Median Income
$97,386
30% higher than US avg
Home Value
$212,900
24% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
98/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.8%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$897
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.5%
72% lower than US avg
How Waterman Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,419
Median Age35.6 yrs
Density934/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans3.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$97,386
Per Capita$40,005
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty3.5%
County GDP$5,661M
Commute38 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$212,900
Rent$897
Ownership86.1%
Zillow$280,542
Housing Units534
Rent Burden27.2%
Crime
F
Violent98/100K
Property488/100K
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking13.3%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation806 ft (246 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.8%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+6.2%
School Score5.54
Community
2024 VoteR 48% / D 50%
Commute38 min
Broadband96.9%
EV Stations16
Libraries11
Is Waterman a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waterman receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Waterman offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waterman is $97,386, 30% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. Only 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waterman is $212,900, 24% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $897 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Waterman is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 488 per 100,000, 75% below the national average.
Education
25.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Waterman experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Waterman has a population of 1,419 with a density of 934 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 35.6 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly White (83.2%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 2.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.9% of residents, while 7.1% speak Spanish. 3.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.6yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.9%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.1%
47% below US avg
The median household income in Waterman is $97,386, which is 30% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,005. The average weekly wage is $1,094, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,988 business establishments, including 212 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $97,386 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,005 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,094 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,774 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.5% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,988 |
| County GDP | $5,661M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 212 |
| Healthcare | 224 |
| Retail | 253 |
| Manufacturing | 100 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,219 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Waterman is $212,900, 24% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,542, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $897 (23% 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. 86.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 534 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $7,219 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $212,900 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $280,542 |
| Median List Price | $304,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $304,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $161 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.6% |
| Price Drops | 10.0% |
| Inventory | 10 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $897 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.9% |
| Housing Units | 534 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,219 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.39% |
In Waterman, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 20.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,719. The dentist ratio is 1:1,474. 78.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waterman vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.5% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,719 |
| Dentists | 1:1,474 |
| Mental Health | 1:228 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 62.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,708/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 224 |
Waterman has a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 488 per 100,000, 75% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waterman receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waterman vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 97.5/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 487.6/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waterman experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 71°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 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 806 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 806 ft (246 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 934/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7656°N, 88.7631°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | DeKalb County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.4"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 29.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 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 |
36 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
32 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
56 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
78 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
14 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
57 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
33 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
79 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
638 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 122 fatalities, 2,222 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
36 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
45 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
64 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
52 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
78 km |
33 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
6 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
72 km |
8 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
66 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
70 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
75 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
67 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
73 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Waterman has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 21°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Waterman. 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 | $1,268 |
| Toddler | $1,039 |
| Preschool | $1,021 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $836 |
| Toddler | $831 |
| Preschool | $794 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterman
What is the population of Waterman?
Waterman has a population of 1,419 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 934 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Waterman expensive to live in?
Waterman has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $97,386, 30% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $212,900 (24% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $897 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waterman safe?
Waterman is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 488 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Waterman receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waterman?
Waterman has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Waterman?
The job market in Waterman is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,094. There are 1,988 business establishments in the area, including 212 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 38 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waterman?
The median home value in Waterman is $212,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,542. For renters, the median monthly rent is $897. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.1%. The average annual property tax is $7,219.
How are the schools in Waterman?
Schools in Waterman score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.8% of adults in Waterman hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waterman?
The obesity rate in Waterman is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 20.5% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 78.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,719.
What is transportation like in Waterman?
The average commute in Waterman is 38 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waterman?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waterman is 83.2% White, 2.4% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 92.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.1% speak Spanish. 3.1% of the population are military veterans. 8.3% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
