Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
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.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
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.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.
Located in the state of Illinois, Centralia is a mid-sized city with a population of 12,756 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (83% White). Given that fact, Centralia could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Centralia. With an average one way commute time of only 17 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Centralia is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Illinois, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, health & safety, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Centralia and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Centralia to Illinois and the national average.
The livability score in Centralia is 70/100 and the city is ranked in the 75th percentile of all cities across America. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Centralia ranks well for housing (A+) There are some categories that Centralia ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F), crime (D), education (D) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
The impact of the cost of living on your monthly financial situation cannot be overstated. Whether it's housing expenses, grocery bills or healthcare costs, it's crucial to ensure that your chosen place of residence is not only comfortable but also affordable. Fortunately, in Centralia, the cost of living is 20.09% below the national average, offering the assurance that after meeting your financial obligations, there may be a surplus left in your wallet. This financial advantage not only promotes financial stability but also opens up opportunities for savings and a better quality of life. In a world where expenses can be overwhelming, Centralia stands out as a place where you can enjoy both comfort and fiscal responsibility, ensuring a brighter financial future.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Centralia has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Centralia is real estate affordability. The median home price for Centralia homes is $134,932, which is 56.3% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Centralia, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 34.3% lower than the Illinois average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Centralia | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.6% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.8% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.9% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.7% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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