Median Income
$83,750
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$82,100
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
136/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.9%
46% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How West Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population192
Median Age27.6 yrs
Density343/mi²
Male / Female37% / 63%
Largest GroupWhite 48%
Veterans2.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,750
Per Capita$31,534
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$641M
Commute43 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$82,100
Ownership78.4%
Zillow$120,131
Housing Units61
Rent Burden39.8%
Crime
F
Violent136/100K
Property1,564/100K
Health
Obesity46.9%
Uninsured15.2%
Smoking24.0%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease8.2%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain62.5 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation304 ft (93 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+78.6%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score5.19
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute43 min
Broadband51.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is West a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, long commute times, high obesity rates. West offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West is $83,750, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West is $82,100, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
West is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,564 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
West enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 62.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
West has a population of 192 with a density of 343 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 27.6 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 63% female and 37% male. The city is predominantly Black (52.1%), with 47.9% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 50.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.6yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in West is $83,750, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,534 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $826, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 413 business establishments, including 35 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,750 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,534 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $826 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,406 |
| Gini Index | 0.538 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 413 |
| County GDP | $641M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,656 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 42.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in West is $82,100, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,131, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 61 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $2,656 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 39.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $82,100 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $120,131 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.6% |
| Housing Units | 61 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,656 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.24% |
In West, 46.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.2% of residents, above the national average. 48.1% have high blood pressure. 24.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.0% report binge drinking. 40.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.2% report depression. 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 15.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,971. The dentist ratio is 1:2,918. 32.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.9% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.6% |
| Heart Disease | 8.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 48.1% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 11.0% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 5.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.0% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.6% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 17.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 50.5% |
| Uninsured | 15.2% |
| 77% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,971 |
| Dentists | 1:2,918 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,929 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.4% |
| Dental Visits | 5.8% |
| Premature Death | 13,490/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
West has a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,564 per 100,000, 20% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, West receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: West vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 136.0/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,563.6/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
West enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 299 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 62.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 304 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.8°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 304 ft (93 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 343/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.1978°N, 89.7821°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Attala County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International (JAN)
64 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
62.5"
65% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.22"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 33.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.0 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jan 8, 2019 |
8 km WNW of Hollandale, Mississippi |
M3.7 |
107 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
7 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
76 km |
| Jun 29, 2015 |
6 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
76 km |
| Aug 11, 1996 |
9 km WSW of Shaw, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| Oct 26, 2002 |
3 km SE of Alligator, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
75 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
5 km NNE of Magee, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
8 km ESE of Darling, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
Mississippi |
M2.8 |
78 km |
| Feb 25, 1999 |
10 km NE of Oakland, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
104 km |
| Feb 11, 1991 |
10 km SSW of Clarksdale, Mississippi |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Aug 17, 2015 |
9 km N of Madison, Mississippi |
M2.6 |
79 km |
| Jun 26, 1994 |
11 km NE of Panola, Alabama |
M2.5 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
4 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Zeta (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 1 |
216 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 1 |
149 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 2 |
280 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 2 |
278 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
629 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 79 fatalities, 802 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
77 km |
3 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF4 |
48 km |
10 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Jan 19, 1988 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 1977 |
EF4 |
55 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
80 km |
3 |
| Dec 2, 1967 |
EF4 |
86 km |
2 |
| Mar 11, 1963 |
EF4 |
13 km |
2 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
27 km |
3 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 2012 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
72 km |
4 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2011 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jan 1, 2011 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Nov 29, 2010 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2008 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2008 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 2004 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIENVILLE - CPT 38-39-40 (4,545 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIENVILLE - CPT 38-39-40 |
4,545 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,007 |
88 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 222-223-224 |
3,745 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
MSNXR FY16 RX 1703B |
3,633 |
88 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,616 |
80 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
3,605 |
87 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,593 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,547 |
73 km |
| 1987 |
10 NOVEMBER |
3,301 |
88 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,053 |
79 km |
| 2010 |
BIEN 1-4 |
2,983 |
73 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,935 |
93 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,887 |
65 km |
| 2020 |
TOMBIGBEE COMP 54/55/56 |
2,846 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
BIENVILLE CPT 1-4 |
2,761 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
TOMBIGBEE BB 54 55 56 |
2,736 |
80 km |
| 1995 |
16 |
2,482 |
87 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,436 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,393 |
88 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,388 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
5.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
6.2 in |
Wettest |
| April |
62°F (16°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
5.9 in |
|
West has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 44°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.4 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.2") and August the driest (3.4").
Average costs for common services in West. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$218 ($131–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$305 ($174–$479) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$305) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,914 ($696–$4,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$218 ($131–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($44–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$522 ($348–$870) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$305) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$131) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($44–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($131–$696) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,090 ($3,480–$10,440) |
| Roof Repair |
$870 ($348–$1,740) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,830 ($4,785–$13,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,305 ($435–$3,045) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,050 ($4,350–$26,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,350 ($1,740–$8,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,305 ($696–$2,610) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$870) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,175 ($870–$4,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$131 ($65–$218) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.57 ($2.61–$4.79) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.05 ($2.18–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.31 ($2.18–$4.79) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.92 ($2.61–$5.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.79 ($3.48–$6.53) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.57) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$218) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$131) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($44–$131) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,740 ($1,044–$3,045) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.96–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$218) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,044 ($522–$2,175) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$870 ($435–$1,740) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$609) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$870 ($348–$2,175) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,875 ($4,350–$26,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($44–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $511 |
| Toddler | $465 |
| Preschool | $465 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About West
What is the population of West?
West has a population of 192 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 343 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 63% female and 37% male.
Is West expensive to live in?
West is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $83,750, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $82,100 (71% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is West safe?
West is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,564 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, West receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in West?
West enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 62.5 inches, with 1.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in West?
The job market in West is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $826. There are 413 business establishments in the area, including 35 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 43 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West?
The median home value in West is $82,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $120,131. The homeownership rate is 78.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,656.
How are the schools in West?
Schools in West score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.3% of adults in West hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.6% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West?
The obesity rate in West is 46.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.0% of adults are smokers. 40.6% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 15.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 32.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,971.
What is transportation like in West?
The average commute in West is 43 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of West?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West is 47.9% White, 52.1% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.2% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 50.5% have health insurance coverage.
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