LouisianaPop. 29,783Small cities
Is Central a Good Place to Live? Central, Louisiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Central ranks #710 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #129 of 208 small cities and #2 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (5.4%, #27 of 208), and trails on long commutes (29 min, #191 of 208).
Central by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Central's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Central: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Central safe?
What is the cost of living in Central?
Central's cost of living index is 90.8, 9% below the US level of 100 and #234 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,309/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $288,700.
| Measure | Central | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 90.8#234 of 1,308 | 88.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $288,700#498 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,309/mo#537 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 17.5%#197 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Is Central safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Central are far below Louisiana's rates for a city of 29,783, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Central on safety. Louisiana as a whole records 515 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Central?
The median household in Central earns $89,554, 8% above the US figure of $83,163 and 47% above Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Central | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $89,554#468 of 1,312 | $60,986 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 5.4%#128 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Central?
The median resident of Central is 40.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 35.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #600 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 88.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Central | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 40.4 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 35.3%#600 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 88.8% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Central's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Central to describe its public schools. 31.2% of adults are obese and 11.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Central | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 31.2%#472 of 1,311 | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.7%#732 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17%#634 of 1,311 | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 5.9%#142 of 1,311 | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Central?
The average commute in Central is 29 minutes (Louisiana 26.2); 0% of workers take transit and 10.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Central scores 5.5 of 20 (least walkable), #1301 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.2°F and winters 53.9°F, with 61.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Central | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 29 min#1054 of 1,312 | 26.2 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6.3%#750 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 82.4% | 78.3% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.9% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.3% | 1.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 10.1% | 8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 5.5#1301 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 62.3 | 41.6 | 6.4 |
| Feb | 66.6 | 45.3 | 4.4 |
| Mar | 73 | 51 | 4.5 |
| Apr | 79.1 | 56.9 | 5.1 |
| May | 85.8 | 65.1 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 90.5 | 71.5 | 6.5 |
| Jul | 91.9 | 73.8 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 92.2 | 73.3 | 6.4 |
| Sep | 88.7 | 68.9 | 4.4 |
| Oct | 80.9 | 58.1 | 4.8 |
| Nov | 71 | 47.8 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 64.3 | 43.3 | 5.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Baton Rouge Metro Airport.
| Measure | Central | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 68.5°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 82.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 53.9°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 61.9 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Baton Rouge Metro Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Central?
East Baton Rouge Parish's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts East Baton Rouge Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 57% of US counties.
| Measure | Central | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 51#874 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#769 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for East Baton Rouge Parish: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, East Baton Rouge Parish
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.051% | 86% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0098% | 54% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 47% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0018% | 47% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0013% | 33% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Central compare with similar-size cities?
Central is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #129 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 29,783.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central, LAPop. 29,783 | #710 | 54.8 | $89,554 | $1,309/mo | part year | 29 min |
| Newark, DEPop. 30,330 | #671 | 55.6 | $76,912 | $1,654/mo | 299 | 19 min |
| Morgantown, WVPop. 30,236 | #831 | 52.8 | $44,727 | $937/mo | 239 | 16.2 min |
| Paragould, ARPop. 30,215 | #1008 | 49.9 | $56,980 | $925/mo | 268 | 20.4 min |
| Bixby, OKPop. 30,155 | #138 | 66.9 | $104,404 | $1,393/mo | 80 | 24.2 min |
| Anderson, SCPop. 30,051 | #1148 | 46.7 | $46,933 | $975/mo | 581 | 22 min |
| Easton, PAPop. 29,739 | #317 | 61.8 | $69,348 | $1,325/mo | 167 | 27.8 min |
| Enterprise, ALPop. 29,505 | #904 | 51.7 | $73,125 | $1,098/mo | 753 | 20.1 min |
| Independence, KYPop. 29,392 | #204 | 64.4 | $102,361 | $1,250/mo | 49 | 27.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Central compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Central ranks #2 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 54.8 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 47% above the Louisiana median.
