Median Income
$157,321
109% higher than US avg
Home Value
$725,900
158% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
413/100K
9% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.4%
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
25.6%
20% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Watkins Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,087
Median Age46.1 yrs
Density44/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 68%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$157,321
Per Capita$59,663
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$66,677M
Commute33 min
Housing
A
Home Value$725,900
Ownership99.5%
Zillow$520,442
Housing Units336
Rent Burden32.1%
Crime
F
Violent413/100K
Property2,839/100K
Health
Obesity25.6%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking10.8%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain14.5 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation5,653 ft (1,723 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.4%
High School+89.8%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score6.05
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 59%
Commute33 min
Broadband91.9%
EV Stations91
Libraries16
Is Watkins a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Watkins receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Watkins offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Watkins is $157,321, which is significantly higher than the national average / 109% above $75,149. This places Watkins among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Watkins is $725,900, making it a premium housing market at 158% above the U.S. median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 4.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 413 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,839 per 100,000, 45% above the national average.
Education
29.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Watkins experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 14.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Watkins has a population of 1,087 with a density of 44 people per square mile, spread across 27.1 square miles. The median age is 46.1 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.4% female and 48.6% male. The city is predominantly White (67.9%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 5.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 69.7% of residents, while 30.3% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 70.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.1yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
69.7%
11% below US avg
Spanish
30.3%
126% above US avg
The median household income in Watkins is $157,321, which is 109% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $59,663 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,647, 15% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 26,450 business establishments, including 1,471 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $157,321 |
| 109% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $59,663 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,647 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $105,584 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 26,450 |
| County GDP | $66,677M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,471 |
| Healthcare | 2,590 |
| Retail | 1,839 |
| Manufacturing | 399 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,339 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Watkins is $725,900, 158% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $520,442, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 99.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 336 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2001. The average annual property tax is $5,339 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $725,900 |
| 158% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $520,442 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,083 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,161 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,429 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,861 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,178 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 99.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 99.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.5% |
| Housing Units | 336 |
| Median Year Built | 2001 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,339 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.74% |
In Watkins, 25.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 25.1% have high blood pressure. 10.8% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.0% report binge drinking. 16.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.9% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,206. The dentist ratio is 1:844. 97.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Watkins vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 25.6% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.1% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.8% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.1% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 70.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,206 |
| Dentists | 1:844 |
| Mental Health | 1:199 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.0% |
| Dental Visits | 67.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,895/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 97.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,590 |
Watkins has a violent crime rate of 413 per 100,000 residents, 9% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,839 per 100,000, 45% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 58 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Watkins receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Watkins vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 412.6/100K |
| 9% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,838.6/100K |
| 45% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 58 |
| Traffic Accidents | 205 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Watkins experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 330 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 14.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 5,653 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,653 ft (1,723 m) |
| Area | 27.1 sq mi (70.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 44/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6984°N, 104.5772°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Arapahoe County County |
| Nearest Airport | Denver International (DEN)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.5"
62% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.48"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0500 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 13, 2025.
