Median Income
$49,750
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$73,800
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
541/100K
42% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.7%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$718
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.4%
161% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.1%
38% higher than US avg
How West Chester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population168
Median Age28.5 yrs
Density672/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans1.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$49,750
Per Capita$20,562
Unemployment9.4%
Poverty17.1%
County GDP$1,863M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$73,800
Rent$718
Ownership86.6%
Zillow$143,699
Housing Units67
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent541/100K
Property946/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking17.4%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation776 ft (237 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.7%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute23 min
Broadband67.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is West Chester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Chester receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. West Chester has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Chester is $49,750, 34% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Chester is $73,800, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $718 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 541 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 946 per 100,000, 52% below the national average.
Education
14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
West Chester experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°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 37.9 inches, including 25.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
West Chester has a population of 168 with a density of 672 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 28.5 years, 27% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (88.7%), with 8.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 1.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 25.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.5yrs
Median Age
27% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Chester vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
West Chester vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Chester is $49,750, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,562 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $933, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 858 business establishments, including 43 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). 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Chester vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,750 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,562 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $933 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,685 |
| Gini Index | 0.394 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.4% |
| 161% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.1% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 858 |
| County GDP | $1,863M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 43 |
| Healthcare | 61 |
| Retail | 89 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,261 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 96.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in West Chester is $73,800, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $143,699, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $718 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 67 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,261 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $73,800 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $143,699 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $718 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.4% |
| Housing Units | 67 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,261 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.77% |
In West Chester, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.8% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,250. The dentist ratio is 1:2,508. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West Chester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,250 |
| Dentists | 1:2,508 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,327 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,076/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 61 |
West Chester has a violent crime rate of 541 per 100,000 residents, 42% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 946 per 100,000, 52% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, West Chester receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: West Chester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 540.8/100K |
| 42% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 946.3/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
West Chester experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 21°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 37.9 inches. The area receives 25.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 776 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 776 ft (237 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 672/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3400°N, 91.8169°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
599 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 306 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
39 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 |
66 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
69 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
65 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
59 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
66 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
65 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
West Chester has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in West Chester. 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 | $702 |
| Toddler | $605 |
| Preschool | $605 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $474 |
| Toddler | $466 |
| Preschool | $466 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About West Chester
What is the population of West Chester?
West Chester has a population of 168 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 672 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is West Chester expensive to live in?
West Chester 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 $49,750, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $73,800 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $718 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is West Chester safe?
The violent crime rate in West Chester is 541 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 946 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, West Chester receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in West Chester?
West Chester has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°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 37.9 inches, with 25.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in West Chester?
The job market in West Chester faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $933. There are 858 business establishments in the area, including 43 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Chester?
The median home value in West Chester is $73,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $143,699. For renters, the median monthly rent is $718. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,261.
How are the schools in West Chester?
Schools in West Chester score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.7% of adults in West Chester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Chester?
The obesity rate in West Chester is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,250.
What is transportation like in West Chester?
The average commute in West Chester is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 96.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Chester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Chester is 88.7% White, 8.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 1.6% of the population are military veterans. 25.1% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
