Median Income
$87,891
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$226,700
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
134/100K
65% 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%
Veterans7.1%
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
Ownership78.8%
Zillow$289,094
Housing Units1,066
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent134/100K
Property886/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking14.2%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation740 ft (226 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.7%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+6.3%
School Score6.24
Community
2024 VoteR 30% / D 68%
Commute23 min
Broadband90.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries8
Is West Branch a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Branch receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. West Branch offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
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.
Safety & Crime
West Branch is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 886 per 100,000, 55% below the national average.
Education
28.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
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. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 34.7 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 9.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $35,101. The average weekly wage is $1,238, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,140 business establishments, including 448 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
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 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in West Branch is $226,700, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,094, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $958 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,066 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $6,982 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
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 |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,066 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 23.6% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:521. The dentist ratio is 1:424. 89.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
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% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:521 |
| Dentists | 1:424 |
| Mental Health | 1:209 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 73.7% |
| Premature Death | 4,821/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 493 |
West Branch has a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 886 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, West Branch receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: West Branch vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 134.3/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 886.1/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 210 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
West Branch experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 740 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 740 ft (226 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 983/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6662°N, 91.3442°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Johnson County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
670 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 309 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
40 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
65 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
79 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
76 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
66 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
66 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.8 in |
|
West Branch has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in West Branch. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $659 |
| Preschool | $659 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $516 |
| Toddler | $508 |
| Preschool | $508 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About West Branch
What is the population of West Branch?
West Branch has a population of 2,526 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 983 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is West Branch expensive to live in?
West Branch is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $87,891, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $226,700 (20% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $958 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is West Branch safe?
West Branch is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 886 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, West Branch receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in West Branch?
West Branch has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in West Branch?
The job market in West Branch is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,238. There are 5,140 business establishments in the area, including 448 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Branch?
The median home value in West Branch is $226,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,094. For renters, the median monthly rent is $958. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,982.
How are the schools in West Branch?
Schools in West Branch score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.7% of adults in West Branch hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Branch?
The obesity rate in West Branch is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:521.
What is transportation like in West Branch?
The average commute in West Branch is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Branch?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Branch is 94.9% White, 1% Black or African American. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 9.7% of residents have a disability. 93.4% have health insurance coverage.