Median Income
$57,477
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$130,000
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
363/100K
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$838
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.6%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.0%
11% lower than US avg
How Watervliet Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,879
Median Age29.9 yrs
Density1,592/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans3.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,477
Per Capita$23,076
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty11.0%
County GDP$3,313M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,000
Rent$838
Ownership66.2%
Zillow$217,393
Housing Units714
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent363/100K
Property1,392/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault242/100K
Burglary303/100K
Health
Obesity42.6%
Uninsured10.8%
Smoking21.8%
Depression30.6%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation644 ft (196 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+83.8%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.32
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute20 min
Broadband80.5%
EV Stations5
Libraries11
Is Watervliet a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Watervliet receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Watervliet has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Watervliet is $57,477, 24% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Watervliet is $130,000, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $838 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Watervliet is below the national average at 363 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,392 per 100,000, 29% below the national average.
Education
10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Watervliet experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches, including 77.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Watervliet has a population of 1,879 with a density of 1,592 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 29.9 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.4% female and 42.6% male. The city is predominantly White (87.1%), with 3.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.4% of residents, while 7.6% speak Spanish. 3.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.9yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Watervliet vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.4%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.6%
43% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Watervliet vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Watervliet is $57,477, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,076 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $986, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,643 business establishments, including 164 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Watervliet vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,477 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,076 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $986 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,208 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.0% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,643 |
| County GDP | $3,313M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 164 |
| Healthcare | 123 |
| Retail | 254 |
| Manufacturing | 94 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,255 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Watervliet is $130,000, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $217,393, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $838 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 714 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $6,255 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $130,000 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $217,393 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $838 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.8% |
| Housing Units | 714 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,255 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.81% |
In Watervliet, 42.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 36.6% have high blood pressure. 21.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.5% report binge drinking. 32.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,991. The dentist ratio is 1:2,911. 59.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Watervliet vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.6% |
| Asthma | 12.9% |
| COPD | 11.1% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.8% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.0% |
| Depression | 30.6% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 17.8% |
| Short Sleep | 39.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 10.8% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,991 |
| Dentists | 1:2,911 |
| Mental Health | 1:653 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,267/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 123 |
Watervliet has a violent crime rate of 363 per 100,000 residents, 4% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 242.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 121.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,392 per 100,000, 29% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,029, burglary at 303, vehicle theft at 61 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Watervliet receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Watervliet vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 363.2/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 121.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 242.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,392.3/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
| Burglary | 302.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,029.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 60.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 94 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Watervliet experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches. The area receives 77.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 644 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 644 ft (196 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,592/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1876°N, 86.2586°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Van Buren County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Michigan Regional (BEH)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.2"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very 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: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
69 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
100 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
93 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
320 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 113 fatalities, 1,511 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
52 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
78 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
68 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
5 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
46 km |
5 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
97 km |
10 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2024 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
75 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
47 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Watervliet has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 26°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Watervliet. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $532 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $710 |
| Preschool | $710 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Watervliet
What is the population of Watervliet?
Watervliet has a population of 1,879 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,592 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.4% female and 42.6% male.
Is Watervliet expensive to live in?
Watervliet has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $57,477, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,000 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $838 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Watervliet safe?
Watervliet is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 363 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,392 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Watervliet receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Watervliet?
Watervliet has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.2 inches, with 77.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Watervliet?
Watervliet has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $986. There are 1,643 business establishments in the area, including 164 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Watervliet?
The median home value in Watervliet is $130,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $217,393. For renters, the median monthly rent is $838. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,255.
How are the schools in Watervliet?
Schools in Watervliet score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.4% of adults in Watervliet hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Watervliet?
The obesity rate in Watervliet is 42.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of adults are smokers. 32.0% are physically inactive. 30.6% of residents report depression. 10.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,991.
What is transportation like in Watervliet?
The average commute in Watervliet is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Watervliet?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Watervliet is 87.1% White, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. 92.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.6% speak Spanish. 3.6% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
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