West Burlington city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, West Burlington city, Iowa has a total population of 3,184, the 118th largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $48,289, which is 34% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 23.2%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 34% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%.
West Burlington city Quick Facts
How West Burlington city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
West Burlington city Rankings in Iowa
Explore Iowa Rankings
Other Cities in Des Moines County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington city | 23,800 | $55,274 | 15.9% | $115,800 |
| Mediapolis city | 1,930 | $71,250 | 9.7% | $167,300 |
| Danville city | 966 | $82,917 | 11.3% | $148,600 |
| Middletown city | 319 | $64,167 | 11.4% | $144,300 |
Cities Similar to West Burlington city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postville city | 2,787 | $47,281 | $100,300 | 14.7% | 25.6% |
| Milford city | 3,315 | $60,571 | $211,000 | 24.1% | 5.3% |
| Tama city | 3,079 | $61,944 | $101,200 | 15.5% | 23.5% |
| Onawa city | 2,862 | $54,659 | $125,700 | 16.7% | 16.1% |
| Sibley city | 2,821 | $54,767 | $119,800 | 18.9% | 23.7% |
Population Overview
West Burlington city is a small community located in Iowa, within Des Moines County. The total population is 3,184. It ranks as the 118th most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Burlington city is 35.9 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 38.6 years. 11.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in West Burlington city is $48,289. This is 34% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 39% lower. The poverty rate stands at 23.2%. This is 111% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 1.4%. This is 60% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $126,700. Housing costs are 35% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, West Burlington city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 66.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% lower than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in West Burlington city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 83.1% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 6.1%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (6.1% vs 3.8%).
Education
21.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 29% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for West Burlington city, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,018 Census-designated places in Iowa. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of West Burlington city, Iowa?
West Burlington city, Iowa has a population of 3,184 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Burlington city, IA?
The median household income in West Burlington city is $48,289, which is 39% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in West Burlington city, IA?
The poverty rate in West Burlington city is 23.2%. This means approximately 645 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Burlington city, Iowa?
West Burlington city's population is 83.1% White, 6.1% Black, 4.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Burlington city, IA?
The median home value in West Burlington city is $126,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is West Burlington city, Iowa?
21.9% of adults (25+) in West Burlington city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.