| Dec 25, 1994 |
9 km NE of Larkspur, Colorado |
M4.0 |
50 km |
| Dec 23, 1995 |
7 km WNW of Rock Creek Park, Colorado |
M3.5 |
111 km |
| Jan 18, 1997 |
8 km SE of Westcreek, Colorado |
M3.3 |
80 km |
| Jun 1, 2014 |
9 km NNW of Kersey, Colorado |
M3.2 |
86 km |
| Jul 22, 2001 |
6 km WNW of Woodland Park, Colorado |
M3.1 |
89 km |
| Sep 12, 1990 |
13 km NW of Silverthorne, Colorado |
M3.0 |
139 km |
| Feb 26, 2008 |
29 km WNW of Westcreek, Colorado |
M2.9 |
90 km |
| Jan 19, 1997 |
8 km SE of Westcreek, Colorado |
M2.9 |
80 km |
| Mar 30, 2019 |
7 km NE of Greeley, Colorado |
M2.9 |
85 km |
| Dec 31, 1995 |
6 km WNW of Rock Creek Park, Colorado |
M2.8 |
113 km |
| Jan 19, 1997 |
8 km SE of Westcreek, Colorado |
M2.7 |
80 km |
| Apr 18, 1998 |
8 km SE of Westcreek, Colorado |
M2.7 |
80 km |
| Jun 13, 2025 |
7 km SE of Erie, Colorado |
M2.7 |
49 km |
| Aug 23, 2016 |
2 km SSE of Eaton, Colorado |
M2.6 |
90 km |
| Jun 23, 2014 |
6 km NNE of Kersey, Colorado |
M2.5 |
83 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
919 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 189 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 2015 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2008 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1990 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1990 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1982 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1979 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1977 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2021 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2016 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2012 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2009 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2004 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2001 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2001 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1996 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HAYMAN (129,417 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
HAYMAN |
129,417 |
81 km |
| 2012 |
WALDO CANYON |
20,112 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
LAST CHANCE |
17,958 |
83 km |
| 2013 |
BLACK FOREST |
11,885 |
73 km |
| 1996 |
BUFFALO CREEK |
11,690 |
68 km |
| 2020 |
CALWOOD |
9,836 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
HIGH MEADOWS |
9,607 |
75 km |
| 2001 |
MVD PSFRXASST 4 |
7,375 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
MARSHALL |
6,286 |
59 km |
| 2010 |
FOURMILE CANYON |
5,865 |
79 km |
| 2002 |
BIG ELK |
4,348 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
BIJOU |
3,485 |
75 km |
| 2012 |
LOWER NORTH FORK FIRE |
3,436 |
59 km |
| 2003 |
OVERLAND |
3,232 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
OLD STAGE |
3,160 |
74 km |
| 2002 |
SCHOONOVER |
2,821 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
SUNDAY FIRE |
2,204 |
52 km |
| 2002 |
SNAKING |
2,080 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
INDIAN GULCH FIRE |
1,640 |
59 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,612 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
Watkins has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 30°F in December to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.5") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Watkins. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$258 ($155–$412) |
| Specialist Visit |
$361 ($206–$567) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$206 ($103–$361) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,268 ($825–$5,155) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($77–$206) |
| Dental Filling |
$258 ($155–$412) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$619 ($412–$1,031) |
| Battery Replacement |
$206 ($103–$361) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$144) |
| HVAC Repair |
$412 ($155–$825) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,217 ($4,124–$12,372) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,031 ($412–$2,062) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,279 ($5,671–$15,465) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,547 ($516–$3,609) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,465 ($5,155–$30,930) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,155 ($2,062–$10,310) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,547 ($825–$3,093) |
| Will Preparation |
$516 ($206–$1,031) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,578 ($1,031–$5,155) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($77–$258) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.23 ($3.09–$5.67) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.61 ($2.58–$5.16) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.92 ($2.58–$5.67) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.64 ($3.09–$6.70) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.67 ($4.12–$7.73) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$144 ($82–$258) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$206 ($77–$516) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,062 ($1,237–$3,609) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.25–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$258) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,237 ($619–$2,578) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,031 ($516–$2,062) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$412 ($206–$722) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,031 ($412–$2,578) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,888 ($5,155–$30,930) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$206) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$206 ($103–$412) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,634 |
| Toddler | $1,409 |
| Preschool | $1,215 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,112 |
| Toddler | $1,036 |
| Preschool | $1,036 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Watkins
What is the population of Watkins?
Watkins has a population of 1,087 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 44 people per square mile, spread across 27.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
Is Watkins expensive to live in?
Watkins has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $157,321, 109% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $725,900 (158% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Watkins safe?
The violent crime rate in Watkins is 413 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 2,839 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Watkins receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Watkins?
Watkins has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 14.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Watkins?
The job market in Watkins is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,647. There are 26,450 business establishments in the area, including 1,471 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Watkins?
The median home value in Watkins is $725,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $520,442. The homeownership rate is 99.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,339.
How are the schools in Watkins?
Schools in Watkins score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.4% of adults in Watkins hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Watkins?
The obesity rate in Watkins is 25.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.8% of adults are smokers. 16.1% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 97.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,206.
What is transportation like in Watkins?
The average commute in Watkins is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Watkins?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Watkins is 67.9% White, 5.3% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 69.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 30.3% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 70.2% have health insurance coverage.
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