Median Income
$35,417
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$35,400
87% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
333/100K
12% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.6%
83% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
1% higher than US avg
How Watson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population190
Median Age56.8 yrs
Density950/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans1.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$35,417
Per Capita$29,919
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty12.5%
County GDP$724M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$35,400
Ownership91.4%
Zillow$107,635
Housing Units104
Rent Burden14.5%
Crime
F
Violent333/100K
Property2,244/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured14.5%
Smoking20.0%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain54.6 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation150 ft (46 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.6%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+6.3%
School Score3.96
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute32 min
Broadband93.0%
Libraries2
Is Watson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Watson receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Watson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Watson is $35,417, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. 12.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Watson is $35,400, 87% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Watson is below the national average at 333 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,244 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
5.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Watson enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 54.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Watson has a population of 190 with a density of 950 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 56.8 years, 46% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (87.9%), with 12.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 1.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.8yrs
Median Age
46% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Watson is $35,417, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,919 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $911, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 433 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 1.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,417 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,919 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $911 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,214 |
| Gini Index | 0.455 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 433 |
| County GDP | $724M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 51 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,092 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 95.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.3% |
The median home value in Watson is $35,400, 87% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $107,635, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 104 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $2,092 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 14.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $35,400 |
| 87% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $107,635 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.6% |
| Housing Units | 104 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,092 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.91% |
In Watson, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 41.3% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.6% report binge drinking. 37.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 14.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,218. The dentist ratio is 1:3,590. 60.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Watson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.3% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.9% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.9% |
| Short Sleep | 41.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.8% |
| Uninsured | 14.5% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,218 |
| Dentists | 1:3,590 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,497 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 43.8% |
| Premature Death | 15,390/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Watson has a violent crime rate of 333 per 100,000 residents, 12% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,244 per 100,000, 15% above the U.S. average. Overall, Watson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Watson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 333.3/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,244.4/100K |
| 15% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Watson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 304 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 54.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 150 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (6°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.9°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 150 ft (46 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 950/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.8938°N, 91.2571°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Desha County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pinebluff Regional/Grider Field (PBF)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.6"
44% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 53.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on Jan 8, 2019.
| Jan 8, 2019 |
8 km WNW of Hollandale, Mississippi |
M3.7 |
83 km |
| Aug 11, 1996 |
9 km WSW of Shaw, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
50 km |
| Oct 26, 2002 |
3 km SE of Alligator, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
55 km |
| May 16, 2007 |
5 km SW of Calion, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Jan 9, 1997 |
6 km E of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
8 km ESE of Darling, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Feb 25, 1999 |
10 km NE of Oakland, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Feb 11, 1991 |
10 km SSW of Clarksdale, Mississippi |
M2.7 |
65 km |
| Oct 18, 2009 |
9 km SE of Redfield, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
96 km |
| Apr 11, 1996 |
9 km ENE of Biscoe, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
107 km |
| Jan 12, 2017 |
9 km E of Leola, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
118 km |
| Oct 20, 1999 |
8 km NE of Clarendon, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
96 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Laura (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 2 |
272 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 1 |
281 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
437 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 47 fatalities, 622 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1978 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
89 km |
7 |
| Apr 3, 1968 |
EF4 |
55 km |
5 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1983 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1983 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1976 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1972 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1972 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
68 km |
3 |
| Feb 9, 1965 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1965 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,134 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,134 |
94 km |
| 2012 |
LACEY |
1,439 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
DREW |
1,283 |
62 km |
| 2013 |
SINGLETON CREEK |
1,124 |
96 km |
| 2013 |
FOUNTAIN HILL |
655 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (6°C) |
4.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
5.4 in |
|
Watson has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 42°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.9 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.4") and August the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Watson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$217 ($130–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$304 ($174–$478) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$304) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,912 ($695–$4,345) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$217 ($130–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($43–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$521 ($348–$869) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$304) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$130) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($43–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($130–$695) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,083 ($3,476–$10,428) |
| Roof Repair |
$869 ($348–$1,738) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,821 ($4,780–$13,035) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,304 ($435–$3,042) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,035 ($4,345–$26,070) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,345 ($1,738–$8,690) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,304 ($695–$2,607) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$869) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,173 ($869–$4,345) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$130 ($65–$217) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$56) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($43–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.56 ($2.61–$4.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.04 ($2.17–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.30 ($2.17–$4.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.91 ($2.61–$5.65) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.78 ($3.48–$6.52) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.56) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$217) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$130) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$56 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($43–$130) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,738 ($1,043–$3,042) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.95–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$217) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,043 ($521–$2,173) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$869 ($435–$1,738) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$608) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$43 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$869 ($348–$2,173) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,863 ($4,345–$26,070) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($43–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Watson
What is the population of Watson?
Watson has a population of 190 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 950 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Watson expensive to live in?
Watson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $35,417, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $35,400 (87% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Watson safe?
Watson is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 333 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,244 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Watson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Watson?
Watson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 54.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Watson?
The job market in Watson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $911. There are 433 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 1.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Watson?
The median home value in Watson is $35,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $107,635. The homeownership rate is 91.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,092.
How are the schools in Watson?
Schools in Watson have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 5.6% of adults in Watson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Watson?
The obesity rate in Watson is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 37.9% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 14.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 60.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,218.
What is transportation like in Watson?
The average commute in Watson is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 95% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Watson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Watson is 87.9% White, 12.1% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 1.2% of the population are military veterans. 20.2% of residents have a disability. 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
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