West Burlington, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, West Burlington, Iowa had a total population of 3,189, the 118th largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $48,542, which is 35% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 23.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 35% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%.
West Burlington Quick Facts
How West Burlington Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,184 | 3,189 | +0.2% |
| Median household income | $48,289 | $48,542 | +0.5% |
| Median home value | $126,700 | $124,000 | -2.1% |
How West Burlington Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
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: 31 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
West Burlington Rankings in Iowa
Explore Iowa Rankings
Other Cities in Des Moines County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 23,728 | $59,000 | 13.2% | $114,300 |
| Mediapolis | 1,928 | $75,543 | 9.7% | $179,700 |
| Danville | 930 | $80,192 | 15.5% | $158,500 |
| Beaverdale | 910 | $57,357 | 27.1% | $170,900 |
| Middletown | 322 | $56,750 | 15.0% | $163,600 |
| Oak Hills | 137 | $250,000+ | 8.8% | $373,900 |
| Yarmouth | 85 | N/A | 0.0% | N/A |
| Kingston | 77 | $73,333 | 0.0% | N/A |
| Sperry | 73 | $67,050 | 0.0% | N/A |
| Augusta | 26 | N/A | 0.0% | N/A |
Cities Similar to West Burlington
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postville | 2,979 | $49,485 | $104,700 | 14.2% | 23.7% |
| Tipton | 3,106 | $61,115 | $165,500 | 20.3% | 12.3% |
| Williamsburg | 3,360 | $58,059 | $204,300 | 40.7% | 5.8% |
| Milford | 3,311 | $63,369 | $218,400 | 21.8% | 8.9% |
| Sibley | 2,803 | $55,070 | $122,000 | 22.9% | 23.5% |
Population Overview
West Burlington is a small community located in Iowa, within Des Moines County. The total population is 3,189. It ranks as the 118th most populous out of 1,017 Census-designated places in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Burlington is 38.0 years. This is 2% lower than the state median of 38.6 years. 12.3% 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 is $48,542. This is 35% lower than the state median of $75,059. It is also 40% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 23.8%. This is 115% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.1%. 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 1.8%. This is 50% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $124,000. Housing costs are 40% lower than the state median of $208,000. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, West Burlington is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 67.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% lower than the state average of 71.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
West Burlington has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.5% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 4.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.9%) is well below the state average of 7.3%.
Education
24.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 21% lower than the state rate of 31.4%. Nationally, 35.7% 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, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,017 Census-designated places in Iowa. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of West Burlington, Iowa?
West Burlington, Iowa has a population of 3,189 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Burlington, IA?
The median household income in West Burlington is $48,542, which is 40% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in West Burlington, IA?
The poverty rate in West Burlington is 23.8%. This means approximately 660 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Burlington, Iowa?
West Burlington's population is 87.5% White, 4.9% Black, 1.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Burlington, IA?
The median home value in West Burlington is $124,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is West Burlington, Iowa?
24.9% of adults (25+) in West Burlington hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.