Median Income
$40,417
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$36,800
87% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
250/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.5%
87% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,300
12% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How West Mineral Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population155
Median Age46.1 yrs
Density456/mi²
Male / Female63% / 37%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$40,417
Per Capita$21,504
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$1,092M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$36,800
Rent$1,300
Ownership74.6%
Zillow$90,412
Housing Units83
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent250/100K
Property2,872/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking17.0%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain46.0 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation907 ft (276 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.5%
High School+88.2%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score5.35
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute18 min
Broadband63.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is West Mineral a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Mineral receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. West Mineral has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Mineral is $40,417, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Mineral is $36,800, 87% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,300 per month. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in West Mineral is below the national average at 250 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,872 per 100,000, 47% above the national average.
Education
4.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
West Mineral enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.0 inches, including 7.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
West Mineral has a population of 155 with a density of 456 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 46.1 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.4% female and 62.6% male. The city is predominantly White (72.9%), with 5.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.1yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Mineral vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
West Mineral vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Mineral is $40,417, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,504 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,090, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 416 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Mineral vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,417 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,504 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,090 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,821 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 416 |
| County GDP | $1,092M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 55 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,385 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |
The median home value in West Mineral is $36,800, 87% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $90,412, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,300 (12% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 83 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $2,385 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $36,800 |
| 87% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $90,412 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,300 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.4% |
| Housing Units | 83 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,385 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.48% |
In West Mineral, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,782. The dentist ratio is 1:3,818. 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West Mineral vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,782 |
| Dentists | 1:3,818 |
| Mental Health | 1:544 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 60.0% |
| Premature Death | 12,090/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
West Mineral has a violent crime rate of 250 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,872 per 100,000, 47% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, West Mineral receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: West Mineral vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 249.8/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,872.3/100K |
| 47% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
West Mineral enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°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 46.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 907 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.3°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 907 ft (276 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 456/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2839°N, 94.9268°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cherokee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.0"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
113 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 |
6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma |
M2.6 |
132 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
118 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
606 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 222 fatalities, 2,075 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
39 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
37 km |
21 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
22 km |
4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
59 km |
3 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
99 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
61 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
48 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
76 km |
7 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
23 km |
5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (51,112 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
51,112 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
20,760 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
WOLF CREEK |
18,077 |
90 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
13,265 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
6,373 |
93 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
4,424 |
62 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
48 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
55 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,952 |
98 km |
| 2015 |
VOLZ FIRE |
1,662 |
77 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
56 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,523 |
64 km |
| 2016 |
04-02-1 |
1,357 |
100 km |
| 2010 |
NO TORCH |
1,356 |
70 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
83 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,280 |
89 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,127 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
55 km |
| 1984 |
RESIDENT |
1,048 |
41 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,027 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
47°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
West Mineral has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 33°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in West Mineral. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| 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) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| 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) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
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 |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About West Mineral
What is the population of West Mineral?
West Mineral has a population of 155 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 456 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.4% female and 62.6% male.
Is West Mineral expensive to live in?
West Mineral is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $40,417, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $36,800 (87% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,300 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is West Mineral safe?
West Mineral is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 250 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,872 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, West Mineral receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in West Mineral?
West Mineral enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.0 inches, with 7.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in West Mineral?
The job market in West Mineral is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,090. There are 416 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 9.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Mineral?
The median home value in West Mineral is $36,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $90,412. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,300. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,385.
How are the schools in West Mineral?
Schools in West Mineral score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.5% of adults in West Mineral hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Mineral?
The obesity rate in West Mineral is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,782.
What is transportation like in West Mineral?
The average commute in West Mineral is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Mineral?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Mineral is 72.9% White, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
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