$220,196Average Value$163Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes 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?
Reach out to
Jessica Nilges,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Centralia, MO sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Centralia, MO over the last 12 months is $208,500, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
HOLE IN ONE! Check out this beautiful 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom home with a 3-car garage in the sought-after Country Club Estates. Filled with natural light, this warm and welcoming home features a formal dining room and a spacious living room with a cozy gas fireplace. The kitchen includes an eating area for everyday convenience. The private master suite offers two closets and a large bathroom. A
Only 15 minutes from Columbia!One-of-a-kind custom home designed for strength, efficiency, timeless craftsmanship and tornado proof safety. This home features superior 2x6 construction with blown cellulose insulation and a ground-source geothermal HVAC system for exceptional efficiency and year-round comfort.The chef's kitchen showcases Amish-built 1⁄4 sawn oak cabinetry, high-end Café
This is the kind of place you don't just buy... you escape to. Tucked away on 35 wooded acres, this custom Victorian home instantly pulls you in with its iconic wraparound porch and peaceful setting. Imagine evenings around the firepit, mornings on the porch swing, and quiet walks through your own private trails. Inside offers 5 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, but it's the lifestyle that steals the show.
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,
What a location! Centralia 3 Miles South is a recessed paradise of 4.60 acres offeringf trees and open ground. This has the beginnings of a dream site. Use your imagination to plan your get away/retreat home where privacy is a high priority! This is absolutely beautiful!
Welcome to luxury living at its finest. This extraordinary custom-built house offers over 9,000 square feet of beautifully designed living space with 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, combining elegance, comfort, and functionality in every detail. From the moment you step through the grand entryway, you'll be captivated by the soaring ceilings, rich hardwood floors, stunning staircase, and upscale
Prime Industrial Frontage on Highway 22! Unlock the potential of your business with this strategically located industrial property featuring premium Highway 22 frontage. This site is a ''blank slate'' designed for operational efficiency, offering the visibility and access required for a thriving trade business looking to expand. Direct highway frontage ensures seamless entry and exit for heavy
If you are looking for small town living, come see this 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home that offers 900 square feet of living space and packed with potential. Conveniently located in the heart of Centralia. Priced at just $118,000, it is an ideal find for first-time homebuyers, investors, downsizers, or anyone seeking affordable single-level living. Upgrades include new HVAC in May 2026 that offers
Experience the perfect blend of comfort and space with this brand-new construction shouse on 7.71 partially wooded acres in a desirable location within Audrain County and Centralia Schools. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home features a bright kitchen with an island, pantry, and abundant natural light. The spacious living and dining areas flow seamlessly, ideal for everyday living and entertaining.
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