Living in Watson, Illinois
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Watson · Census data 2020–2024
Watson has 620 residents with a median age of 41.4. The median household income is $74,167 (11% lower than the Illinois median), the median home value is $100,000, the median rent is $742/month.
Watson is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Watson at a glance
- Population
- 620
- Median age
- 41.4State: 39
- Median household income
- $74,167State: $83,390
- Median home value
- $100,000State: $263,300
- Median rent
- $742/moState: $1,274
- Homeowners
- 84%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 14.1%
- Average commute
- 19 min
Is Watson a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 62% lower than the state median; an average commute of 19 minutes; unemployment of 1.4%.
Cons: Median household income 11% lower than the Illinois median; a poverty rate of 14.8%.
The weather is best in May and August to October.
Cost of living in Watson
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Watson the median home value is $100,000, 70% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $742 per month, which is 19.3% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,056 a month in housing costs.
Watson median household income
The median household income in Watson is $74,167 and the income per person is $31,570. 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line (Illinois: 11.8%).
Housing in Watson: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 238
- Owner-occupied
- 84%
- Renter-occupied
- 16%
- Vacant
- 0%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1981
- Average household size
- 2.61
Watson demographics
- Population
- 620
- Median age
- 41.4
- Under 18
- 17.9%
- 65 and older
- 11.6%
- Households
- 238
- Foreign-born
- 1.1%
- Veterans
- 2.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Watson ›
Education in Watson
14.1% of adults 25 and older in Watson have a bachelor's degree or higher (Illinois: 37.8%), and 3% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Watson
- Unemployment rate
- 1.4%State: 5.8%
- Average commute
- 19 minState: 28 min
- Work from home
- 9.1%
- Drive alone
- 74%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 0%
- Homes with broadband
- 90.8%
Watson vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watson | 620 | $74,167 | $100,000 | $742 |
| Mason | 467 | $65,455 | $82,900 | $911 |
| Effingham | 12,342 | $72,377 | $177,500 | $725 |
| Teutopolis | 1,729 | $115,938 | $247,700 | $670 |
| Edgewood | 351 | $47,604 | $85,500 | $591 |
| Altamont | 2,282 | $75,510 | $129,800 | $791 |
| Dieterich | 1,169 | $74,500 | $201,300 | $692 |
| Shumway | 260 | $82,159 | $102,500 | $817 |
| La Clede | 135 | $43,641 | $63,000 | — |
More for people moving to Watson
Watson ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Watson: FAQ
What is the median household income in Watson, IL?
The median household income in Watson is $74,167, 11% lower than the Illinois median of $83,390 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Watson?
The median home value in Watson is $100,000, compared with $263,300 in Illinois.
How much is rent in Watson?
The median gross rent in Watson is $742 per month, about 19.3% of household income.
Is Watson, IL a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 62% lower than the state median; an average commute of 19 minutes; unemployment of 1.4%. Minuses: median household income 11% lower than the Illinois median; a poverty rate of 14.8%.
What is the median age in Watson?
The median age in Watson is 41.4 years (Illinois: 39).
How long is the commute in Watson?
The average commute to work in Watson is 19 minutes; 9.1% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Watson?
The unemployment rate in Watson is 1.4% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Watson?
14.1% of adults in Watson 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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