West Union, Iowa Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

West Union, Iowa is located in Fayette County, in the northeastern corner of the state. It is a small city, with a population of just over 2,000 people. The terrain is mostly flat, with gently rolling hills and valleys. The climate is generally mild, with hot summers and cold winters.

The history of West Union dates back to the 1820s when settlers first arrived in the area. Since then it has grown into an important agricultural hub for the region. Corn and soybeans are two of the main crops grown here.

Politics in West Union are largely conservative, as most residents lean Republican. There is a strong sense of community among its citizens and they take pride in their small town values and way of life.

The economy of West Union relies heavily on agriculture and tourism due to its location near many popular attractions such as Lake Delhi and Yellow River State Forest. There are also several businesses that provide goods and services to local residents such as grocery stores, restaurants, hardware stores, and auto repair shops.

Schools in West Union include two elementary schools (West Union Elementary School & South Fayette Elementary School), a middle school (Fayette Middle School), an alternative high school (Fayette Alternative High School) as well as Upper Iowa University-Fayette Campus which provides higher education opportunities for adults in the area.

As far as landmarks go there are several historic sites located within the city limits including an old mill built by one of the earliest settlers to arrive in West Union which still stands today. Another landmark is a large granite monument located at City Hall which commemorates those who served in World War I & II from Fayette County.

Population: 2,549. Estimated population in July 2024: 2,485 (-2.5% change)
Males: 1,242 (48.7%), Females: 1,307 (51.3%)

Fayette County

Zip code: 52175

Demographics

Median resident age: 40.4 years
Median household income: $34,515
Median house value: $67,500

Population by Race

Races in West Union:

• White Non-Hispanic (96.7%)
• Hispanic (1.4%)
• Two or more races (1.2%)
• American Indian (0.5%)

Ancestries: German (49.8%), Norwegian (17.9%), Irish (13.4%), English (6.8%), United States (4.8%), Swiss (2.7%).

Elevation: 1197 feet

Land area: 2.7 square miles

Population by Education

West Union, Iowa is a small town located in Fayette County, Iowa. It has a population of approximately 1,500 people. The population is mainly composed of Caucasians and Native Americans with a few African Americans and Hispanics. Most of the people living in West Union are employed in the agricultural industry. There are also many small businesses located in the town that provide essential services to the community. The majority of households have an average income of around $45,000 per year. Education levels vary from elementary school to college with several vocational schools located nearby for those interested in furthering their education. The town has several churches that provide spiritual guidance to its residents and there are numerous recreational activities available for families to enjoy such as fishing, hunting, camping, and cycling. The people of West Union take pride in their community and work hard to keep it safe and prosperous for everyone who lives there.

For population 25 years and over in West Union

• High school or higher: 86.9%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.9%
• Graduate or professional degree: 4.8%
• Unemployed: 2.2%
• Mean travel time to work: 15.3 minutes

For population 15 years and over in West Union city

• Never married: 22.2%
• Now married: 53.5%
• Separated: 0.7%
• Widowed: 12.9%
• Divorced: 10.7%

1.4% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +36 (+1.4%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in West Union:

• PALMER LUTHERAN HEALTH CENTER (112 JEFFERSON STREET)

Other hospitals/medical centers near West Union:

• MERCY HOSPITAL (about 21 miles; OELWEIN, IA)
• MERCY HOSPITAL OF FRANCISCAN SISTERS (about 21 miles; OELWEIN, IA)
• COMMUNITY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 23 miles; SUMNER, IA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to West Union:

• WATERLOO MUNI (about 50 miles; WATERLOO, IA; Abbreviation: ALO)
• LA CROSSE MUNI (about 74 miles; LA CROSSE, WI; Abbreviation: LSE)
• THE EASTERN IOWA (about 75 miles; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Abbreviation: CID)

Other public-use airports nearest to West Union:

• GEORGE L SCOTT MUNI (about 3 miles; WEST UNION, IA; Abbreviation: 3Y2)
• DALE DELIGHT (about 17 miles; POSTVILLE, IA; Abbreviation: Y16)
• DECORAH MUNI (about 22 miles; DECORAH, IA; Abbreviation: DEH)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to West Union:

• UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY (about 9 miles; FAYETTE, IA; Full-time enrollment: 3,173)
• NORTHEAST IOWA COMMUNITY COLLEGE-CALMAR (about 18 miles; CALMAR, IA; Full-time enrollment: 2,393)
• LUTHER COLLEGE (about 27 miles; DECORAH, IA; Full-time enrollment: 2,566)
• KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 47 miles; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Full-time enrollment: 7,991)
• UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA (about 49 miles; CEDAR FALLS, IA; Full-time enrollment: 12,524)
• HAWKEYE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 51 miles; WATERLOO, IA; Full-time enrollment: 3,292)
• UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE (about 71 miles; LA CROSSE, WI; Full-time enrollment: 8,669)

Schools

Public high school in West Union:

• NORTH FAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 321; Location: 600 N PINE ST; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in West Union:

• WEST UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 255; Location: 400 NORTH PINE; Grades: KG – 05)
• NORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 242; Location: 105 E MAIN; Grades: 06 – 08)

Libraries

Library in West Union:

• WEST UNION COMMUNITY LIBRARY (Operating income: $95,213; Location: 210 NORTH VINE; 22,489 books; 468 audio materials; 866 video materials; 68 serial subscriptions)