Median Income
$57,411
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$202,100
28% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
56/100K
85% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.3%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$622
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.8%
13% lower than US avg
How West Liberty Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,280
Median Age38.9 yrs
Density669/mi²
Male / Female75% / 25%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,411
Per Capita$16,052
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty10.8%
County GDP$378M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$202,100
Rent$622
Ownership60.2%
Zillow$130,438
Housing Units697
Rent Burden25.6%
Crime
F
Violent56/100K
Property84/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault28/100K
Burglary28/100K
Health
Obesity31.0%
UninsuredN/A
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain46.9 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation854 ft (260 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.3%
High School+82.9%
Graduate+7.7%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 17%
Commute21 min
Broadband86.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is West Liberty a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Liberty receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. 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 $57,411, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 10.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Liberty is $202,100, 28% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $622 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
West Liberty 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 84 per 100,000, 96% below the national average.
Education
15.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
West Liberty experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.9 inches, including 12.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
West Liberty has a population of 3,280 with a density of 669 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age is 38.9 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 24.7% female and 75.3% male. The city is predominantly White (75.8%), with 15.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 26.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.9yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Liberty vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
West Liberty vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Liberty is $57,411, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,052 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $910, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 286 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Liberty vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,411 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,052 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $910 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,375 |
| Gini Index | 0.489 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.8% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 286 |
| County GDP | $378M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,850 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 11.4% |
The median home value in West Liberty is $202,100, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,438, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $622 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 697 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $1,850 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $202,100 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $130,438 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $622 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.8% |
| Housing Units | 697 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,850 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.92% |
In West Liberty, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:13,820. The dentist ratio is 1:3,530. 50.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West Liberty vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:13,820 |
| Dentists | 1:3,530 |
| Mental Health | 1:408 |
| Dental Visits | 46.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,958/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
West Liberty has a violent crime rate of 56 per 100,000 residents, 85% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 28.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 28.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 84 per 100,000, 96% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 56, burglary at 28, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, West Liberty receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: West Liberty vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 56.1/100K |
| 85% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 28.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 28.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 84.2/100K |
| 96% below US avg |
| Burglary | 28.1/100K |
| Theft | 56.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 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 54°F (12°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 305 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 46.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 12.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 854 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.1°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 854 ft (260 m) |
| Area | 4.4 sq mi (11.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 669/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9180°N, 83.2674°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Morgan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Portsmouth Regional (PMH) 68 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.9"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 21.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
38 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
89 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
110 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
138 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
54 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
93 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
148 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
126 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
93 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
106 km |
| May 11, 2025 |
11 km SE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| Oct 30, 2017 |
2 km N of Artemus, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
128 km |
| May 22, 2024 |
18 km SSE of Hyden, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
101 km |
| Jan 22, 2018 |
13 km ENE of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
119 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Cumberland, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
109 km |
| Feb 8, 2005 |
15 km E of Vansant, Virginia |
M2.7 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
148 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 401 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
96 km |
7 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
31 km |
10 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
24 km |
2 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1996 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1990 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1982 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1982 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1982 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 16, 1982 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
70 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
52 km |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
99 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
81 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
49 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
34 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
55 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
56 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
78 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
79 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
79 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
13,124 |
49 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
98 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
10,990 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
5.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
4.0 in |
|
West Liberty has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 33°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.3") and October the driest (3.0").
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) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $491 |
| Toddler | $489 |
| Preschool | $489 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $348 |
| Toddler | $355 |
| Preschool | $355 |
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 3,280 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 669 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.9 years. The population is 24.7% female and 75.3% male.
Is West Liberty expensive to live in?
West Liberty is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $57,411, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $202,100 (28% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $622 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, 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 56 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 84 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 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.9 inches, with 12.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in West Liberty?
The job market in West Liberty is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $910. There are 286 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 11.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Liberty?
The median home value in West Liberty is $202,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,438. For renters, the median monthly rent is $622. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.2%. The average annual property tax is $1,850.
How are the schools in West Liberty?
Schools in West Liberty score 5.7 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%. 82.9% have completed high school. 7.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Liberty?
The obesity rate in West Liberty is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 50.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:13,820.
What is transportation like in West Liberty?
The average commute in West Liberty is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Liberty?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Liberty is 75.8% White, 15.9% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 26.4% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.