Cost of Living in Centerville, IA
Population 5,377 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Centerville run well below national norms — a median of $41,472 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $99,000). A poverty rate near 27% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Centerville is about 70 miles southeast of Des Moines, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 46% lower than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Centerville
The median home value in Centerville is $99,000 — 68% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $758/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,472/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Centerville has a cost of living index of 43 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 57% less expensive.
Centerville has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Centerville, IA?
Centerville has a cost index of 43 (100 = national average). It is 57% below the national average.
What is average rent in Centerville, IA?
The median gross rent in Centerville is $758 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Centerville?
The median home value in Centerville is $99,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Centerville?
The median household income in Centerville is $41,472 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Centerville, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Centerville is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Centerville, IA affordable?
Yes, Centerville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 43 — about 57% below the US national average of 100.
Centerville at a Glance
- Population
- 5,377
- Median Income
- $41,472
- Home Value
- $99,000
- Median Rent
- $758/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.7%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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