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.
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 moderately-sized city with a population of 12,354 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Centralia is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Centralia is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than 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 great 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. The best areas in Centralia and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, commute, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.
Centralia has a livability score of 63 out of 100 and is ranked #601 in Illinois and #12,870 in the USA. If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Centralia ranks well for housing (A+). Centralia does not fare well for the following: amenities (F), crime (F), education (D) and employment (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find 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 23.72% 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.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Centralia market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Centralia real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Centralia. The median home price for Centralia homes is $75,600, which is 56.8% 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 1.9, which is 36.7% lower than the Illinois average.
| 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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