Michigan
West Branch is a small town in Michigan with a population of 2,177. Residents earn $40,078 per year, which is 47% below the national average.
Based on current data, West Branch receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. West Branch has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in West Branch is $40,078, 47% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 19.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
The median home value in West Branch is $114,300, 59% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $847 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Violent crime in West Branch is below the national average at 239 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,633 per 100,000, 34% above the national average.
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
West Branch has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.6 inches, including 53.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
| English Only | 93.2% |
| 19% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 6.8% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $40,078 |
| 47% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $22,667 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $821 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,845 |
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 19.1% |
| 54% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 611 |
| County GDP | $788M |
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 71 |
| Retail | 107 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,674 |
| 5% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.21% |
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
| Census Median | $114,300 |
| 59% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $209,862 |
| Census Median Rent | $847 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
| Owner-Occupied | 37.5% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,674 |
| 5% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.21% |
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.8% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 31.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,752/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 71 |
| Total Violent | 239.4/100K |
| 37% below US avg | |
| Murder | 47.9/100K |
| 660% above US avg | |
| Rape | 95.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 95.7/100K |
| Total Property | 2,632.8/100K |
| 34% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 335.1/100K |
| Theft | 2,249.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 47.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 44.3°F |
| 18% below US avg | |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 33.6 inches |
| 12% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 53.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 937 ft (286 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (4.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,414/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2738°N, 84.2366°W |
| County FIPS | 26129 |
Winner: Republican by 42 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 21.5% |
| 36% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 92.0% |
| School Test Score | 5.23 |
| RUCC Code 9 | Nonmetro — Rural |
| Population Density | 1,414/sq mi |
| Total Area | 1.5 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 2 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 3 |
| Public Libraries | 4 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 71 |
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Retail Stores | 107 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Commute | 25.4 min |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |