Washington / Lewis County

Moving to Centralia, WA

Thinking of making a move to Centralia, WA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Centralia and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Centralia before you move.

Moving Help for Your Centralia, WA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Centralia move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Centralia, WA Piano Movers Centralia, WA Cheap Movers Centralia, WA Small Movers Centralia, WA Apartment Movers Centralia, WA Long Distance Movers Centralia, WA

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Centralia, WA

Considering a move to Centralia, WA? This welcoming community of 18,400 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $355,000 and average rents near $1,350. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (48% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Centralia's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Centralia, WA

Centralia has a population of 18,400 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 79% White, 2% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
18,400
Density
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age
38.1
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.6%

Ethnic Composition

White
79.0%
Black
1.8%
Asian
2.4%
Others
16.8%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Centralia, WA?

The cost of living in Centralia is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 104.8. Median home values are around $355,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$355,000
Gross Rent
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$620
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 9.8%
Cost Of Living Index
104.8
Grocery
103.5
Housing
111.2
Utilities
101.6
Transportation
107.4
Health Care
98.7
Miscellaneous
101.1

Crime

Is Centralia, WA a safe place to live?

Centralia is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 410 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 34. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Washington.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
410
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,950
Crime Index
3,360
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 34

Weather

What is the weather like in Centralia, WA year-round?

Centralia experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 33°F. The area receives about 52 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 48% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
33°F
Max
46°F

Summer

Min
52°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
52.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
48%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $59,500 and a low poverty rate of 16.8%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 5% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$41,500
Household Income
$59,500
Family Income
$71,000
Per Capita Income
$27,800
Income Male
$40,200
Income Female
$31,700
Poverty Rate
16.8%
Non English Speakers
14.2%
Rent
$1,350
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
Public Transport Usage
4.6%
Commute Time
22.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.4%
Bachelors or More
14.8%

Education

How are the schools in Centralia, WA?

Centralia offers quality education options, with public schools like Centralia High School and Centralia Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Centralia College and South Puget Sound Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Centralia High School
Street
813 E Shady Ln
Phone
360-330-7600
Students
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio
19.0
Name
Centralia Middle School
Street
901 Johnson Rd
Phone
360-330-7600
Students
720
Student Teacher Ratio
18.2

Private Schools

Name
Centralia Christian School
Street
1210 S Tower Ave
Phone
360-330-1952
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Centralia College
City
Centralia
State
WA
Distance
1 mile
Students
3,000
Name
South Puget Sound Community College
City
Olympia
State
WA
Distance
28 miles
Students
6,500

Healthcare

Centralia residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Providence Centralia Hospital and Samaritan Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 90.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Providence Centralia Hospital
Address
914 S Scheuber Rd, Centralia, WA 98531
Phone
(360) 736-2803
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Samaritan Hospital
Address
1046 Mellen St, Centralia, WA 98531
Phone
(360) 736-2803
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
90.5%
Health Care Index
71.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Centralia, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $355,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 61%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.8%. Centralia offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$355,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate
60.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Centralia handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Olympia. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Washington
Department
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98504
Phone
1-360-902-3900

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.

FAQs About Moving to Centralia, WA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Centralia, review the core fields on this page: population 18,400, median home value $355,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,350, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 48%.

Ready to Move to Centralia, WA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes