.3
Transportation:
98.7
Health Care:
97.2
Miscellaneous:
99.1
Crime
Is Centralia, WA a safe place to live?
Centralia experiences a higher than average property crime rate, with residents facing a 1 in 23 chance of property crime. Violent crime is less common, with a rate of 415 incidents per 100,000 people, yet it is still important for newcomers to prioritize safety. The city is actively working to improve public security and community well-being.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
415
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,385
Crime Index:
4,800
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 241
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 23
Weather
What is the weather like in Centralia, WA year-round?
Centralia enjoys mild, wet winters with lows around 34°F and warm, pleasant summers peaking near 78°F. The area sees about 44 inches of rainfall annually and receives sunshine about 41% of the year. These conditions create a lush, green environment but may require an appreciation for rainy days.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
46°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
41%
Neighbors
The typical Centralia household earns about $52,300 annually, though the area has a poverty rate of 17.2%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and daily commutes average a convenient 22 minutes. The community is known for its modest incomes and a welcoming, small-town feel.
Median Income:
$33,900
Household Income:
$52,300
Family Income:
$62,200
Per Capita Income:
$25,100
Income Male:
$41,600
Income Female:
$33,300
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
8.7%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
6.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.4%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Centralia, WA?
Centralia’s education options include small public schools like Centralia High and Fords Prairie Elementary, with manageable class sizes and a range of extracurriculars. The city is also home to Centralia College, which enrolls over 3,000 students and provides higher education opportunities right in town. Local private schools offer additional choices for families seeking alternative education environments.
Public Schools
Name:
Centralia High School
Street:
813 Eshom Rd
Phone:
360-330-7605
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
Fords Prairie Elementary School
Street:
2640 Harrison Ave
Phone:
360-330-7633
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph School
Street:
123 S Gold St
Phone:
360-736-7812
Students:
165
Colleges
Name:
Centralia College
City:
Centralia
State:
WA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
Residents of Centralia have access to quality medical care, highlighted by Providence Centralia Hospital, which offers emergency and general surgical services. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 91% health insurance coverage, healthcare services are accessible for most. The city’s healthcare index reflects solid local resources for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence Centralia Hospital
Address:
914 S Scheuber Rd, Centralia, WA 98531
Phone:
(360) 736-2803
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.9%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Centralia, WA?
Centralia’s housing market is budget-friendly, with a median home price of $301,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,120. About half of the homes are owner-occupied, and foreclosure rates remain low, making it an appealing choice for both buyers and renters. Home appreciation has shown steady, modest growth in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$301,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Centralia residents are served by the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in nearby Olympia. The DMV offers a full range of licensing and vehicle registration services, both online and in person, for convenient access. This ensures that new arrivals can easily handle their licensing and registration needs.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone:
360-902-3900
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.