Median Income
$50,875
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$136,800
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.7%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$760
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.7%
70% lower than US avg
How Watkins Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population797
Median Age40.3 yrs
Density1,155/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,875
Per Capita$27,967
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty3.7%
County GDP$1,586M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$136,800
Rent$760
Ownership64.4%
Zillow$304,551
Housing Units396
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking16.0%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain30.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,165 ft (355 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.7%
High School+87.9%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score6.49
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute22 min
Broadband81.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Watkins a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Watkins receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. 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 $50,875, 32% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, 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 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Watkins is $136,800, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $760 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Watkins is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
6.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Watkins has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Watkins has a population of 797 with a density of 1,155 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 40.3 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.1% female and 47.9% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%), with 5.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.5% of residents, while 8.5% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 99.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.3yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.5%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.5%
37% below US avg
The median household income in Watkins is $50,875, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,967 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 708 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,875 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,967 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,478 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.7% |
| 70% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 708 |
| County GDP | $1,586M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 60 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 52 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Watkins is $136,800, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $304,551, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $760 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 396 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $3,973. 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $136,800 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $304,551 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $760 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.6% |
| Housing Units | 396 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,973 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.90% |
In Watkins, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.5% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,948. The dentist ratio is 1:2,350. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Watkins vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.5% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,948 |
| Dentists | 1:2,350 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,175 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,812/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
Watkins has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Watkins vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 24 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 1.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Watkins has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 270 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 30.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,165 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.5°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,165 ft (355 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,155/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3158°N, 94.4120°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Meeker County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.8"
19% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
58 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
442 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 975 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
49 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
28 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
83 km |
5 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CENTER TANK RANGE (6,131 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
54 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
60 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
60 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
59 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
54 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
60 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
59 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
55 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
58 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
58 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
55 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
57 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
58 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
60 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
55 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Watkins has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 11°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.8").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Watkins
What is the population of Watkins?
Watkins has a population of 797 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,155 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.3 years. The population is 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
Is Watkins expensive to live in?
Watkins has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $50,875, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $136,800 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $760 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Watkins safe?
Watkins is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Watkins?
Watkins has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Watkins?
Watkins has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 708 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Watkins?
The median home value in Watkins is $136,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $304,551. For renters, the median monthly rent is $760. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,973.
How are the schools in Watkins?
Schools in Watkins score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.7% of adults in Watkins hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Watkins?
The obesity rate in Watkins is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,948.
What is transportation like in Watkins?
The average commute in Watkins is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Watkins?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Watkins is 94.7% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino. 91.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.5% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 99.2% have health insurance coverage.
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