West Liberty

History

West Liberty, Iowa, is a city in Muscatine County with a population of 3,858 as of the 2020 census. Notably, it was the first town in Iowa to achieve a Hispanic-majority population, with 58.3% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The city is located five miles south of Interstate 80 on Historic Highway 6. ​

Established in 1868 at the junction of two major railroads, West Liberty’s history is deeply connected to the development of the railway system. The city’s economy is bolstered by significant employers such as the West Liberty Community School District and West Liberty Foods, a farmer-owned company recognized as one of the top 50 protein processors in North America. ​

Culturally, West Liberty hosts the annual Muscatine County Fair every July at the Muscatine County Fairgrounds, featuring a variety of events and entertainment. The city also boasts a historic downtown area, with the West Liberty Commercial Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. ​

Education is a priority in West Liberty, with the local school district serving the city and surrounding areas, including Atalissa and Nichols. The district offers a Dual Language Program, reflecting the community’s commitment to bilingual education.