Median Income
$57,500
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,700
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
400/100K
5% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.2%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$634
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.8%
5% lower than US avg
How Wataga Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population782
Median Age32.3 yrs
Density942/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,500
Per Capita$30,236
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty11.8%
County GDP$2,048M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,700
Rent$634
Ownership72.2%
Zillow$130,478
Housing Units366
Rent Burden22.8%
Crime
F
Violent400/100K
Property3,282/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking13.8%
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation829 ft (253 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.2%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score5.50
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute22 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations4
Libraries9
Is Wataga a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wataga receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Wataga has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wataga is $57,500, 23% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wataga is $95,700, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $634 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 400 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,282 per 100,000, 67% above the national average.
Education
12.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Wataga experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Wataga has a population of 782 with a density of 942 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 32.3 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (91.8%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.9% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.3yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.9%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.1%
99% below US avg
The median household income in Wataga is $57,500, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,236 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,020 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,500 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,236 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.8% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,020 |
| County GDP | $2,048M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 90 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,739 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 0.8% |
The median home value in Wataga is $95,700, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,478, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $634 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 366 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $5,739 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,700 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $130,478 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $634 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.8% |
| Housing Units | 366 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,739 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.00% |
In Wataga, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,446. The dentist ratio is 1:2,848. 78.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wataga vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,446 |
| Dentists | 1:2,848 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,863 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 66.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,545/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 90 |
Wataga has a violent crime rate of 400 per 100,000 residents, 5% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,282 per 100,000, 67% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wataga receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wataga vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 399.5/100K |
| 5% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,281.8/100K |
| 67% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wataga experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 829 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.0°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 829 ft (253 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 942/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0252°N, 90.2754°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Henry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.4"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
125 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
105 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
685 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 532 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
75 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
87 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
51 km |
2 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
69 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
70 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
69 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Wataga has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Wataga. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $982 |
| Toddler | $888 |
| Preschool | $789 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $608 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wataga
What is the population of Wataga?
Wataga has a population of 782 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 942 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Wataga expensive to live in?
Wataga has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $57,500, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,700 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $634 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wataga safe?
The violent crime rate in Wataga is 400 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,282 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wataga receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wataga?
Wataga has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Wataga?
Wataga has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 1,020 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 0.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wataga?
The median home value in Wataga is $95,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,478. For renters, the median monthly rent is $634. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,739.
How are the schools in Wataga?
Schools in Wataga score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.2% of adults in Wataga hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wataga?
The obesity rate in Wataga is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 23.5% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 78.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,446.
What is transportation like in Wataga?
The average commute in Wataga is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wataga?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wataga is 91.8% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.9% of residents speak only English at home. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
