In 1875, a northerly extension of the Michigan Central Railroad was completed through present-day West Branch.

[7] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.53 square miles (3.96 km2), all land.

The industries in 2020 with the most median earnings for men are Construction ($42,353), Entertainment, Arts, Recreation, Accommodations and Food Services ($42,188), and Manufacturing ($35,677).

The racial makeup of the city was 91% White, 4.68% Asian, 1.56% Hispanic, 1.51% Multiracial, 1.22% African American, .195% other.

[17] They offer many different specialties, such as rehabilitation programs, condition-specific educational sources, and a wound care center.

A couple of the physical therapy treatments offered are post-surgical hip rehabilitation and even a weight management program.

[20] On July 1, 2010, West Branch Regional Medical Center closed its obstetrics ward, no longer serving expectant mothers in the community.

No other units were anticipated to close at the time, and expectant mothers were referred to nearby hospitals in cities like Tawas, Saginaw, Midland, or Bay City for delivery, after consulting with their physician.

Many events are held in the park yearly, including an Easter egg hunt, the Humane Society Mutt March, the Summer Music Series, the Victorian Art Fair, a fishing derby, and duck races, to name a few.

The park has many activities available, including biking, fishing, bird-watching, and many children's activities; the park also has two tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic tables, grills, and two bathroom facilities.

The park also sponsors the Soles for Cardio Run/Walk to promote fun and healthy lifestyles; all proceeds go to health and wellness programs at the medical center and to help maintain the Tolfree Wellness Park.

[23] West Branch also has two bowling alleys, Ogemaw Lanes and Hi-Skore.

West Branch Cinema 3, the local movie theater, is located in the downtown Victorian district.

(Rock Out Against Rape) Battle of the Bands to benefit Grayling's River House shelter, which serves survivors and victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse in Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda, and Roscommon counties.

In February, West Branch is home to the Ogemaw County Winterfest.

The Ogemaw County Fair is held on the third week in August on Rifle River Trail, just 8 miles east of the city.

[24] During the last week of July, West Branch hosts Relay for Life in Irons Park, supporting the fight against breast cancer, raising money for charities, and increasing awareness of breast cancer.