West City, IL
Population 612 · Illinois
About West City, IL
West City is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 612 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,672 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in West City features a median home value of $60,000, which is 76% below the national median of $244,900. This makes West City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $867, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 301 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (162 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (101 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West City shows an unemployment rate of 8.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West City have an average one-way commute time of 18.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.5% of West City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.4% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in West City, IL
Compared to national averages, West City has a median household income of $48,672 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $60,000, which is 76% below the national median. Monthly rent at $867 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, West City's income is 35% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 64% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in West City, IL?
West City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $60,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $867/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,672) that falls below the national average. However, West City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West City has a population of 612 with a median age of 39.7 years. Compare West City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
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Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about West City
What is the population of West City, IL?
The population of West City, IL is 612 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in West City?
The median household income in West City, IL is $48,672 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West City?
The median home value in West City, IL is $60,000, which is 76% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West City?
The median monthly rent in West City, IL is $867, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West City?
The unemployment rate in West City, IL is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West City, IL a good place to live?
West City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 612 and a median age of 39.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West City, IL?
13.5% of residents in West City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in West City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West City, IL: median home value is $60,000 (76% below national), median rent is $867/month, and median household income is $48,672. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in West City?
The poverty rate in West City, IL is 26.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is West City, IL?
West City's population is 3.4% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.