98531 vs 98542 — Compare ZIP Codes
Side-by-side comparison. Blue = ZIP 98531, Orange = ZIP 98542.
Quick verdict: ZIP 98531 is wealthier, lower poverty rate, more diverse, more educated. ZIP 98542 is higher home values, more affordable rent, lower unemployment, higher work-from-home share.
Quick Facts
ZIP 98531
Centralia city, WA
View full profile →- Population27,356
- Median Income$61,963
- Median Home Value$286k
- Median Rent$932
- Median Age38.4 yrs
- Poverty Rate17.0%
ZIP 98542
WA
View full profile →- Population686
- Median Income$61,818
- Median Home Value$416k
- Median Rent$583
- Median Age47.5 yrs
- Poverty Rate18.5%
Visual comparison (same scale)
Population
27,356686
Median Income
$61,963$61,818
Median Home Value
$286k$416k
Median Rent
$932$583
Median Age
38.4 yrs47.5 yrs
Poverty Rate
17.0%18.5%
Demographics
ZIP 98531
Centralia city, WA
View full profile →- White %79.2%
- Black %0.9%
- Asian %1.2%
- Hispanic %19.3%
- Age 0–17 %22.4%
- Age 18–64 %58.7%
- Age 65+ %18.9%
- Bachelor's+ %21.1%
- Diversity Index33/100
ZIP 98542
WA
View full profile →- White %100.0%
- Black %0.0%
- Asian %0.0%
- Hispanic %0.0%
- Age 0–17 %9.6%
- Age 18–64 %69.0%
- Age 65+ %21.4%
- Bachelor's+ %5.2%
- Diversity Index0/100
Visual comparison (same scale)
White %
79.2%100.0%
Black %
0.9%0.0%
Asian %
1.2%0.0%
Hispanic %
19.3%0.0%
Age 0–17 %
22.4%9.6%
Age 18–64 %
58.7%69.0%
Age 65+ %
18.9%21.4%
Bachelor's+ %
21.1%5.2%
Diversity Index
33/1000/100
Economy
ZIP 98531
Centralia city, WA
View full profile →- Median Income$61,963
- Unemployment %4.9%
- IRS Net Migration+1,469
- Work From Home %5.5%
ZIP 98542
WA
View full profile →- Median Income$61,818
- Unemployment %0.0%
- IRS Net Migration+37
- Work From Home %6.5%
Visual comparison (same scale)
Median Income
$61,963$61,818
Unemployment %
4.9%0.0%
IRS Net Migration
+1,469+37
Work From Home %
5.5%6.5%
Housing
ZIP 98531
Centralia city, WA
View full profile →- Median Home Value$286k
- Median Rent$932
- Owner Occupied %64.9%
- Broadband %87.8%
- Vacant %4.4%
- Median Year Built1976
ZIP 98542
WA
View full profile →- Median Home Value$416k
- Median Rent$583
- Owner Occupied %67.9%
- Broadband %92.9%
- Vacant %0.0%
- Median Year Built2003
Visual comparison (same scale)
Median Home Value
$286k$416k
Median Rent
$932$583
Owner Occupied %
64.9%67.9%
Broadband %
87.8%92.9%
Vacant %
4.4%0.0%
Median Year Built
19762003
Climate & Location
ZIP 98531
Centralia city, WA
View full profile →- Snow Days/Year0 days
- Elevation (ft)185 ft
- Nearest Airport16.5 miles (26.6 km)
- Distance to Coast21.3 miles (34.2 km)
ZIP 98542
WA
View full profile →- Snow Days/Year0 days
- Elevation (ft)379 ft
- Nearest Airport28.6 miles (46.0 km)
- Distance to Coast26.5 miles (42.7 km)
Visual comparison (same scale)
Snow Days/Year
0 days0 days
Elevation (ft)
185 ft379 ft
Nearest Airport
16.5 miles (26.6 km)28.6 miles (46.0 km)
Distance to Coast
21.3 miles (34.2 km)26.5 miles (42.7 km)
Infrastructure
ZIP 98531
Centralia city, WA
View full profile →- Work From Home %5.5%
- Walkability (0–100)38
- Broadband %87.8%
Visual comparison (same scale)
Work From Home %
5.5%6.5%
Walkability (0–100)
3817
Broadband %
87.8%92.9%
Frequently Asked Questions
How do ZIP 98531 and 98542 compare?
ZIP 98531 is wealthier, lower poverty rate, more diverse, more educated. ZIP 98542 is higher home values, more affordable rent, lower unemployment, higher work-from-home share.
What do the blue and orange colors mean?
Blue represents the first ZIP (98531), orange the second (98542). The same colors are used in the map markers and comparison bars.
Where does this data come from?
Data is from the U.S. Census Bureau and other federal sources. See our Methodology page for details.
How can I compare other ZIP codes?
From any ZIP page, use the "Compare with Another ZIP" tool, or go to /compare/XXXXX-vs-YYYYY (replace with two 5-digit ZIP codes).
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