Median Income
$50,909
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$133,200
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
627/100K
65% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.9%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$925
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.7%
14% lower than US avg
How West Union Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,393
Median Age42.0 yrs
Density870/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,909
Per Capita$30,275
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty10.7%
County GDP$1,075M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$133,200
Rent$925
Ownership64.8%
Zillow$137,495
Housing Units1,284
Rent Burden28.9%
Crime
F
Violent627/100K
Property2,281/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking18.9%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,160 ft (354 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.9%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute18 min
Broadband77.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries11
Is West Union a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Union receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. West Union offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Union is $50,909, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. 10.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average 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 Union is $133,200, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $925 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 627 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,281 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
24.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
West Union has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches, including 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
West Union has a population of 2,393 with a density of 870 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 42.0 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.0yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Union vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.6%
58% below US avg
Social Characteristics
West Union vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Union is $50,909, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,275 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $939, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 680 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Union vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,909 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,275 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $939 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,872 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.7% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 680 |
| County GDP | $1,075M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in West Union is $133,200, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $137,495. Monthly rent averages $925 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,284 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,224. 28.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $133,200 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $137,495 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $925 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,284 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.42% |
In West Union, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.4% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.0% report binge drinking. 28.5% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,210. The dentist ratio is 1:1,754. 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West Union vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.4% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.5% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,210 |
| Dentists | 1:1,754 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,201 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 62.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
West Union has a violent crime rate of 627 per 100,000 residents, 65% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,281 per 100,000, 16% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, West Union receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: West Union vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 626.6/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,281.5/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
West Union has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches. The area receives 41.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,160 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,160 ft (354 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 870/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9589°N, 91.8130°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fayette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.5"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
506 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 471 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
98 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
34 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
72 km |
2 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
26 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
West Union has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in West Union. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $702 |
| Toddler | $604 |
| Preschool | $604 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $461 |
| Toddler | $453 |
| Preschool | $453 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About West Union
What is the population of West Union?
West Union has a population of 2,393 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 870 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
Is West Union expensive to live in?
West Union is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $50,909, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $133,200 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $925 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is West Union safe?
Public safety is a concern in West Union, with a violent crime rate of 627 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,281 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, West Union receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in West Union?
West Union has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.5 inches, with 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in West Union?
The job market in West Union is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $939. There are 680 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Union?
The median home value in West Union is $133,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $137,495. For renters, the median monthly rent is $925. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,224.
How are the schools in West Union?
Schools in West Union score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.9% of adults in West Union hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Union?
The obesity rate in West Union is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 28.5% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,210.
What is transportation like in West Union?
The average commute in West Union is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Union?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Union is 96.2% White. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
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