Median Income
$66,132
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$169,500
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
134/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.3%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$871
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.9%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.1%
59% lower than US avg
How West Liberty Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,795
Median Age34.6 yrs
Density2,144/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 61%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,132
Per Capita$28,015
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty5.1%
County GDP$3,242M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$169,500
Rent$871
Ownership72.3%
Zillow$214,316
Housing Units1,418
Rent Burden22.9%
Crime
F
Violent134/100K
Property886/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault107/100K
Burglary161/100K
Health
Obesity41.9%
Uninsured17.3%
Smoking14.0%
Depression17.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation687 ft (209 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.3%
High School+74.0%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute20 min
Broadband88.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is West Liberty a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Liberty receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. West Liberty offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Liberty is $66,132, 12% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Liberty is $169,500, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $871 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 Liberty 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
15.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
West Liberty 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 Liberty has a population of 3,795 with a density of 2,144 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 34.6 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (60.9%), with 2% Hispanic, 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 50.2% of residents, while 49.8% speak Spanish. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.6yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Liberty vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
50.2%
36% below US avg
Spanish
49.8%
272% above US avg
Social Characteristics
West Liberty vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Liberty is $66,132, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,015 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,223, 15% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,233 business establishments, including 105 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Liberty vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,132 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,015 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,223 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,292 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.1% |
| 59% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,233 |
| County GDP | $3,242M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 105 |
| Healthcare | 99 |
| Retail | 128 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,864 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.6% |
The median home value in West Liberty is $169,500, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,316, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $871 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,418 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $4,864 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.9% 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 | $169,500 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $214,316 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $871 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,418 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,864 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.87% |
In West Liberty, 41.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 21.4% report binge drinking. 32.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 17.4% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 17.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,668. The dentist ratio is 1:1,695. 79.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West Liberty vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.9% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.1% |
| Depression | 17.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 17.3% |
| 101% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,668 |
| Dentists | 1:1,695 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,141 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,717/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
West Liberty has a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 107.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 26.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 886 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 698, burglary at 161, vehicle theft at 27 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, West Liberty receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: West Liberty vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 134.3/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 26.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 107.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 886.1/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| Burglary | 161.1/100K |
| Theft | 698.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 26.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 57 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
West Liberty 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 687 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 | 687 ft (209 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,144/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5730°N, 91.2626°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Muscatine County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.53 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 36.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.0 / 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
658 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 290 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
84 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 |
53 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
86 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
52 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
54 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
52 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
96 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) |
2.5 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 |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
West Liberty has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in West Liberty. 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 | $724 |
| Toddler | $624 |
| Preschool | $624 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $488 |
| Toddler | $480 |
| Preschool | $480 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About West Liberty
What is the population of West Liberty?
West Liberty has a population of 3,795 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 2,144 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is West Liberty expensive to live in?
West Liberty 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 $66,132, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $169,500 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $871 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 Liberty safe?
West Liberty 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 Liberty receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in West Liberty?
West Liberty 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 Liberty?
West Liberty has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,223. There are 1,233 business establishments in the area, including 105 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 1.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Liberty?
The median home value in West Liberty is $169,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,316. For renters, the median monthly rent is $871. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,864.
How are the schools in West Liberty?
Schools in West Liberty score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.3% of adults in West Liberty hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.0% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Liberty?
The obesity rate in West Liberty is 41.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 32.1% are physically inactive. 17.4% of residents report depression. 17.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 79.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,668.
What is transportation like in West Liberty?
The average commute in West Liberty is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Liberty?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Liberty is 60.9% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 50.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 49.8% speak Spanish. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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