Median Income
$65,000
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$133,800
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
130/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.1%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$700
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Westside Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population307
Median Age51.8 yrs
Density209/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,000
Per Capita$41,898
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,117M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$133,800
Rent$700
Ownership95.3%
Zillow$215,574
Housing Units160
Rent Burden40.0%
Crime
F
Violent130/100K
Property941/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking16.5%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain33.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,345 ft (410 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.1%
High School+98.8%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.26
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute19 min
Broadband78.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Westside a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Westside receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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. Westside offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Westside is $65,000, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Westside is $133,800, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Westside is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 941 per 100,000, 52% below the national average.
Education
23.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Westside experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.6 inches, including 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Westside has a population of 307 with a density of 209 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 51.8 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.9% female and 51.1% male. The city is predominantly White (89.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.3% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.8yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.3%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
The median household income in Westside is $65,000, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,898. The average weekly wage is $1,021, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 514 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,898 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,021 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,004 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 514 |
| County GDP | $1,117M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Westside is $133,800, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,574, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $700 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 160 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,829. 40.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $133,800 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $215,574 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $700 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.7% |
| Housing Units | 160 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.86% |
In Westside, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,398. The dentist ratio is 1:1,791. 62.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Westside vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,398 |
| Dentists | 1:1,791 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,779 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 68.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,563/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Westside has a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 941 per 100,000, 52% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Westside receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Westside vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 130.2/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 941.1/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Westside experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.6 inches. The area receives 34.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,345 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,345 ft (410 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 209/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0757°N, 95.1014°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crawford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.6"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 23.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
83 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
554 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 16 fatalities, 295 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
77 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
74 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
90 km |
4 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
91 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Westside has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Westside. 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 | $668 |
| Toddler | $576 |
| Preschool | $576 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $451 |
| Toddler | $444 |
| Preschool | $444 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Westside
What is the population of Westside?
Westside has a population of 307 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 209 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
Is Westside expensive to live in?
Westside 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 $65,000, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $133,800 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Westside safe?
Westside is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 941 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Westside receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Westside?
Westside has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.6 inches, with 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Westside?
The job market in Westside is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,021. There are 514 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Westside?
The median home value in Westside is $133,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,574. For renters, the median monthly rent is $700. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 95.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,829.
How are the schools in Westside?
Schools in Westside score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.1% of adults in Westside hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Westside?
The obesity rate in Westside is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 62.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,398.
What is transportation like in Westside?
The average commute in Westside is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Westside?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Westside is 89.6% White. 95.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 99.7% have health insurance coverage.
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