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West River, PE

Prince Edward Island

West River is a small town in Prince Edward Island with a population of 3,473. Residents earn $94,000 per year, which is 25% above the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.4 /5.0
B Good
3,473 Population 74/sq mi density
$94,000 Median Income $50,440 per capita
$302,000 Home Value
$900 Median Rent 7.6% income on rent
42°F Avg Temperature 256 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.4 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.9 / 5.0
$94,000 median income, 7.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.9 / 5.0
$302,000 home value, $900/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
C
Education
2.3 / 5.0
16.1% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover West River, PE

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $94,000
25% higher than US avg
Home Value $302,000
7% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 16.1%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent $900
23% lower than US avg
Unemployment 7.0%
94% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 9.3%
25% lower than US avg

How West River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population3,473
Median Age44.8 yrs
Density74/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 99%

Economy

B+
Median Income$94,000
Per Capita$50,440
Unemployment7.0%
Poverty9.3%
Commute27 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$302,000
Rent$900
Ownership94.0%
Housing Units1,340
Rent Burden7.6%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
Rain44.4 in/yr
Sunny Days256/yr
Elevation79 ft (24 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+16.1%
High School+24.5%
Graduate+6.5%

Community

Commute27 min

Is West River a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, West River receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. West River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in West River is $94,000, 25% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 7.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 9.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in West River is $302,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

16.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 24.5% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

West River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 256 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches, including 15.2 inches of snow.

West River has a population of 3,473 with a density of 74 people per square mile, spread across 47.0 square miles. The median age is 44.8 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94% of residents.

Population

3,473
Total Population
74
People / sq mi
44.8yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
47.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.4%
Female 51.7%

Race & Ethnicity

West River vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 94.0%
20% above US avg
Spanish 1.6%
88% below US avg
Other Languages 4.5%

Social Characteristics

West River vs U.S. Average

The median household income in West River is $94,000, which is 25% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $50,440 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $970, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 108 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 22.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: West River vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$94,000
25% above US avg
Per Capita Income$50,440
Avg Weekly Wage$970

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment7.0%
94% above US avg
Poverty Rate9.3%
25% below US avg
Establishments (County)108

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time26.5 min
Drive Alone89.1%
Public Transit1.0%
Work from Home22.5%

Walkability

The median home value in West River is $302,000, 7% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $900 (23% below the national average of $1,163). 94.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,340 total housing units in the city. 7.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$302,000
7% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$900
23% below US avg
Rent Burden7.6%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership94.0%
Owner-Occupied94.0%
Renter-Occupied6.0%
Housing Units1,340

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, West River receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: West River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
West River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 256 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches. The area receives 15.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 79 feet.

Temperature

18°F Jan (-8°C) 65°F Jul (18°C)
Annual Average41.8°F
23% below US avg
January Average18°F (-8°C)
July Average65°F (18°C)
Sunny Days256 days/yr

Geography

Elevation79 ft (24 m)
Area47.0 sq mi (121.6 km²)
Population Density74/sq mi
Coordinates46.1668°N, 63.2987°W
TimezoneAmerica/Halifax

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 44.4"
17% above US avg
Snowfall 15.2"
Wettest Month (Dec) 4.53"
Driest Month (Feb) 3.15"

Air Quality

Hurricane History

6 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980. Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Earl (2010).

Year Name Category Closest
2010 Earl Category 1 75 km
2009 Bill Category 1 206 km
2003 Juan Category 2 43 km
2002 Gustav Category 1 217 km
1996 Hortense Category 1 158 km
1990 Bertha Category 1 269 km
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 18°F (-8°C) 4.0 in
February 18°F (-8°C) 3.2 in Coldest, Driest
March 26°F (-3°C) 3.5 in
April 37°F (3°C) 3.4 in
May 48°F (9°C) 3.8 in
June 58°F (14°C) 3.5 in
July 65°F (18°C) 3.2 in Warmest
August 65°F (18°C) 3.2 in
September 57°F (14°C) 3.9 in
October 47°F (8°C) 4.1 in
November 38°F (3°C) 4.2 in
December 26°F (-4°C) 4.5 in Wettest

West River has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 18°F in February to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.4 inches, with December being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (3.2").

View full weather details →
16.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 52% below the national average of 33.7%. 24.5% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 89.1% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+16.1%
52% below US avg
High School+24.5%
Graduate Degree+6.5%
C Education Grade (2.3/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density74/sq mi
Total Area47.0 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute26.5 min
Drive Alone89.1%
Public Transit1.0%
Work from Home22.5%

Radio Stations near West River

6 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CFCY 95.1 Charlottetown, PE charlottetown, commercial MP3 64 kbps
CBC Radio One - Charlottetown, PE cbc, features MP3 128 kbps
CHLQ-FM "MAX 93.1" Charlottetown, PE mainstream rock, new format rebranding MP3 64 kbps
Radio Canada Ici Première (Île-du-Prince-Édouard) Charlottetown, PE radio publique AAC 48 kbps
CJCB 1270 Sydney, NS commercial, country MP3 64 kbps
CJRW 102.1 "Spud FM" Summerside, PE adult contemporary, commercial MP3 64 kbps

Museums in West River

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Beaconsfield Historic House
COWS Creamery
Visitors Centre

Libraries in West River

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Charlottetown Library Learning Centre0.0
Crapaud Public Library0.0
Robertson Library0.0
Stratford Public Library0.0
Tiny Library (Seasonal)0.0

Farmers Markets in West River

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Charlottetown Farmers Market

Gas Stations in West River

1 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Wilsons

Breweries in West River

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
PEI Brewing Company

Stadiums & Teams in West River

TeamLeagueDivision

Airports Near West River

7 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Charlottetown AirportYYGMedium Airport
Summerside AirportYSUMedium Airport
Cable Head Airpark-Small Airport
Debert Airport-Small Airport
Fox Harbour Airport-Small Airport
Thorburn Airport-Small Airport
Trenton Airport-Small Airport

Post Offices in West River

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Bonshaw Post Office

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Frequently Asked Questions About West River

What is the population of West River?

West River has a population of 3,473 residents and is located in Prince Edward Island. The population density is 74 people per square mile, spread across 47.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.4% male.

Is West River expensive to live in?

The median household income is $94,000, 25% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $302,000 (7% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is West River safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, West River receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in West River?

West River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 256 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.4 inches, with 15.2 inches of snow.

How is the job market in West River?

The unemployment rate in West River is 7.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $970. There are 108 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 22.5% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in West River?

The median home value in West River is $302,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $900. The homeownership rate is 94.0%.

How are the schools in West River?

16.1% of adults in West River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 24.5% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in West River?

The average commute in West River is 27 minutes. 89.1% of workers drive alone to work, 1% use public transit, and 22.5% work from home.

What are the demographics of West River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West River is 98.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 94% of residents speak only English at home.

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