Median Income
$72,969
3% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
248/100K
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.2%
88% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
19% lower than US avg
How West Union Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population164
Median Age61.2 yrs
Density91/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,969
Per Capita$37,234
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty10.0%
County GDP$715M
Commute21 min
Housing
Ownership76.5%
Zillow$149,336
Housing Units115
Rent Burden30.1%
Crime
F
Violent248/100K
Property1,973/100K
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking13.3%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain46.3 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation475 ft (145 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.2%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score5.50
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute21 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is West Union a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Union receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. West Union has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Union is $72,969, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 10.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in West Union is below the national average at 248 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,973 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
4.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
West Union experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.3 inches, including 11.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
West Union has a population of 164 with a density of 91 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 61.2 years, 57% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly White (91.5%), with 8.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 83.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.2yrs
Median Age
57% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Union 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 Union vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Union is $72,969, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,234. The average weekly wage is $877, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 337 business establishments, including 43 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Union vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,969 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,234 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $877 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,251 |
| Gini Index | 0.395 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 337 |
| County GDP | $715M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 43 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,718 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,336. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 115 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,718. 30.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.5% |
| Housing Units | 115 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,718 |
| 6% above US avg |
In West Union, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 19.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.0% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,060. The dentist ratio is 1:5,076. 61.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West Union vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.0% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,060 |
| Dentists | 1:5,076 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,018 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 63.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,615/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
West Union has a violent crime rate of 248 per 100,000 residents, 35% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,973 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 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 | 248.2/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,972.8/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
West Union experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 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 46.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 11.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 475 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.1°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 475 ft (145 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 91/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2137°N, 87.6666°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clark County County |
| Nearest Airport | Terre Haute Regional (HUF)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.3"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| 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)
Earthquake History
49 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
87 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
86 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
135 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
87 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
138 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
76 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
90 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
35 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
87 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
98 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
87 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
136 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
86 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
59 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
109 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
471 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 24 fatalities, 561 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
84 km |
6 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
49 km |
6 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2002 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
88 km |
6 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 1, 1974 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
3.1 in |
|
West Union has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 31°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (2.3").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About West Union
What is the population of West Union?
West Union has a population of 164 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 91 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47% female and 53% male.
Is West Union expensive to live in?
West Union has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $72,969, 3% below the national average of $75,149.
Is West Union safe?
West Union is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 248 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,973 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.3 inches, with 11.6 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 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $877. There are 337 business establishments in the area, including 43 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in West Union?
Schools in West Union score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.2% of adults in West Union hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Union?
The obesity rate in West Union is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 19.0% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 61.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,060.
What is transportation like in West Union?
The average commute in West Union is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Union?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Union is 91.5% White, 8.5% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 83.2% have health insurance coverage.
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