Home Value
$53,500
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
199/100K
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
57.1%
69% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher 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
Population47
Median Age28.6 yrs
Density115/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans35.0%
Economy
Per Capita$32,177
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$12,640M
Housing
Home Value$53,500
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$376,884
Housing Units33
Rent Burden33.9%
Crime
F
Violent199/100K
Property239/100K
Health
Obesity41.8%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking17.3%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation852 ft (260 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+57.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.24
Community
2024 VoteR 30% / D 68%
Broadband27.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Watkins a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Watkins receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Watkins offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
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%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Watkins is $53,500, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Watkins is below the national average at 199 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 239 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
Education
Watkins is a highly educated community / 57.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Watkins experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Watkins has a population of 47 with a density of 115 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 28.6 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.2% female and 63.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 81% of residents, while 19% speak Spanish. 35.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.6yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.0%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.0%
42% above US avg
Per capita income is $32,177 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,238, 14% lower 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 5,140 business establishments, including 448 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $32,177 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,238 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,456 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,140 |
| County GDP | $12,640M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 448 |
| Healthcare | 493 |
| Retail | 492 |
| Manufacturing | 80 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,982 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 13.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Watkins is $53,500, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $376,884, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 33 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $6,982 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $53,500 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $376,884 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 33 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,982 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 13.05% |
In Watkins, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.0% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:521. The dentist ratio is 1:424. 89.7% 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 | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:521 |
| Dentists | 1:424 |
| Mental Health | 1:209 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 4,821/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 493 |
Watkins has a violent crime rate of 199 per 100,000 residents, 48% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 239 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 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 | 199.1/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 239.0/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Watkins experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 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 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 852 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 852 ft (260 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 115/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.8931°N, 91.9850°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Johnson County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.9"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
645 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 573 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
87 km |
5 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
49 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
23 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
20 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
12 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
29 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Watkins has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.9").
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) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $659 |
| Preschool | $659 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $516 |
| Toddler | $508 |
| Preschool | $508 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Watkins
What is the population of Watkins?
Watkins has a population of 47 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 115 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 36.2% female and 63.8% male.
Is Watkins expensive to live in?
Watkins is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $53,500 (81% below the U.S. median).
Is Watkins safe?
Watkins is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 199 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 239 per 100,000 (below 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 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
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 $1,238. There are 5,140 business establishments in the area, including 448 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Watkins?
The median home value in Watkins is $53,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $376,884. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,982.
How are the schools in Watkins?
Schools in Watkins score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 57.1% of adults in Watkins hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Watkins?
The obesity rate in Watkins is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:521.
What are the demographics of Watkins?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Watkins is 100% White. 81% of residents speak only English at home, while 19% speak Spanish. 35.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
