West Island, Cocos Islands

Cocos Islands

West Island is a small town in Cocos Islands with a population of 120. Elevation: 39 ft (12 m). Average temperature: 80°F (27°C).

4.3 /5.0

A Great

120 Population

39 ft Elevation 12 meters

80°F Avg Temperature 27°C

79.1 in Annual Rain

Indian / Cocos Timezone

$65,058 Median Income

Overall

4.3 / 5.0

Great overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education

Economy

4.0 / 5.0

$65,058 median income, 4.1% unemployment

A+

Affordability

5.0 / 5.0

$200/mo rent

B+

Education

3.8 / 5.0

35.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Median Income $65,058

13% lower than US avg

Bachelor's+ 35.0%

4% higher than US avg

Median Rent $200

83% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 30.2%

6% lower than US avg

Unemployment 4.1%

14% higher than US avg

Poverty Rate 1.0%

92% lower than US avg

People

Population120

Median AgeN/A

DensityN/A

Male / FemaleN/A

Economy

Median Income$65,058

Per Capita$65,058

Unemployment4.1%

Poverty1.0%

Housing

A+

Home ValueN/A

Rent$200

Ownership70.0%

Health

Obesity30.2%

UninsuredN/A

Smoking9.6%

Depression11.7%

Climate

Avg Temp80°F (27°C)

AQI10 (Good)

Rain79.1 in/yr

Sunny Days193/yr

Elevation39 ft (12 m)

Education

B+

Bachelor's+35.0%

High School+99.0%

Community

CommuteN/A

Broadband97.1%

Population	120
Elevation	39 ft (12 m)
Coordinates	-12.1568°, 96.8225°
Timezone	Indian/Cocos
Country	🇨🇨 Cocos Islands
Average Temperature	80°F (27°C)
January Average	81°F (27°C)
July Average	78°F (26°C)
Annual Precipitation	79.1 inches (2,008 mm)
Annual Snowfall	0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income	$65,058

Is West Island a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, West Island receives an overall livability score of 4.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. West Island 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 Island is $65,058, 13% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.

Cost of Living & Housing

Renters pay a median of $200 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 35.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

West Island has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 80°F. Winters average 81°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 193 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 79.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 10.

The median household income in West Island is $65,058, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $65,058 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 70, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living.

Income: West Island vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$65,058
	13% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$65,058

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	4.1%
	14% above US avg
Poverty Rate	1.0%
	92% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	70.00 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

Monthly rent averages $200 (83% below the national average of $1,163). 70.0% of housing units are owner-occupied.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$200
	83% below US avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership	70.0%
Owner-Occupied	70.0%
Renter-Occupied	30.0%

Property Tax

In West Island, 30.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 5.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). 29.3% have high blood pressure. 9.6% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 11.2% report binge drinking. 89.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 11.7% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

Health Metrics: West Island vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	30.2%
	6% below US avg
Diabetes	5.9%
High Blood Pressure	29.3%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	9.6%
	31% below US avg
Binge Drinking	11.2%
Physical Inactivity	89.0%
Depression	11.7%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	89.0%

Food & Exercise

West Island has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 80°F (27°C). Winters average 81°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 193 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 79.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 10 / among the cleanest air in the country. 93% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 39 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

81°F Jan (27°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)

Annual Average	79.7°F
	48% above US avg
January Average	81°F (27°C)
July Average	78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days	193 days/yr

Geography

Elevation	39 ft (12 m)
Coordinates	-12.1568°N, 96.8225°W
Timezone	Indian/Cocos

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 79.1"

108% above US avg

Snowfall 0.0"

Wettest Month (Apr) 9.84"

Driest Month (Oct) 2.99"

Air Quality

AQI Median	10.0
Rating	Good
Good Days %	92.9%

Earthquake History

6 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M5.9.

Sep 7, 2001	South Indian Ocean	M5.9	124 km	10 km
Jun 22, 2000	South Indian Ocean	M5.0	129 km	10 km
Jun 19, 2000	South Indian Ocean	M4.6	130 km	10 km
Jun 22, 2000	South Indian Ocean	M4.5	127 km	10 km
Jun 22, 2000	South Indian Ocean	M4.4	138 km	10 km
Apr 8, 2002	South Indian Ocean	M4.3	140 km	10 km

Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.

Hurricane History

12 hurricanes (Category 1+) recorded within 500 km since 1980. Strongest on record: Category 4.

Year	Name	Category	Max Wind	Closest
2015	Kate	Category 3	92 mph	253 km
2004	Jana	Category 1	98 mph	268 km
2001	Walter	Category 2	92 mph	56 km
2000	Paul	Category 4	115 mph	222 km
1999	Alison	Category 1	98 mph	244 km
1997	Helinda:pancho	Category 3	132 mph	131 km
1996	Coryna:hubert	Category 1	81 mph	242 km
1992	Graham	Category 4	127 mph	146 km
1992	Irna:jane	Category 1	98 mph	249 km
1992	Harriet:heather	Category 1	92 mph	253 km
1990	Pedro	Category 1	63 mph	146 km
1980	Fred	Category 2	98 mph	233 km

Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Category 1+, 1980–2026). Sorted by year, then category.

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	81°F (27°C)	6.7 in
February	81°F (27°C)	7.0 in
March	81°F (27°C)	9.0 in	Warmest
April	81°F (27°C)	9.8 in	Wettest
May	80°F (27°C)	8.4 in
June	79°F (26°C)	8.8 in
July	78°F (26°C)	8.7 in
August	78°F (26°C)	5.0 in	Coldest
September	78°F (26°C)	3.7 in
October	79°F (26°C)	3.0 in	Driest
November	79°F (26°C)	4.7 in
December	80°F (27°C)	4.3 in

West Island has a seasonal temperature swing of 3°F / from 78°F in August to 81°F in March. Total annual precipitation is 79.1 inches, with April being the wettest month (9.8") and October the driest (3.0").

35.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 4% above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school. 97.1% of households have broadband internet access.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	35.0%
	4% above US avg
High School+	99.0%

B+ Education Grade (3.8/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Services

Broadband Access	97.1%

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About West Island

What is the population of West Island?

West Island has a population of 120 residents and is located in Cocos Islands..

Is West Island expensive to live in?

West Island is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 70 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $65,058, 13% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $200 per month, below the national average of $1,163.

What is the weather like in West Island?

West Island has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 80°F (27°C). Winter temperatures average 81°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 193 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 79.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 10.

How is the job market in West Island?

West Island has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%.

How much does housing cost in West Island?

For renters, the median monthly rent is $200. The homeownership rate is 70.0%.

How are the schools in West Island?

35.0% of adults in West Island hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school.

How healthy is West Island?

The obesity rate in West Island is 30.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.6% of adults are smokers. 89.0% are physically inactive. 11.7% of residents report depression.

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