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Centralia, IL


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Centralia, Illinois

Introduction to Centralia, Illinois

Centralia, Illinois, in Marion county, is 61 miles E of St. Louis, Missouri. There are an estimated 14,136 people in the city.

Centralia History

Centralia’s history has been strewn with a number of disasters and setbacks, beginning with discontinuation of the Illinois Central railroad, which was instrumental in the initial development of the town. There was a mining disaster in 1947 that killed 111 people and led to the closing of the coal mine. There was also an oil boom which did not last long enough as the oil supply exhausted in the 1950s.

Centralia and nearby Attractions

  • Carlyle Lake
  • Raccoon Creek Reservoir
  • Centralia Foundation Park
  • Greenview Golf Club
  • Fairview Park
  • Meadow Woods Country Club

Things To Do In Centralia

Foundation Park is spread over an area of 235 acres and is a scenic park that has an exercise trail, hiking trails, fishing ponds stocked with bluegill, bass and catfish and an ice skating pond. The park also has many other facilities. The historical downtown area dates back to the 1800s and has restaurants, shops and entertainment opportunities for everyone.

Centralia Transportation

Mount Vernon Airport is the nearest major airport.

Centralia Higher Education

Kaskaskia College is the local educational institution, while Southwestern Illinois College and Carbondale College are also in the area.

High Points

Centralia strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Illinois):

CategoryTrophy
Short Commute Times
(vs. State)		Top 4%trophyCentralia Short Commute Times
Affordability of Rents
(vs. Peers)		Top 9%Centralia Affordability of Rents
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. State)		Top 18%Centralia Walking and Biking to Work

Comparative Profile of Centralia, IL

Comparing Centralia to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Illinois (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Female Share of the Population99
Senior Citizens99
Age of the Population88
Racial Diversity68
Well-Paid Single Women66
Children Under 5 Years Old55
Well-Paid Single Men44
Male Share of the Population22

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Average Household Size32
Portion of People Married21

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
People in Middle Class or Better32
People Above Poverty32
College Educated Adults36
Median Family Income33

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Short Commute Times910
Walking and Biking to Work89
Working at Home66
Public Transportation Use56

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Affordability of Rents109
People Living Alone910
Affordability of Property Taxes88
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals69
Seasonal and Vacation Housing46
Housing Recently Built35

Detailed pages on related topics: Centralia colleges.

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Additional Details

Centralia CollegesCentralia Colleges
Centralia colleges and trade schools.

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