West Union, IA
Population 2,393 · Iowa
About West Union, IA
West Union is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 2,393 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,909 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in West Union features a median home value of $133,200, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes West Union one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $925, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,305 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (714 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (388 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West Union shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West Union have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.9% of West Union residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.9% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in West Union, IA
Compared to national averages, West Union has a median household income of $50,909 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $133,200, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $925 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, West Union's income is 25% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 1% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in West Union, IA?
West Union offers affordable housing with a median home value of $133,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $925/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,909) that falls below the national average. However, West Union’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Union has a population of 2,393 with a median age of 42 years. Compare West Union with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near West Union
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New London | 2,402 | $65,815 | $118,900 | Compare |
| Belle Plaine | 2,412 | $70,517 | $111,600 | Compare |
| Atkins | 2,347 | $115,625 | $302,600 | Compare |
| Alta | 2,344 | $66,118 | $125,800 | Compare |
| Rockwell City | 2,449 | $61,563 | $91,300 | Compare |
| West Branch | 2,526 | $87,891 | $226,700 | Compare |
| Bellevue | 2,256 | $78,792 | $210,500 | Compare |
| Hull | 2,248 | $76,213 | $215,700 | 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 Union With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Union
What is the population of West Union, IA?
The population of West Union, IA is 2,393 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 Union?
The median household income in West Union, IA is $50,909 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Union?
The median home value in West Union, IA is $133,200, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West Union?
The median monthly rent in West Union, IA is $925, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Union?
The unemployment rate in West Union, IA is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is West Union, IA a good place to live?
West Union offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,393 and a median age of 42, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West Union, IA?
24.9% of residents in West Union 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 Union?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Union, IA: median home value is $133,200 (46% below national), median rent is $925/month, and median household income is $50,909. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in West Union?
The poverty rate in West Union, IA is 12.8%, 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 Union, IA?
West Union's population is 2.9% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.