Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
West Union is a small city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 2,718 people. At 98%, the majority of the West Union population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 1% Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in West Union will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in West Union is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around West Union, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, health & safety, education, housing and more.
West Union, IA receives 78/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #103 in Iowa and #2,099 in the USA. Compared to the national average, West Union ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that West Union ranks better than 90% of all US cities! For each of the livability categories, we see that West Union ranks very well for crime (A+), education (B) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in West Union. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F) and employment (D).
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In West Union, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 69%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, West Union has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Assuming that West Union meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in West Union. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in West Union are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in West Union come in at $195,316, which is 18.6% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In West Union, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 3.3% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | West Union | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 76.6% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.6% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 7.0% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.8% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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