| City | Rank in LA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairieville, LAPop. 35,238 | #1 | 58.2 | $104,923 | $1,324/mo | no data |
| Central, LAPop. 29,783 | #2 | 54.8 | $89,554 | $1,309/mo | part year |
| Kenner, LAPop. 64,904 | #3 | 51.0 | $64,020 | $1,179/mo | 288 |
| Slidell, LAPop. 28,561 | #4 | 50.0 | $70,497 | $1,375/mo | 275 |
| Houma, LAPop. 32,392 | #5 | 48.4 | $58,194 | $1,058/mo | 489 |
| New Orleans, LAPop. 371,853 | #6 | 48.0 | $56,631 | $1,251/mo | part year |
| Lake Charles, LAPop. 81,143 | #7 | 47.7 | $59,235 | $1,109/mo | 665 |
| Metairie, LAPop. 139,729 | #8 | 46.7 | $73,042 | $1,175/mo | no data |
| Bossier City, LAPop. 62,901 | #9 | 46.5 | $55,819 | $1,107/mo | 704 |
| Lafayette, LAPop. 121,715 | #10 | 45.2 | $61,915 | $1,100/mo | 1,131 |
| Laplace, LAPop. 28,343 | #11 | 44.1 | $69,030 | $1,351/mo | no data |
| Ruston, LAPop. 22,284 | #12 | 43.6 | $31,120 | $816/mo | 286 |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #13 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #14 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 |
| Chalmette, LAPop. 22,616 | #15 | 40.0 | $54,904 | $1,110/mo | no data |
| Alexandria, LAPop. 44,060 | #16 | 38.6 | $47,113 | $931/mo | 2,448 |
| New Iberia, LAPop. 27,571 | #17 | 36.8 | $47,087 | $894/mo | 1,088 |
| Terrytown, LAPop. 24,726 | #18 | 36.0 | $51,718 | $1,135/mo | no data |
| Monroe, LAPop. 47,004 | #19 | 35.9 | $40,505 | $886/mo | 1,647 |
| Marrero, LAPop. 32,540 | #20 | 32.0 | $41,402 | $1,042/mo | no data |
All 20 Louisiana cities we track, by overall score. Louisiana statewide: median income $60,986, violent crime 515.1 per 100,000.
How is Central's score calculated?
Central scores 54.8 out of 100, #710 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, education, and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Louisiana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 21% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Central. Similar-size median 52.9.
62.0 - HealthCity data · 17% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Central. Similar-size median 52.2.
57.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 14% of score
Central's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
75.1 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Central. Similar-size median 46.7.
69.3 - GrowthCity data · 10% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Central. Similar-size median 44.2.
45.9 - TransportationCity data · 10% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Central. Similar-size median 47.3.
37.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 10% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Central's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
23.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
40.6 - SafetyNot scored
Central's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Central.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Central's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Central has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Central
Is Central, LA a good place to live?
Central ranks #710 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #129 of 208 small cities and #2 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (5.4%, #27 of 208), and trails on long commutes (29 min, #191 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Central?
Central's cost of living index is 90.8, 9% below the US level of 100 and #234 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,309/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $288,700.
Is Central safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Central are far below Louisiana's rates for a city of 29,783, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Central on safety. Louisiana as a whole records 515 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Central?
The median household in Central earns $89,554, 8% above the US figure of $83,163 and 47% above Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Central?
Median rent in Central is $1,309/mo (Census), #537 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 17.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Central?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Central is $288,700, #498 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Central?
We have too few school records for Central to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Central?
The average commute is 29 minutes, #1054 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.2 minutes across Louisiana. 6.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Central?
Central averages 68.5°F over the year, 82.2°F in summer and 53.9°F in winter, with 61.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Central walkable?
Central scores 5.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (least walkable), #1301 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Central at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts East Baton Rouge Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 57% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Central?
East Baton Rouge Parish's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Central?
Central has 29,783 residents. The median resident of Central is 40.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 35.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #600 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 88.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Central compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Central ranks #2 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 54.8 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 47% above the Louisiana median.
What cities are similar in size to Central?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Central's population of 29,783 are Newark, DE (#671 overall), Morgantown, WV (#831 overall), Paragould, AR (#1008 overall), Bixby, OK (#138 overall), and Anderson, SC (#1148 overall). Central is #710.