According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.84 square miles (7.36 km2), all land.

28.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

[10] Centralia Intermediate School is the newest building of the four, having opened for classes in August 2009.

[12] Centralia was laid out in 1857 and was named after its central location on the North Missouri Railroad from St. Louis to Ottumwa, Iowa, and from the fact that it was located near the center of a vast prairie between Mexico and Huntsville, and between Columbia and Paris.

[13] On September 27, 1864, 22 unarmed Union soldiers returning home on leave were pulled from a train in Centralia and executed by Confederate bushwhackers under William T. "Bloody Bill" Anderson.

Over the course of nearly 120 years, Chance has delivered pole line hardware, switches, cutouts and fuse links in addition to anchors, foundations, hot line tools, fiberglass and rubber products to the world-wide electricity transmission and distribution industry.

Acquired by Hubbell in 1994, the Chance brand is manufactured in Centralia, Missouri.

[14] The company still plays a major role in Centralia's economy with employing 860 people.

[15] The following Centralia locations have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places: Due to Centralia's rich history in earth anchors, there is a yearly celebration traditionally held the weekend after Memorial Day.

There is also a parade of high school bands, local organizations, tractors and classic cars.