West Union city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, West Union city, Iowa has a total population of 2,393, the 149th largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $50,909, which is 30% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 12.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 30% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
West Union city Quick Facts
How West Union 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 Union city Rankings in Iowa
Explore Iowa Rankings
Other Cities in Fayette County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sumner city | 2,159 | $56,174 | 11.8% | $111,900 |
| Fayette city | 1,242 | $39,297 | 25.1% | $123,300 |
Cities Similar to West Union city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockwell City city | 2,449 | $61,563 | $91,300 | 14.0% | 7.5% |
| New London city | 2,402 | $65,815 | $118,900 | 21.8% | 9.3% |
| Lamoni city | 2,121 | $52,300 | $107,900 | 48.6% | 13.2% |
| Alta city | 2,344 | $66,118 | $125,800 | 20.5% | 7.4% |
| Sumner city | 2,159 | $56,174 | $111,900 | 26.1% | 11.8% |
Population Overview
West Union city is a small community located in Iowa, within Fayette County. The total population is 2,393. It ranks as the 149th most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Union city is 42.0 years. This is 9% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 15.7% 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 Union city is $50,909. This is 30% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 35% lower. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%. This is 16% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 2.5%. This is 30% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $133,200. Housing costs are 32% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, West Union city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 64.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% lower than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
West Union city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.6%. The Black or African American population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 3.8%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.
Education
24.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 19% 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 93.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for West Union 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 Union city, Iowa?
West Union city, Iowa has a population of 2,393 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Union city, IA?
The median household income in West Union city is $50,909, which is 35% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in West Union city, IA?
The poverty rate in West Union city is 12.8%. This means approximately 288 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Union city, Iowa?
West Union city's population is 91.7% White, 0.5% Black, 6.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Union city, IA?
The median home value in West Union city is $133,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is West Union city, Iowa?
24.9% of adults (25+) in West Union city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.