Median Income
$87,891
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$226,700
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.7%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$958
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How West Branch Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,526
Median Age34.7 yrs
Density983/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Economy
A+
Median Income$87,891
Per Capita$35,101
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$12,640M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$226,700
Rent$958
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$289,094
Health
Obesity39.3%
UninsuredN/A
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Elevation740 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.7%
High School+96.1%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 30% / D 68%
Commute23 min
EV Stations3
Libraries8
Is West Branch a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Branch receives an overall livability score of 4.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. West Branch stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Branch is $87,891, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Branch is $226,700, 20% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $958 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
28.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
West Branch experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
West Branch has a population of 2,526 with a density of 983 people per square mile. The median age is 34.7 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (94.9%).
Population
34.7yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Branch vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.8% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.2% |
| 91% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
West Branch vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Branch is $87,891, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income: West Branch vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $87,891 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,101 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,238 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,456 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,140 |
| County GDP | $12,640M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 448 |
| Healthcare | 493 |
| Retail | 492 |
| Manufacturing | 80 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,982 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in West Branch is $226,700, 20% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $958 (18% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,094.
Home Values
| Census Median | $226,700 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $289,094 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $958 |
| 18% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,982 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.08% |
In West Branch, 39.3% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 21.9% report depression. 22.4% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: West Branch vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Premature Death | 4,821/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 493 |
Crime Rates: West Branch vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
Safety Score
West Branch has an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation is 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 36.5 inches |
| 4% below US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 740 ft (226 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 983/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6662°N, 91.3442°W |
| County FIPS | 19103 |