West Liberty, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,776
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$69,345/yr
4.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,406
2.3% year-over-year change

West Liberty population

How many people live in West Liberty

West Liberty is home to 3,776 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.9% of West Liberty locals are male, and 53.1% are female.

Total population
3,776
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.9%
1,770
Female
53.1%
2,006
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,770 46.9% -5.8%
Female 2,006 53.1% 4.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in West Liberty is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.7% are children under 15, then 12.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.4% of the population, while another 25% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
35
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.7%
15 to 24
12.9%
25 to 44
29.4%
45 to 64
25%
Over 65
11.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 782 20.7% -4.6%
15 to 24 488 12.9% -2.6%
25 to 44 1,111 29.4% -6.2%
45 to 64 945 25% 17.8%
Over 65 450 11.9% -7.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In West Liberty, 70.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 16.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 16.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
70.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
16.7%
Non-citizens
12.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,673 70.8% -2.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 629 16.7% 7.2%
Non-citizens 474 12.6% 2.4%
Racial breakdown
White
54.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
16.3%
Other
26.9%
Value Percent
White 2,070 54.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 75 2%
Two or more races 614 16.3%
Other 1,017 26.9%

Households in West Liberty

A peek inside West Liberty households

West Liberty has 1,360 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 69.7% are families, while the remaining 30.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,360
3.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
412
Family households
948
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 412 30.3% 9.9%
Family households 948 69.7% 0.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in West Liberty

The housing landscape of West Liberty

West Liberty's housing consists of 1,406 units, with 63.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 9.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,406
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 892 63.4%
1 unit, attached 29 2.1%
2 units 171 12.2%
3 or 4 units 63 4.5%
5 to 9 units 86 6.1%
10 to 19 units 12 0.8%
20 to 49 units 24 1.7%
Mobile home 129 9.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Liberty

In West Liberty, the median construction year is 1978. About 21.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 298 21.2% -17.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 57 4% 23.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 116 8.2% 103.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 91 6.5% 31.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 169 12% -14.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 245 17.4% -5.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 249 17.7% 30.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 151 10.7% -7.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 30 2.1% -6.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

West Liberty occupancy rates

Out of the 1,360 occupied housing units in West Liberty, 76.7% are owner-occupied, while 23.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,360
3.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
317
Owner occupied
1,043
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 317 23.3% -13.4%
Owner occupied 1,043 76.7% 9.2%
Unoccupied housing units
3.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

West Liberty housing costs

Housing costs in West Liberty come to a median of $1,059 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,038.

Median housing costs per month
$1,059/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in West Liberty
$1,038/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in West Liberty

West Liberty education at a glance

About 41% of the population in West Liberty went to high school, while 17.3% pursued college studies. Another 11.4% earned an associate degree and 10.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 381 13.8% 22.1%
High school diploma 1,133 41% -14.5%
College diploma 479 17.3% 13.5%
Associate degree 316 11.4% 30.0%
Bachelor's degree 293 10.6% 8.9%
Graduate degree 162 5.9% -4.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in West Liberty

How much people earn in West Liberty

The average annual household income in West Liberty was $78,276 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $69,345, reflecting a +4.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Liberty
$78,276/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Liberty
$69,345/year
4.9% year-over-year change

West Liberty income by age

In West Liberty, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,575. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,611 overall. Overall, 88.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $70,575 8.5%
45 - 64 $68,611 2.3%
Over 65 $64,044 -9.5%
Above poverty level
3,287
Below poverty level
421
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,287 88.6% -3.0%
Below poverty level 421 11.4% 46.2%

Average renter income in West Liberty

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in West Liberty, their median household income was $49,821 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$49,821
Rent-to-income ratio
25%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in West Liberty

Workforce and job types in West Liberty

The job market in West Liberty is powered by 2,229 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 52.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 47.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.8% run their own businesses, 71.2% are employed by private companies, and 15.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,229
10.0% year-over-year change
White collar
1,168
Blue collar
1,061
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,168 52.4% 8.1%
Blue collar 1,061 47.6% 12.2%
Employer type
Self employees
2.8%
Private companies
71.2%
Governmental workers
15.8%
Not for profit companies
10.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 63 2.8% -57.4%
Private companies 1,588 71.2% 8.7%
Governmental workers 351 15.8% 19.4%
Not for profit companies 227 10.2% 83.1%
Unemployment rate
2.0%
-57.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in West Liberty stands at 2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in West Liberty

How people get around in West Liberty

Commuting methods vary: 94.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,047 94.3% 10.9%
Walk 66 3% -12.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in West Liberty by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52776 5,090 1,861 $79,665 $99,680

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FAQs about West Liberty demographics 

What is the total population of West Liberty?

West Liberty has a total population of 3,776 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West Liberty?

The gender ratio in West Liberty is as follows:
  • 46.9% males (1,770 residents)
  • 53.1% females (2,006 residents)

What is the median age in West Liberty?

The median age in West Liberty is 35.

What is the age distribution of the population in West Liberty?

The age distribution in West Liberty is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.7% (782 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.9% (488 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.4% (1,111 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25% (945 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.9% (450 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Liberty?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Liberty is as follows:
  • White: 54.8% (2,070 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2% (75 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.3% (614 residents)
  • Other: 26.9% (1,017 residents)

What percentage of the population in West Liberty are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 70.8% of the population in West Liberty.

How many housing units are there in West Liberty?

There are 1,406 housing units in West Liberty, reflecting a +2.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in West Liberty and what is the average household size?

West Liberty has a total of 1,360 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Liberty?

West Liberty has a median household income of $69,345, representing a +4.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for West Liberty?

The employment rate is 98% in West Liberty, with a workforce of 2,229 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 52.4% (1,168 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 47.6% (1,061 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.8% (63 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.2% (1,588 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.8% (351 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.2% (227 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025