Wiktionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: 1  contest(Noun) controversy; debate. 2  contest(Noun) struggle for superiority; combat. 3  contest(Noun) a competition. 4  contest(Verb) to contend. 5  contest(Verb) to call into question; to oppose.
Centerville, Iowa. Centerville is a city in and the county seat of Appanoose County, Iowa, United States. The population was 5,528 in the 2010 census, a decline from 5,924 in 2000. After the turn of the 20th century Centerville had a booming coal mining industry that attracted many European immigrants.
The per capita income for the town was $14,947. About 15.1% of families and 20.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.1% of those under age 18 and 21.6% of those age 65 or over. Centerville is governed by a mayor, vice mayor, and a board of 10 aldermen. It uses the council-manager government style of government.