$222,131Average Value$165Average Price per Sq Ft21Homes For Sale
Centralia offers low crime rates, real estate prices and commute time
About 20 miles northeast of Columbia, Centralia is a Boone County city of 4,500. Founded in the 1850s as a railroad town, the area still takes advantage of its location to attract potential homeowners. “You’re probably about 30 minutes from Columbia,” says Ryan Martin, a Realtor with Real Broker and lifelong resident. “Most people here are farmers or working in this city, so it’s not a bad commute.” He says combining proximity with Centralia’s low crime and real estate prices is attractive for many, particularly parents. “It’s a safe, small town where you get a lot more bang for your buck,” Martin says.” Centralia has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4 out of 10.
Homes range from historic bungalows to lakefront views
Downtown Centralia is surrounded by residential zones mostly laid out in a grid pattern. Midcentury ranch-style homes share streets with turn-of-the-20th-century Cape Cods and bungalows. Green, tree-filled lots typically hover around a quarter-acre, though some can reach over half an acre. Homes tend to range from $40,000 to $270,000, depending on condition. 21st-century construction can be found on the far sides of Centralia in subdivisions like Country Club Estates or Cobblestone Lake. These homes often have above-average square footage and modern amenities like covered patios and lakefront views. Prices here range from about $220,000 to $640,000, depending on size and features. The median price for a home in Centralia is around $220,000, lower than Boone County’s median price in the $310,000s. “My experience has been that the value brings people out here,” says Greg Harmon, a Realtor with the Shy Team who’s worked in the region since 1992. “It tends to be more affordable than the surrounding area.”
A bungalow in Centralia, MO, has a newly built front porch.
Double‑garage designs add convenience to this Centralia home.
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Centralia High excels in sports and supports local spirit
Students in the area start at Chance Elementary, which teaches prekindergarten through second grade. From there, they’ll attend Centralia Intermediate School, which has third to fifth grade. Both schools have a B-minus from Niche. Next, they’ll head to Chester Boren Middle School, which has a B, before enrolling in B-minus-rated Centralia High School. In 2024, the high school’s boys’ cross country team won the state championships, while the girls’ softball team took runner-up at the state playoffs. In 2025, the wrestling team was named the Class 1 State Champions. “The school’s a big driver for the community,” says Martin. “It’s competitive and they’re basically good at every sport.”
Chance Elementary School is home to 306 students in grades PK-5.
Chester Boren Middle School is conveniently located in downtown Centralia.
Centralia High School is home to 409 students in grades 9-12.
Centralia Intermediate School prepares their students for their journey to High School.
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Community centers and parks blend sports, nature and events
The City Recreation Park is a hub for outdoor activity, with athletic courts, a playground, a disc golf course and the local pool. Anglers are fond of its stocked fishing pond, and the baseball field is supported by bleachers and a concession stand. The Centralia Recreation Center offers indoor facilities for basketball, a fitness area and locker rooms. The Centralia Community Golf Course is a public 9-hole range that hosts league play and regular events like glow golf and the Par 3 Tournament. Filled with sculptures, stone accents and carefully landscaped gardens, Chance Gardens is a popular site for relaxing, photography and weddings.
Centralia City Recreation Center is the location for residents to stay fit.
Nathan A. Toalson Bicentennial Park is located next to the community recreation center.
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Local shops and quirky eateries line downtown's streets
Locally owned stores and boutiques cluster around Allen Street, while Prenger Foods grocery is just off North Jefferson Street. Fast food and franchise restaurants line State Route 22, while family-owned eateries are deeper downtown. The Bluebird Bistro serves unique sandwiches like the jalapeno popper grilled cheese in a colorful, quirky atmosphere. Opened in 2015, The Hometown Shoppe has an eclectic variety of ice creams, smoothies, coffee drinks, protein shakes and loaded teas.
Hiding Place Flea Market provides a niche location for some unique items.
The Hometown Shoppe is a regular stop for Centralia residents who enjoy their sweets.
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Rides and car shows light up the town square at the Anchor Festival
Held during the first weekend of June, the Centralia Anchor Festival has turned the town square into a block party since 1987. In addition to carnival rides and fried food, locals can expect a parade, live performances, car shows and a fun run.
