| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Centralia/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 52 | n/a (estimate) | 1,087 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 41.8 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 42 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 62.7 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 42 | n/a | 877.7 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 104.5 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 50 | n/a (estimate) | 1,045 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Centralia crime rate is 48.7% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Centralia, there were 2 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 42 per 100,000 individuals, 88.4% lower than the national average. Additionally, Centralia recorded 50 property crimes, amounting to 1045 per 100,000 residents, 40.6% lower than the U.S. average.
Centralia stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 42 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Centralia secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
During the most recently reported crime year, Centralia experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Determining whether Centralia is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Centralia has an overall crime rate that is 49% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.14 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.14 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Centralia as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Centralia has decreased by 35%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Centralia, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 77.8%, while property crime has decreased by 29.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Centralia is a safe place to live.
In Centralia, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.5%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Centralia crime rates.
In Centralia, 86.8% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Centralia, the average rental rates are $693 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Centralia | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 12 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Missouri /100K | National /100K |
| Missouri | 19,657 | 344 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hallsville, MO | 1,726 | 171 | 719 | 890 |
| Sturgeon, MO | 1,142 | 184 | 772 | 955 |
| Auxvasse, MO | 1,254 | 197 | 1,377 | 1,573 |
| Mexico, MO | 11,861 | 550 | 2,311 | 2,861 |
| Renick, MO | 157 | 638 | 2,680 | 3,317 |
| Centralia, MO | 4,354 | 42 | 1,045 | 1,087 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pittsfield, IL | 4,354 | 198 | 1,089 | 1,287 |
| Lafayette, OR | 4,353 | 212 | 1,529 | 1,741 |
| Forsyth, GA | 4,353 | 207 | 1,062 | 1,269 |
| Thiells, NY | 4,355 | 113 | 509 | 622 |
| Cherry Grove, OH | 4,356 | 122 | 645 | 767 |
| Centralia, MO | 4,354 | 42 | 1,045 | 1,087 |