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Centralia, MO Home for Rent

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    $850 Per Month

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,025 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    604 S Allen St, Centralia, MO 65240

    Remodeled 2 bedroom 1 bath home updated Kitchen bathroom windows siding roof hvac system

    604 S Allen St, Centralia, MO 65240

Why Live in Centralia

Centralia, Missouri, located about 20 miles northeast of Columbia, is a Boone County city with around 4,500 residents and a long history as a railroad town, which still shapes how people live and commute today. Many locals work in Columbia or in town, with drive times of around 30 minutes. Residential streets form a simple grid around downtown, where midcentury ranch homes sit alongside early-1900s Cape Cods and bungalows on green, tree-lined lots that are often about a quarter-acre, with some stretching past half an acre. Newer 21st-century homes appear in subdivisions such as Country Club Estates and Cobblestone Lake, where larger floor plans, covered patios and lakefront views are common features. Centralia’s schools have solid overall ratings and a strong sports culture, with Centralia High School teams winning recent state titles in cross country, softball and wrestling, which helps fuel local pride. Recreation is centered on City Recreation Park, with its playground, pool, disc golf course, fishing pond and ballfields, and the indoor Centralia Recreation Center. Residents also use the public 9-hole Centralia Community Golf Course and visit Chance Gardens for its sculptures and landscaped grounds. Downtown, Allen Street holds small shops and boutiques, while State Route 22 is lined with fast food and chains; local spots like The Bluebird Bistro and The Hometown Shoppe add more quirky dining choices. State Routes 22, 124 and 151 connect Centralia to Columbia’s Boone Hospital Center and other regional services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Centralia, MO?
The median rent for a home in Centralia, MO is $850 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of August 2026, single-family homes tend to be the most affordable option.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Centralia, MO?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Centralia, MO, a household needs to earn roughly $34,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $850 per month in Centralia, MO, renters typically need to show $2,550 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Centralia, MO?
In Centralia, MO, the price-to-rent ratio is 20.1, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.
What neighborhoods in Centralia, MO are best for renting a home?
The best neighborhood for renting in Centralia, MO depends on your priorities: commute, walkability, budget, and lifestyle all play a role. Popular areas for renting a home include Mexico Gravel, White Gate, Parkade, Benton-Stephens and Old Hawthorne, each with its own character and price range.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
1
Median Rent
$850
Median Single Family Home Rent
$850
How to Rent a Home