About
Westwood Hills is a small city in Johnson County, Kansas. It was incorporated in 1949. It offers its residents a rural feel and most of the households own their homes.
The city has 175 homes within its boundaries which extend from Rainbow Boulevard to State Line Road and go north to 48th Terrace and south to 50th Terrace. In 2013, it was designated as one of America’s Historic Districts – an honor recognizing its importance as part of American history.
Westwood Hills offers its citizens a peaceful setting while still allowing them easy access to everything they might need in nearby cities like Leawood or Overland Park. The town has a large number of parks, providing many activities to do within the local area.
Population Data
Westwood Hills is a small town in 2020 with 473 people living within its borders. The median age is 37.7 and the median household income is an impressive 164,167 dollars per annum. Population over the past year has grown 2.16% from 463 to 473 people.
The population density of the city in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area is 6,240 people per square mile.
The majority (88.2%) of Westwood Hills’ population are White Non-Hispanic, followed by White Hispanics (4.44%). Two+ Non-Hispanic makes up 2.75%, Two+ Hispanics 2.54%, and Asian Non-Hispanic 1.06%.
History
Westwood Hills began in 1922 when J.C. Nichols developed and built the area. Twenty years later, the local residents asked the Board of County Commissioners to make it an independent city. Westwood Hills was officially incorporated on July 1, 1949, expanding slightly to include the north side of W. 48th Terrace even though that half-block wasn’t part of the original subdivision built by Nichols.
The architectural patterns and development in this area were compatible with Westwood Hills, making it an integral part of its history.
Economy
Westwood Hills boasts a thriving economy that employs 236 people across the board. Its largest industries are Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Finance & Insurance. Meanwhile, the highest-paying industries are Information ($163,125), Wholesale Trade ($126,250), and Finance & Insurance ($117,500).
From 2019 to 2020, employment in Westwood Hills experienced a slight decline at a rate of −5.98%. Yet strong job groups remain for Management Occupations, Health Diagnosing & Treating Practitioners & Other Technical Occupations as well as Business & Financial Operations Occupations. Westwood Hills offers lucrative long-term career opportunities, making it a desirable location for many.
Health
The city has a high health coverage rate, with 98.3% of its population covered by employee plans (75.1%), Medicaid (1.48%), Medicare (8.46%), non-group plans (13.3%), or military/VA plans (0%).
Between 2019 and 2020 however, the percentage of those uninsured showed an unexpected increase by 30.5%, climbing from 1.3% to 1.69%. This could be attributed to job loss caused by the pandemic as well as a lack of resources for many families throughout the region which has been further exacerbated by crippling economic conditions brought about by the crisis.
Housing
Westwood Hills had a homeownership rate of 92.4% in 2020, down from 94.6% the previous year. The median property value was $449,200, an increase of 6.02% compared to 2019, and it was 1.95x higher than the national average of $229,800.
Westwood Hills has a homeownership rate of 64.4%, similar to the national average, and median property values that are higher than many other cities, making it an attractive place to move to.
Westwood Hills has a high occupancy rate despite the increasing prices, making it a desirable location for settling down or raising a family.
Education
Westwood Hills has a literacy rate of 96.1%, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Its public school system is operated by the Shawnee Mission School District, with Westwood View Elementary, Indian Hills Middle, and Shawnee Mission East High School as its schools.
Westwood Hills public schools provide quality education and a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, art classes, and academic clubs. These activities give students the chance to gain skills and experience new things beyond the school day.
Participating in these activities can enable children to form close connections with others, develop leadership skills, and gain positive life experiences that will remain relevant even after they have left school.
Transport
Westwood Hills residents typically have a commute time of around 20.7 minutes – slightly higher than the national average. Most trips to work are taken alone in personally owned cars, similar to the rest of the United States where two cars per household are usual.
Though commutes take longer than in other places, Westwood Hills has such that driving remains the preferred method of travel for most individuals. With few public transportation choices and few other modes considered viable options, car ownership levels remain in line with the rest of the nation.
Points of Interest
Visiting Westwood Hills can be made enjoyable with the right activities. The Green is a great spot to enjoy nature, with its open space for reflection, relaxation, and contemplation. The City also holds events such as Spring Egg Hunt and Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Hi Hat Coffee provides a selection of coffee and tea options, as well as other hot and cold beverages, while Flying Cow Gelato offers a variety of artisan chocolates and gelato flavors.
Westwood Hills has regular city meetings and events that visitors can attend or participate in through their website calendar. It’s a great way to explore the entire city culture which should not be missed while visiting.
Don’t miss out on shopping and exploring the surrounding suburbs, including Fairway, Leawood, and Prairie Village, which can offer further opportunities, including restaurants, stores, and pubs for a more diversified experience.
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