West Burlington, IA
Population 3,184 · Iowa
About West Burlington, IA
West Burlington is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 3,184 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,289 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in West Burlington features a median home value of $126,700, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes West Burlington one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $780, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,357 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (873 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (439 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West Burlington shows an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 23.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West Burlington have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.9% of West Burlington 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 4.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in West Burlington, IA
Compared to national averages, West Burlington has a median household income of $48,289 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $126,700, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $780 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, West Burlington's income is 29% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 4% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in West Burlington, IA?
West Burlington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $126,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $780/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,289) that falls below the national average. However, West Burlington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Burlington has a population of 3,184 with a median age of 35.9 years. Compare West Burlington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near West Burlington
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tipton | 3,111 | $67,625 | $146,000 | Compare |
| Solon | 3,092 | $111,597 | $305,300 | Compare |
| Tama | 3,079 | $61,944 | $101,200 | Compare |
| Garner | 3,062 | $68,964 | $162,100 | Compare |
| Milford | 3,315 | $60,571 | $211,000 | Compare |
| Williamsburg | 3,347 | $65,607 | $194,000 | Compare |
| Robins | 3,349 | $122,500 | $370,500 | Compare |
| Story City | 3,363 | $73,558 | $205,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare West Burlington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Burlington
What is the population of West Burlington, IA?
The population of West Burlington, IA is 3,184 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in West Burlington?
The median household income in West Burlington, IA is $48,289 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Burlington?
The median home value in West Burlington, IA is $126,700, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West Burlington?
The median monthly rent in West Burlington, IA is $780, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Burlington?
The unemployment rate in West Burlington, IA is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is West Burlington, IA a good place to live?
West Burlington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,184 and a median age of 35.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West Burlington, IA?
21.9% of residents in West Burlington 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 Burlington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Burlington, IA: median home value is $126,700 (48% below national), median rent is $780/month, and median household income is $48,289. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in West Burlington?
The poverty rate in West Burlington, IA is 23.2%, 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 Burlington, IA?
West Burlington's population is 4.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 6.1% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.