At a Glance
Median Income
$97,386
$40,005 per capita
Home Value
$212,900
Zillow: $299,664
Median Rent
$897/mo
27.2% of income on rent
Bachelor's Degree+
25.8%
92.0% high school+
Unemployment
3.3%
3.5% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
34.7%
13.3% smoking rate
How Waterman Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Waterman's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Waterman a Good Place to Live?
A
4.3 / 5.0 - Great
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Waterman residents earn a median household income of $97,386 , which is 30% above the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $40,005. The unemployment rate stands at 3.3% (8% below the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 1,988 business establishments, including 212 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Waterman is $212,900 , 24% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $299,664. Median rent is $897/month, with 27.2% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 100.0 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1971.
Education
25.8% of adults in Waterman hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(23% below the national average).
92.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.5/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Waterman has an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C).
Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population1,419
Median Age35.6 yrs
Density934/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Foreign Born4.7%
Veterans3.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$97,386
Per Capita$40,005
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty3.5%
County GDP$5,661M
Avg Weekly Wage$1,094
Housing
A+
Home Value$212,900
Rent$897
Ownership86.1%
Zillow$299,664
Housing Units534
Rent Burden27.2%
Health
Obesity34.7%
Diabetes9.1%
Smoking13.3%
Heart Disease4.9%
Premature Death7,708/100K
Climate
Avg Temp48°F
Rain37.4 in/yr
Elevation806 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.8%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+6.2%
School Score5.5/10
Community
2024 VoteR 48% / D 50%
Commute38 min
Broadband96.9%
Internet Speed113 Mbps
EV Stations16
Libraries11
Did You Know?
The median home in Waterman was built in 1971.
The nearest airport is Chicago/Rockford International (34 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.442 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Low" by FEMA.
8.9% of the population has a disability.
Average internet download speed is 113 Mbps.
There are 212 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 14 fatal vehicle crashes.