Median Income
$60,750
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$156,300
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
56/100K
85% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.1%
8% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$725
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.6%
71% lower than US avg
How West Falls Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population352
Median Age56.7 yrs
Density326/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,750
Per Capita$39,458
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty3.6%
County GDP$13,421M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$156,300
Rent$725
Ownership89.9%
Zillow$235,827
Housing Units219
Rent Burden31.4%
Crime
F
Violent56/100K
Property1,340/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Smoking26.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain38.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation653 ft (199 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+31.1%
High School+91.2%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 48% / D 51%
Commute27 min
Broadband72.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is West Falls a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Falls receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. West Falls offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Falls is $60,750, 19% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Falls is $156,300, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $725 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 Falls is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 56 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,340 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
31.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
West Falls experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 28°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 38.7 inches, including 45.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
West Falls has a population of 352 with a density of 326 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 56.7 years, 46% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56% female and 44% male. The city is predominantly White (97.7%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 17.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.7yrs
Median Age
46% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Falls vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
Social Characteristics
West Falls vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Falls is $60,750, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,458. The average weekly wage is $1,033, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,565 business establishments, including 552 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 10.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Falls vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,750 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,458 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,033 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,947 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.6% |
| 71% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,565 |
| County GDP | $13,421M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 552 |
| Healthcare | 776 |
| Retail | 804 |
| Manufacturing | 216 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,552 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.3% |
The median home value in West Falls is $156,300, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $235,827, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $725 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 219 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $6,552 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.4% 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 | $156,300 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $235,827 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $725 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.1% |
| Housing Units | 219 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,552 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.19% |
In West Falls, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 26.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,212. The dentist ratio is 1:1,239. 91.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West Falls vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.9% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,212 |
| Dentists | 1:1,239 |
| Mental Health | 1:325 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,256/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 776 |
West Falls has a violent crime rate of 56 per 100,000 residents, 85% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,340 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 21 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, West Falls receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: West Falls vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 55.8/100K |
| 85% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,340.0/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 21 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
West Falls experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 28°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 38.7 inches. The area receives 45.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 653 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 653 ft (199 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 326/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4517°N, 75.8640°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lackawanna County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (AVP) 11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.7"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0423 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 17.0 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.28 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.23 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 89.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
21 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Apr 5, 2024 |
2024 Tewksbury, New Jersey Earthquake |
M4.8 |
125 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
126 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
126 km |
| Apr 5, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M3.7 |
126 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Milford, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
149 km |
| Feb 3, 2009 |
1 km ESE of Victory Gardens, New Jersey |
M3.0 |
129 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| May 24, 2024 |
6 km E of Califon, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
124 km |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
68 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
134 km |
| Apr 5, 2024 |
6 km ESE of Califon, New Jersey |
M2.6 |
125 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
143 km |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
5 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.6 |
127 km |
| May 1, 2024 |
1 km NW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.6 |
128 km |
| Aug 14, 2015 |
3 km SE of Mendham, New Jersey |
M2.6 |
133 km |
| May 7, 1994 |
2 km SW of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
128 km |
| Jan 8, 1995 |
1 km WSW of Montrose Manor, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
235 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
221 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 99 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
24 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1981 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1976 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 2017 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2006 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Nov 8, 1996 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1895 |
HIGH BRIDGE, NJ |
Earthquake |
— |
— |
120 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 16 MILE (7,896 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
16 MILE |
7,896 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
28 km |
| 2004 |
CRYSTAL LAKE |
1,838 |
33 km |
| 2020 |
SEVEN PINES |
790 |
55 km |
| 2015 |
RAZOR FIRE |
728 |
76 km |
| 2015 |
PIPELINE 1 |
666 |
40 km |
| 2016 |
BEAR TOWN |
649 |
62 km |
| 1999 |
WORTHINGTO |
514 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
West Falls has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 25°F in February to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in West Falls. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About West Falls
What is the population of West Falls?
West Falls has a population of 352 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 326 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56% female and 44% male.
Is West Falls expensive to live in?
West Falls has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $60,750, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $156,300 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $725 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 Falls safe?
West Falls is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 56 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,340 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, West Falls receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in West Falls?
West Falls has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 28°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 38.7 inches, with 45.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in West Falls?
West Falls has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,033. There are 5,565 business establishments in the area, including 552 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 10.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Falls?
The median home value in West Falls is $156,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $235,827. For renters, the median monthly rent is $725. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.9%. The average annual property tax is $6,552.
How are the schools in West Falls?
Schools in West Falls score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.1% of adults in West Falls hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Falls?
The obesity rate in West Falls is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.9% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 91.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,212.
What is transportation like in West Falls?
The average commute in West Falls is 27 minutes. 73.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Falls?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Falls is 97.7% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 17.7% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.