Median Income
$70,182
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$165,000
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
223/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.2%
22% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$866
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How Westby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,380
Median Age40.6 yrs
Density881/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,182
Per Capita$35,449
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$1,540M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$165,000
Rent$866
Ownership78.1%
Zillow$261,767
Housing Units997
Rent Burden21.9%
Crime
F
Violent223/100K
Property1,609/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault223/100K
Burglary179/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking14.9%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain38.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,296 ft (395 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.2%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+9.8%
School Score5.94
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 45%
Commute22 min
Broadband81.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Westby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Westby receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Westby offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Westby is $70,182, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Westby is $165,000, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $866 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Westby is below the national average at 223 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,609 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
26.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Westby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches, including 47.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Westby has a population of 2,380 with a density of 881 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 40.6 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (98.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.6yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Westby is $70,182, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,449. The average weekly wage is $905, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 828 business establishments, including 63 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,182 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,449 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $905 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,201 |
| Gini Index | 0.416 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 828 |
| County GDP | $1,540M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 75 |
| Retail | 79 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,923 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Westby is $165,000, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $261,767, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $866 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 997 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $4,923 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $165,000 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $261,767 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $866 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.9% |
| Housing Units | 997 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,923 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.98% |
In Westby, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 22.6% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:966. The dentist ratio is 1:3,106. 54.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Westby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 29.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:966 |
| Dentists | 1:3,106 |
| Mental Health | 1:577 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 70.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,508/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 75 |
Westby has a violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 223.4 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 1,609 per 100,000, 18% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,385, burglary at 179, vehicle theft at 45 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Westby receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Westby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 223.4/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 223.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,608.6/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
| Burglary | 178.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,385.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 44.7/100K |
| Arson | 44.7/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Westby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches. The area receives 47.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,296 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.7°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,296 ft (395 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 881/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6529°N, 90.8582°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Vernon County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.0"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.0 / 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 Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
301 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 199 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 2012 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG BURN (3,154 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
79 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
90 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
79 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
90 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
79 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
73 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
71 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
77 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
71 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
80 km |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
73 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
79 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Westby has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 15°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Westby. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Westby
What is the population of Westby?
Westby has a population of 2,380 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 881 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.6 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Westby expensive to live in?
Westby is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $70,182, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $165,000 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $866 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Westby safe?
Westby is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,609 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Westby receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Westby?
Westby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.0 inches, with 47.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Westby?
The job market in Westby is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $905. There are 828 business establishments in the area, including 63 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Westby?
The median home value in Westby is $165,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $261,767. For renters, the median monthly rent is $866. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,923.
How are the schools in Westby?
Schools in Westby score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.2% of adults in Westby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 9.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Westby?
The obesity rate in Westby is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 54.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:966.
What is transportation like in Westby?
The average commute in Westby is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Westby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Westby is 98.1% White. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.