Locals have quick access to Columbia’s hospital and major highways
Centralia is intersected by State Routes 22, 124 and 151, creating convenient routes to cities like Columbia, about 20 miles away. Boone Health Primary Care has a campus in the city that provides general medicine and lab work. The nearest emergency room is at the Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Lucas Dyke
Video By
EB Fox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Kyle Edwards
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Vision Real Estate
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Centralia, MO sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Centralia, MO over the last 12 months is $217,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
GREAT LOCATION! All-brick 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home sitting on 1 acre m/l inside the city limits of Centralia! Spacious unfinished basement offers additional living space and abundance of storage. Also includes a storm shelter. Oversized 2 car garage plus a detached 30x40 insulated shop with electric.
Love modern living? This newer home delivers with tall ceilings, an airy open-concept layout, and a kitchen that connects effortlessly to the dining and living areas. You'll appreciate the dedicated laundry room that also works beautifully as a pantry right off the kitchen. The split-bedroom floorplan offers privacy with the primary suite tucked away, while bedrooms 2 and 3 sit across from the
This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features a large fenced-in backyard and new flooring throughout the living room, kitchen, dining room, and laundry room. The roof is only 1.5 years old. Ideally located across the street from the city park and ball fields, with the city pool just a short walk away.
Move to the country! Tucked away just 2 miles north of Centralia, this 3 bed, 2 bath home offers the perfect blend of modern living and rural serenity. With a spacious split-bedroom layout, 2 separate living areas, and an oversized 2 car detached garage complete with a room for an office, craft room or ''man cave''. Oversized deck off the back of the house is the perfect spot for entertaining.
Charming and fully renovated 2 bed 1 bath home offers modern living inside and is situated on a double lot for all of your outdoor needs. This home has been taken down to the studs and thoughtfully remodeled. Every detail has been refreshed for comfort, style and peace of mind. Everything is new, including the roof, windows, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and new finishes throughout. Appliances will
Located in the Hallsville School District, this 3-bed, 2-bath ranch is tucked down a long private drive and surrounded by mature timber on 12 wooded acres—offering the space and privacy so many buyers are searching for. Inside, the home features a bright, comfortable layout with vaulted ceilings and warm wood-tone floors flowing into an open dining area. The kitchen is both stylish and functional
If you're looking for a true turn-key country retreat, this fully rebuilt home on 10 private acres with its own lake delivers it all. This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath property is brand new inside and out—new roof, new windows, new exterior, and a complete interior overhaul from top to bottom. The main level offers wide-open living spaces with huge windows that pull in wooded views from every angle, plus
HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE & BUILT WITH Quality in mind instead of just another spec home!!! So many upgrades & extras that we can't list them all in the short space!!! 1642 sq ft with an oversized garage built for your oversized pickup!!! Very open floor plan, 2 bedrooms ( could be 3 easily) 2 full bathrooms, sun porch, walk in pantry, walk in closets, State of the art Pella windows, water softener,
This as-is property is being marketed toward buyers familiar with assignment or novation transactions. To ensure a smooth and efficient closing, the seller will utilize their preferred title company and in-house transaction coordinators, who are well-versed in wholesale and novation transactions; outside title companies or coordinators will not be used. The MLS is used solely for marketing
OPEN HOUSE on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18TH from 2:00pm - 4:00pm - Recently remodeled and fully leased 4 Unit Apartment in Centralia, MO - 2 Bed / 1 Bath 1,131sqft units - Building had extensive remodeling done in 2022 as well as new roof in 2024 and other improvements in that timeframe - All appliances are owned - 4 Units gross rent at $3,650 - 8.5% Proposed 2026 Cap Rate for Investor. Lease
Iconic two-story home set on 2.5 picturesque acres. This property features three spacious bedrooms, a formal dining room, a den with dedicated workspace, and a family room in the partially finished basement. Recent kitchen and bathroom updates complement fresh interior paint throughout. Additional highlights include a two-car garage, a barn, and raised garden beds—perfect for enjoying country
Property Id: 2246489Beautiful home for rent at 707 E Brick St in Centralia! Located in the sought-after Centralia R-VI School District and just minutes from restaurants, grocery stores, and daily essentials in town. This home offers comfortable living space, a nice yard, and a quiet neighborhood while still being close to everything Centralia has to offer. Perfect for families or anyone
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