Median Income
$46,279
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$200,000
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.4%
16% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$793
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.6%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.7%
70% lower than US avg
How Watkins Glen Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,712
Median Age50.8 yrs
Density1,097/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,279
Per Capita$39,140
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty3.7%
County GDP$709M
Commute19 min
Housing
A
Home Value$200,000
Rent$793
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$220,315
Health
Obesity31.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F
AQI36 (Good)
Rain38.9 in/yr
Elevation455 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.4%
High School+89.3%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 40%
Commute19 min
EV Stations7
Libraries3
Is Watkins Glen a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Watkins Glen receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Watkins Glen offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Watkins Glen is $46,279, 38% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Watkins Glen is $200,000, 29% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $793 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
28.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Watkins Glen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Watkins Glen has a population of 1,712 with a density of 1,097 people per square mile. The median age is 50.8 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (90.4%), with 2.2% Black.
Population
50.8yrs
Median Age
31% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Watkins Glen vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 94.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Spanish | 5.3% |
| 60% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Watkins Glen vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Watkins Glen is $46,279, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes.
Income: Watkins Glen vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,279 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,140 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $988 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,315 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.7% |
| 70% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 473 |
| County GDP | $709M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 79 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 58 |
| Manufacturing | 35 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,056 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.5 min |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Watkins Glen is $200,000, 29% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $793 (32% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,315.
Home Values
| Census Median | $200,000 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $220,315 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $793 |
| 32% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,056 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.53% |
In Watkins Glen, 31.6% of adults are obese (below the 32.1% national rate). 23.0% report depression. 25.7% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Watkins Glen vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.6% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,969/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Crime Rates: Watkins Glen vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
Safety Score
Watkins Glen has an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation is 38.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 38.9 inches |
| 2% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 455 ft (139 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,097/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3805°N, 76.8670°W |
| County FIPS | 36097 |