Median Income
$36,042
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$100,000
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
520/100K
37% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.2%
70% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$683
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.0%
178% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.9%
20% higher than US avg
How Watha Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population244
Median Age34.7 yrs
Density179/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans11.8%
Economy
C
Median Income$36,042
Per Capita$22,541
Unemployment10.0%
Poverty14.9%
County GDP$2,516M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$100,000
Rent$683
Ownership84.7%
Zillow$212,467
Housing Units88
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent520/100K
Property5,668/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured12.4%
Smoking18.2%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain57.2 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation60 ft (18 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.2%
High School+78.5%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute30 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Watha a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Watha receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Watha has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Watha is $36,042, 52% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.0%, unemployment is notably high. 14.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Watha is $100,000, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 520 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,668 per 100,000, 189% above the national average.
Education
10.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Watha enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 57.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Watha has a population of 244 with a density of 179 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 34.7 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.6% female and 41.4% male. The city is predominantly White (90.6%), with 3.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.4% of residents, while 9.6% speak Spanish. 11.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.7yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.4%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.6%
28% below US avg
The median household income in Watha is $36,042, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,541 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $907, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,964 business establishments, including 127 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 18.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,042 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,541 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $907 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,055 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.0% |
| 178% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.9% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,964 |
| County GDP | $2,516M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 127 |
| Healthcare | 125 |
| Retail | 175 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,052 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 18.7% |
The median home value in Watha is $100,000, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,467, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $683 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 88 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $4,052 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $100,000 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $212,467 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $683 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.3% |
| Housing Units | 88 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,052 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.05% |
In Watha, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 12.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,991. The dentist ratio is 1:2,739. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Watha vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.2% |
| Uninsured | 12.4% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,991 |
| Dentists | 1:2,739 |
| Mental Health | 1:612 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 52.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,267/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 125 |
Watha has a violent crime rate of 520 per 100,000 residents, 37% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,668 per 100,000, 189% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Watha receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Watha vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 519.8/100K |
| 37% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,668.3/100K |
| 189% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Watha enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 301 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 57.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 60 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.0°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 60 ft (18 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 179/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.6512°N, 77.9576°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Pender County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wilmington International (ILM)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.2"
51% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
118 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
25 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
189 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
115 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 3 |
52 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
103 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
124 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
93 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
151 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
238 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
117 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
151 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
148 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
37 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
178 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
37 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
23 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
29 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
229 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
253 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
442 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 57 fatalities, 1,136 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
77 km |
16 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
52 km |
3 |
| Feb 15, 2021 |
EF3 |
97 km |
3 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2006 |
EF3 |
43 km |
8 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
86 km |
12 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
100 km |
2 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1950 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 2018 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (77,768 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
77,768 |
30 km |
| 2011 |
JUNIPER ROAD |
31,511 |
29 km |
| 1994 |
FISH DAY |
21,772 |
90 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,944 |
8 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
5,807 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
CAROLINA BAY |
3,056 |
94 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,970 |
24 km |
| 1992 |
GREAT LAKE |
2,843 |
83 km |
| 2020 |
CRO BRIERY BRANCH C-5/6 RX |
2,783 |
91 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,642 |
54 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,462 |
92 km |
| 2020 |
TRAM ROAD/GRASSY ROAD |
2,076 |
32 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,027 |
90 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,024 |
41 km |
| 2013 |
WOODPECKER FIRE |
2,015 |
86 km |
| 2010 |
BURNCOMP27 |
1,894 |
86 km |
| 2020 |
CRO PETTIFORD CREEK - C-29/30/31 RX |
1,878 |
86 km |
| 2020 |
CRO HUNTERS CREEK C-37 RX |
1,616 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
4.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
7.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
6.4 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Watha has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 43°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 53.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.9") and October the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Watha. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$236 ($141–$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189–$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94–$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754–$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141–$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377–$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94–$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141–$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772–$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377–$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187–$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472–$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715–$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886–$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754–$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189–$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943–$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83–$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36–$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36–$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83–$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77–$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132–$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566–$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472–$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189–$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377–$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715–$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94–$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $864 |
| Toddler | $780 |
| Preschool | $597 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $681 |
| Toddler | $540 |
| Preschool | $513 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Watha
What is the population of Watha?
Watha has a population of 244 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 179 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.6% female and 41.4% male.
Is Watha expensive to live in?
Watha is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $36,042, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $100,000 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Watha safe?
The violent crime rate in Watha is 520 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 5,668 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Watha receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Watha?
Watha enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 57.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Watha?
The job market in Watha faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $907. There are 1,964 business establishments in the area, including 127 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 18.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Watha?
The median home value in Watha is $100,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,467. For renters, the median monthly rent is $683. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,052.
How are the schools in Watha?
Schools in Watha score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.2% of adults in Watha hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.5% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Watha?
The obesity rate in Watha is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 12.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,991.
What is transportation like in Watha?
The average commute in Watha is 30 minutes. 73.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 18.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Watha?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Watha is 90.6% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. 90.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.6% speak Spanish. 11.8% of the population are military veterans. 24.3% of residents have a disability. 85.2% have health insurance coverage.
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