Cost of Living in Centralia, IL
Population 12,009 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Centralia's median household income of $47,308 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (23% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 10.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 60 miles east of St. Louis, Centralia is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 56% lower than St. Louis' $185,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Centralia
The median home value in Centralia is $81,600 — 73% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $775/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,308/year is 37% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Centralia has a cost of living index of 40 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 60% less expensive.
🏠 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Centralia, IL?
Centralia has a cost index of 40 (100 = national average). It is 60% below the national average.
What is average rent in Centralia, IL?
The median gross rent in Centralia is $775 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Centralia?
The median home value in Centralia is $81,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Centralia?
The median household income in Centralia is $47,308 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Centralia, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Centralia is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Centralia, IL affordable?
Yes, Centralia is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 40 — about 60% below the US national average of 100.
Centralia at a Glance
- Population
- 12,009
- Median Income
- $47,308
- Home Value
- $81,600
- Median Rent
- $775/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
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Illinois Rankings
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