Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Located in the state of Louisiana, Central is a moderately-sized city with a population of 30,353 inhabitants. At 85%, the majority of the Central population is White; this is followed by 10% Black and 2% Asian. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Central offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 30 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Central, Louisiana. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like crime, health & safety, education, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Central and in the areas around Central is a much easier task.
Using data and statistics Central has received a livability score of 71 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 80th percentile when compared to all other cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Central ranks very well for cost of living (B), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Central. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F) and crime (D-).
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Central, the unemployment rate stands at 1.7%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Central schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 83%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Central an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Central apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Assuming that Central meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Central. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Central are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Central come in at $433,889, which is 61.9% higher than the Louisiana average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Central, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 20% lower than the Louisiana average.
| Statistic | Central | Louisiana | National |
| Average one way commute | 30min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 87.3% | 82.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.8% | 9.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 1.3% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.9% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.2% | 2.6% | 4.6% |
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