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.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Centralia, WA

Considering a move to Centralia, WA? This welcoming community of 18,183 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $301,000 and average rents near $1,120. Commute times average 22 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (41% 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 18,183 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 80% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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?

The cost of living in Centralia is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 95.6. Median home values are around $301,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,120. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 415 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 23. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 78°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 41% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
46°F

Summer

Min
52°F
Max
78°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches
44 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
41%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $52,300 and a low poverty rate of 17.2%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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

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

Centralia residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Providence Centralia Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.6 per 1,000 people and 90.9% 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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $301,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 53%. The market has seen a 2.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.8%. Centralia offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

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 98501
Phone
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 18,183, median home value $301,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,120, commute time 22.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 41%.

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