Centralia is a city located in Marion, Jefferson, Washington and Clinton Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 14,136 at the 2000 census. The town was founded because it was the point where the two original branches of the Illinois Central Railroad, built in 1856, converged. The town is named for the railroad. The current mayor is Rebecca Ault. Centralia apartments for rent comparison page shows most up to date rent information on Centralia apartments and houses. Rent information is obtained from multiple rental sources but we cannot guarantee their accuracy.