Living in West Branch, Michigan
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of West Branch · Census data 2020–2024
West Branch has 2,225 residents with a median age of 43. The median household income is $41,250 (43% lower than the Michigan median), the median home value is $147,800, the median rent is $842/month.
West Branch at a glance
- Population
- 2,225
- Median age
- 43State: 40.2
- Median household income
- $41,250State: $72,875
- Median home value
- $147,800State: $231,600
- Median rent
- $842/moState: $1,129
- Homeowners
- 41.2%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 21.7%
- Average commute
- 22 min
Is West Branch a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 36% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 43% lower than the Michigan median; unemployment of 7%; a poverty rate of 23.1%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in West Branch
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In West Branch the median home value is $147,800, 56% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $842 per month, which is 32.9% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,030 a month in housing costs.
West Branch median household income
The median household income in West Branch is $41,250 and the income per person is $23,734. 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line (Michigan: 13.2%).
Housing in West Branch: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 1,188
- Owner-occupied
- 41.2%
- Renter-occupied
- 58.8%
- Vacant
- 11.1%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1972
- Average household size
- 1.95
West Branch demographics
- Population
- 2,225
- Median age
- 43
- Under 18
- 20.4%
- 65 and older
- 27.6%
- Households
- 1,056
- Foreign-born
- 4.9%
- Veterans
- 8.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of West Branch ›
Education in West Branch
21.7% of adults 25 and older in West Branch have a bachelor's degree or higher (Michigan: 32.4%), and 6.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in West Branch
- Unemployment rate
- 7%State: 5.7%
- Average commute
- 22 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 2.7%
- Drive alone
- 82%
- Public transit
- 1.5%
- Walk to work
- 4.1%
- Homes with broadband
- 93.9%
West Branch vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Branch | 2,225 | $41,250 | $147,800 | $842 |
| St. Helen | 2,929 | $44,871 | $95,600 | $741 |
| Skidway Lake | 3,008 | $39,265 | $59,100 | $699 |
| Rose City | 575 | $25,179 | $101,700 | $712 |
| Lupton | 206 | $60,208 | $77,500 | — |
| Prescott | 270 | $57,885 | $68,800 | $1,339 |
| Sterling | 448 | $61,563 | $89,200 | $775 |
| Prudenville | 1,350 | $33,635 | $163,300 | $856 |
| Whittemore | 492 | $33,214 | $80,900 | $481 |
More for people moving to West Branch
West Branch ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in West Branch: FAQ
What is the median household income in West Branch, MI?
The median household income in West Branch is $41,250, 43% lower than the Michigan median of $72,875 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in West Branch?
The median home value in West Branch is $147,800, compared with $231,600 in Michigan.
How much is rent in West Branch?
The median gross rent in West Branch is $842 per month, about 32.9% of household income.
Is West Branch, MI a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 36% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes. Minuses: median household income 43% lower than the Michigan median; unemployment of 7%; a poverty rate of 23.1%.
What is the median age in West Branch?
The median age in West Branch is 43 years (Michigan: 40.2).
How long is the commute in West Branch?
The average commute to work in West Branch is 22 minutes; 2.7% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in West Branch?
The unemployment rate in West Branch is 7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is West Branch?
21.7% of adults in West Branch have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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