Median Income
$69,911
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$108,300
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.4%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$913
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.4%
8% lower than US avg
How West Union Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population940
Median Age45.1 yrs
Density2,611/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,911
Per Capita$43,108
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty11.4%
County GDP$665M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$108,300
Rent$913
Ownership78.3%
Zillow$112,905
Housing Units440
Rent Burden28.1%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking22.5%
Depression33.0%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain49.1 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation780 ft (238 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.4%
High School+76.4%
Graduate+12.2%
School Score4.98
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 13%
Commute26 min
Broadband82.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is West Union a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Union receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include 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 $69,911, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. 11.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Union is $108,300, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x 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 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
15.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
West Union experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.1 inches, including 23.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
West Union has a population of 940 with a density of 2,611 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (89.3%), with 7.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 23.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.1yrs
Median Age
16% 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 $69,911, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,108. The average weekly wage is $1,284. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 129 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 13.3% of workers work from home.
Income: West Union vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,911 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,108 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,284 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,575 |
| Gini Index | 0.477 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.4% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 129 |
| County GDP | $665M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,500 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.3% |
The median home value in West Union is $108,300, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,905. Monthly rent averages $913 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 440 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $1,500 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $108,300 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $112,905 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $913 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.7% |
| Housing Units | 440 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,500 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.39% |
In West Union, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 38.5% have high blood pressure. 22.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.8% report binge drinking. 33.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 33.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,735. The dentist ratio is 1:7,698. 15.8% 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 | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.5% |
| Asthma | 13.0% |
| COPD | 9.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.5% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.2% |
| Depression | 33.0% |
| Mental Distress | 24.4% |
| Physical Distress | 17.2% |
| Short Sleep | 45.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,735 |
| Dentists | 1:7,698 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,680 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 47.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,796/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 15.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
West Union has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: West Union vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 21 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
West Union experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 73°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 49.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 23.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 780 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 780 ft (238 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,611/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2968°N, 80.7760°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Doddridge County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mid-Ohio Valley Regional (PKB)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.1"
29% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
37 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
79 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
82 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
73 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
64 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
92 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
57 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
128 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
92 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
92 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
54 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
82 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
104 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
44 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
52 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
46 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
71 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
95 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 61 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF3 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2003 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1998 |
EF2 |
76 km |
1 |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1981 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1968 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 1956 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2024 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2023 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2023 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2021 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: AUTHONYS CREEK (782 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
AUTHONYS CREEK |
782 |
90 km |
| 1999 |
SINNET FORK |
681 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
POPLAR RIDGE |
659 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.4 in |
|
West Union has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 31°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (3.0").
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) |
$224 ($134–$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179–$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90–$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716–$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134–$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358–$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90–$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134–$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580–$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358–$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923–$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448–$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475–$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790–$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716–$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179–$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895–$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69–$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24–$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24–$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69–$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58–$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72–$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67–$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074–$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537–$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448–$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179–$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358–$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475–$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90–$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $712 |
| Toddler | $676 |
| Preschool | $694 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $623 |
| Toddler | $536 |
| Preschool | $536 |
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 940 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 2,611 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is West Union expensive to live in?
West Union is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $69,911, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $108,300 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, 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 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in West Union?
West Union has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.1 inches, with 23.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in West Union?
The job market in West Union is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,284. There are 129 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 13.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Union?
The median home value in West Union is $108,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,905. For renters, the median monthly rent is $913. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.3%. The average annual property tax is $1,500.
How are the schools in West Union?
Schools in West Union score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.4% of adults in West Union hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.4% have completed high school. 12.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Union?
The obesity rate in West Union is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.5% of adults are smokers. 33.2% are physically inactive. 33.0% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 15.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,735.
What is transportation like in West Union?
The average commute in West Union is 26 minutes. 79.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Union?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Union is 89.3% White, 7.4% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 23.7% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
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