As of the census of 2000, there were 14,742 people, 5,943 households, and 3,565 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,990.6 people per square mile (768.1/km²). There were 6,510 housing units at an average density of 879.0/sq mi (339.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 89.76% White, 0.44% African American, 1.25% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.30% Pacific Islander, 4.94% from other races, and 2.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.22% of the population.
Centralia compared to Washington state average:
Median household income: below state average.
Median house value: below state average.
Black race population percentage: significantly below state average.
Foreign-born population percentage: below state average.
House age: above state average.
Institutionalized population percentage: above state average.
Percentage of population with a bachelor's degree or higher: significantly below state average.
There were 5,943 households out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.0% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.2% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 89.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $30,078, and the median income for a family was $35,684. Males had a median income of $31,595 versus $22,076 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,305. About 13.6% of families and 18.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.4% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over.
Residents with income below the poverty level in 2007:
This city: 18.0% Whole state: 10.6%
Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level in 2007:
This city: 6.2% Whole state: 4.6%
2008 cost of living index in Centralia: 88.4 (less than average, U.S. average is 100)
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $164,694 (it was $96,600 in 2000) Centralia: $164,694 Washington: $300,800
Crime in Centralia in the Year 2007
Type
Murders: 1
Rapes: 8
Robberies: 15
Assaults: 75
Burglaries: 168
Thefts: 764
Auto thefts: 59
Arson: 7
Full-time Law Enforcement Employees in 2006: 36 (30 officers).
Officers per 1,000 residents here: 1.92 US city average: 3.00