[7] Recessions replaced the E&P and the O&R with a procession of different companies, including the Owensboro and Nashville Railway, but the two rights of way always remained in separate hands, keeping Central City an important regional hub for the Illinois Central and the L&N, with train yards, roundhouses, and even an elevated rail station.

[8] The expansion of automotive traffic in the early 20th century reduced some of Central City's importance, but it continues to service mainline freight traffic on the Paducah and Louisville Railway and trunk-line service for CSX from Madisonville to the Paradise Combined Cycle Plant, minutes south of the city.

[9] The Western Kentucky Parkway runs along the southern edge of the city, with access from Exit 58 (U.S. Route 431).

U.S. Route 62 passes through Central City south of the city center; it leads northeast 17 miles (27 km) to Beaver Dam and southwest 7 miles (11 km) to Greenville, the Muhlenberg county seat.

The city, along its northwestern border, is known for its swamps and lowland area that remain at or near the water table year-round.

The majority of terrain around the city limits is reclaimed land where surface mining has taken place.

Central City is also home to the Muhlenberg Campus of Madisonville Community College, completed in 2001.

[13] Major employers in Central City include: On Labor Day Weekend 1988, Central City began hosting The Everly Brothers Homecoming event to raise money for a scholarship fund for Muhlenberg County students.

Sponsored by the Central City Business & Professional Women's Club, the Hall of Fame is located inside the Central City Public Library, 108 E. Broad Street and features a portrait and memorabilia gallery which includes former Governor Martha Layne Collins, Country & Western music giant Loretta Lynn, and local author, editorialist, historian, war correspondent for the Service Star and noted cultivator of roses Agnes S. Harralson.

Central City Library hours are Monday-Wednesday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit www.mcplib.org for more info; Central City BPW meets the second Tuesday of each month in the library meeting room at 6:00 pm - visitors are welcome.