Centralia is a city in southwestern Washington and the county seat of Lewis County. It is about 25 miles south of Olympia and 80 miles southwest of Seattle. The city is known for its historic downtown, railroad heritage, and location between the Cascade and Olympic mountain regions.
Location Map of Centralia, Lewis County, Washington
About Map: The map shows the location of Centralia in Lewis County, in the U.S. state of Washington.
Centralia Map, Washington
About Centralia Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Centralia in Lewis County, Washington. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Centralia Located?
Centralia is a city located in Lewis County, Washington, the United States. It is about 25 miles south of Olympia and 80 miles southwest of Seattle. Centralia is located at approximately 46.7162° North latitude and 122.9543° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 18,183 residents, and the city covers about 7.88 square miles (20.41 sq km). The Chehalis River runs through the Centralia area, while the city's historic downtown reflects its long connection to railroads and regional commerce. Centralia was founded in 1850 and incorporated in 1886. Its location along Interstate 5 and major rail lines makes it an important transportation and commercial center in southwest Washington.
Most Viewed US Maps
| USA Sttae Map | USA Region Map | USA Road Map |
| USA County Map | Where is USA in World Map? | US ZIP Code Map |
| USA Time Zones Map | US State and Capitals Map | USA Physical Map |
Find 4,400+ U.S. Cities by State - Explore Their Locations and Get Detailed Information
Centralia City Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Centralia |
| State | Washington |
| County | Lewis County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Southwest Washington / Pacific Northwest |
| Incorporated | 1886 |
| Founded | 1850 |
| Total Area | 7.88 sq mi (20.41 sq km) |
| Land Area | 7.73 sq mi (20.02 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.15 sq mi (0.39 sq km) |
| Elevation | About 180 ft (55 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | 18,500 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 18,183 |
| Population Density | 2,352 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Standard Time (PST); Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 98531 |
| Area Code | 360 |
| Major Highways | Interstate 5, U.S. Route 12, U.S. Route 99 |
| Public Transit | Intercity Transit and Twin Transit |
| Major Attractions | Historic Downtown Centralia, Centralia Outlets, Borst Home Museum, Seminary Hill Natural Area |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofcentralia.com/ |
Distance from Centralia, WA to Nearby Cities
- Chehalis, WA – 5 miles (8 km)
- Tumwater, WA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Olympia, WA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Tenino, WA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Winlock, WA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Napavine, WA – 10 miles (16 km)
- Grand Mound, WA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Longview, WA – 45 miles (72 km)
- Kelso, WA – 45 miles (72 km)
- Tacoma, WA – 55 miles (89 km)
- Aberdeen, WA – 70 miles (113 km)
- Vancouver, WA – 75 miles (121 km)
- Portland, OR – 85 miles (137 km)
- Seattle, WA – 80 miles (129 km)
- Mount Rainier, WA – 65 miles (105 km)
- Yakima, WA – 130 miles (209 km)
Top Attractions in Centralia
- Historic Downtown Centralia – Downtown district with historic buildings, local shops, restaurants, and preserved architecture.
- Centralia Outlets – Large outlet shopping center serving visitors traveling through southwest Washington.
- Borst Home Museum – Historic home and museum documenting early settlement and pioneer life in the Centralia area.
- Seminary Hill Natural Area – Local natural area with forested trails and views over Centralia and the surrounding valley.
- Centralia Fox Theatre – Historic theater and cultural venue in downtown Centralia.
- Centralia Timberland Library – Public library serving Centralia and the surrounding community.
- Rainbow Falls State Park – Nearby state park with forests, camping, hiking, and a scenic waterfall.
- Lewis and Clark State Park – Regional park along the Chehalis River with camping, hiking, fishing, and historic features.
Airports Near Centralia
- Chehalis-Centralia Airport (CLS) – 5 miles
- Olympia Regional Airport (OLM) – 25 miles
- Southwest Washington Regional Airport (TDO) – 45 miles
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – 90 miles
- Portland International Airport (PDX) – 100 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Centralia website and local government records.
Washington Maps and Info
- Where is Auburn
- Where is Bellevue
- Where is Bellingham
- Where is Bothell
- Where is Bremerton
- Where is Burien
- Where is Camas
- Where is Edmonds
- Where is Everett
- Where is Federal Way
- Where is Frederickson
- Where is Graham
- Where is Issaquah
- Where is Kennewick
- Where is Kent
- Where is Kirkland
- Where is Lacey
- Where is Lake Stevens
- Where is Lakewood
- Where is Longview
- Where is Lynnwood
- Where is Maple Valley
- Where is Marysville
- Where is Mill Creek East
- Where is Mount Vernon
- Where is Olympia
- Where is Orchards
- Where is Parkland
- Where is Pasco
- Where is Pullman
- Where is Puyallup
- Where is Redmond
- Where is Renton
- Where is Richland
- Where is Sammamish
- Where is SeaTac
- Where is Shoreline
- Where is South Hill
- Where is Spanaway
- Where is Spokane Valley
- Where is Tacoma
- Where is Tumwater
- Where is University Place
- Where is Vancouver
- Where is Walla Walla
- Where is Wenatchee
- Where is Yakima