Median Income
$56,875
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$100,000
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
117/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.1%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,313
13% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.8%
61% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.0%
61% higher than US avg
How West Union Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population85
Median Age36.5 yrs
Density193/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans69.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$56,875
Per Capita$27,009
Unemployment5.8%
Poverty20.0%
County GDP$2,860M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$100,000
Rent$1,313
Ownership82.1%
Zillow$266,630
Housing Units37
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent117/100K
Property758/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking19.5%
Depression28.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain24.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,340 ft (408 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.93
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute21 min
Broadband39.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is West Union a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Union receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. 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 $56,875, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 20.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Union is $100,000, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,313 per month. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
West Union is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 117 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 758 per 100,000, 61% below the national average.
Education
5.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.9/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
West Union has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
West Union has a population of 85 with a density of 193 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 36.5 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 69.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.5yrs
Median Age
6% below 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 $56,875, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,009 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,097, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,499 business establishments, including 124 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Union vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,875 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,009 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,097 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,113 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.8% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.0% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,499 |
| County GDP | $2,860M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 124 |
| Healthcare | 155 |
| Retail | 216 |
| Manufacturing | 87 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,084 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.1% |
The median home value in West Union is $100,000, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $266,630, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,313 (13% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 37 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. The average annual property tax is $5,084 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $100,000 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $266,630 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,313 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.9% |
| Housing Units | 37 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,084 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.08% |
In West Union, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 27.9% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 25.6% are physically inactive. 28.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:892. The dentist ratio is 1:1,322. 74.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West Union vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.9% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 28.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:892 |
| Dentists | 1:1,322 |
| Mental Health | 1:408 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.6% |
| Dental Visits | 57.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,113/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 155 |
West Union has a violent crime rate of 117 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 758 per 100,000, 61% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 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 | 116.6/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 757.6/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 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 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 276 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 24.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,340 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.5°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,340 ft (408 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 193/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.8044°N, 95.0825°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Douglas County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.1"
37% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
95 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
41 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
439 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 167 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
70 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
67 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
66 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
74 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
97 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
64 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
70 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
88 km |
| 1998 |
WEST SKUNK |
1,129 |
69 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 |
1,073 |
65 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,062 |
96 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
1,025 |
93 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
99 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
86 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
889 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
886 |
87 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
880 |
50 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
874 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
West Union has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 11°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (0.7").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
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 85 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 193 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.5 years, which is younger 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 has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $56,875, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $100,000 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,313 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is West Union safe?
West Union is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 117 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 758 per 100,000 (below 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 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in West Union?
The unemployment rate in West Union is 5.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,097. There are 1,499 business establishments in the area, including 124 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 11.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Union?
The median home value in West Union is $100,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $266,630. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,313. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.1%. The average annual property tax is $5,084.
How are the schools in West Union?
Schools in West Union score 6.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.1% 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. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Union?
The obesity rate in West Union is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 25.6% are physically inactive. 28.7% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 74.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:892.
What is transportation like in West Union?
The average commute in West Union is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Union?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Union is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 69.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
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