Median Income
$43,333
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,000
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.3%
14% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,750
50% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.9%
36% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
44% lower than US avg
How West Liberty Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,568
Median Age20.5 yrs
Density1,439/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans1.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,333
Per Capita$11,956
Unemployment4.9%
Poverty6.9%
County GDP$5,057M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$120,000
Rent$1,750
Ownership49.5%
Zillow$149,199
Housing Units361
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking17.5%
Depression31.0%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Elevation1,108 ft (338 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.3%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+21.3%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute29 min
Broadband87.8%
EV Stations7
Libraries1
Is West Liberty a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Liberty receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include a highly educated population, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. West Liberty 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 Liberty is $43,333, 42% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Liberty is $120,000, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,750 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
West Liberty experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches, including 15.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
West Liberty has a population of 1,568 with a density of 1,439 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 20.5 years, 47% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 62.4% female and 37.6% male. The city is predominantly White (89.1%), with 3.3% Hispanic, 3.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 1.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 5.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 86.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,568
Total Population
2023 Census
20.5yrs
Median Age
47% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Liberty vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
Social Characteristics
West Liberty vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Liberty is $43,333, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $11,956 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,074, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,794 business establishments, including 140 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 2.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Liberty vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,333 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $11,956 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,074 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,258 |
| Gini Index | 0.507 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.9% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.9% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,794 |
| County GDP | $5,057M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 140 |
| Healthcare | 229 |
| Retail | 186 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,676 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 60.3% |
| Public Transit | 4.4% |
| Work from Home | 2.9% |
The median home value in West Liberty is $120,000, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,199, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,750 (50% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 49.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 361 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $3,676. 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 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $120,000 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $149,199 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,750 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 49.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 49.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.5% |
| Housing Units | 361 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,676 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.06% |
In West Liberty, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 36.7% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.6% report binge drinking. 28.2% are physically inactive. 31.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.4% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:760. The dentist ratio is 1:901. 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West Liberty vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.7% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.2% |
| Depression | 31.0% |
| Mental Distress | 22.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 42.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.9% |
| Uninsured | 13.1% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:760 |
| Dentists | 1:901 |
| Mental Health | 1:250 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 59.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,927/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 229 |
West Liberty experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches. The area receives 15.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. 81% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,108 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.2°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,108 ft (338 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,439/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.1644°N, 80.5971°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Ohio County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pittsburgh International (PIT) 30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.14"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 80.5% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0439 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
20 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Sep 25, 1998 |
2 km SW of Adamsville, Pennsylvania |
M4.5 |
149 km |
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
141 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
65 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
87 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
104 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
81 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
78 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
91 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
87 km |
| Aug 7, 2000 |
2 km S of Limaville, Ohio |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
85 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
103 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
150 km |
| May 17, 2010 |
2 km S of Boston Heights, Ohio |
M2.7 |
142 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
3 km N of Saint Marys, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
98 km |
| Aug 16, 2013 |
13 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
150 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
13 km |
| Jan 26, 2018 |
7 km NNW of Vincent, Ohio |
M2.5 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
252 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 573 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
74 km |
9 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 1978 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
| Jun 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2021 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2003 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2001 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
West Liberty has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 30°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.2").
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) |
$224 ($134-$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179-$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90-$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716-$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134-$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134-$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358-$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90-$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134-$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580-$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358-$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923-$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448-$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475-$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790-$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716-$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179-$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895-$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69-$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24-$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24-$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69-$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58-$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72-$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67-$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074-$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537-$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448-$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179-$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358-$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475-$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134-$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90-$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $635 |
| Toddler | $605 |
| Preschool | $636 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $591 |
| Toddler | $659 |
| Preschool | $704 |
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 1,568 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 1,439 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 62.4% female and 37.6% male.
Is West Liberty expensive to live in?
West Liberty is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,333, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,000 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,750 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in West Liberty?
West Liberty has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches, with 15.2 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?
West Liberty has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,074. There are 1,794 business establishments in the area, including 140 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 2.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Liberty?
The median home value in West Liberty is $120,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,199. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,750. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 49.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,676.
How are the schools in West Liberty?
Schools in West Liberty score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.3% of adults in West Liberty hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 21.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Liberty?
The obesity rate in West Liberty is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 28.2% are physically inactive. 31.0% of residents report depression. 13.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:760.
What is transportation like in West Liberty?
The average commute in West Liberty is 29 minutes. 60.3% of workers drive alone to work, 4.4% use public transit, and 2.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Liberty?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Liberty is 89.1% White, 3.5% Black or African American, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 1.7% of the population are military veterans. 5.8% of residents have a disability. 86.9% have health insurance coverage.