Median Income
$68,625
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,900
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
412/100K
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.1%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$750
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.7%
35% higher than US avg
How Watson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population616
Median Age41.4 yrs
Density565/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans3.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$68,625
Per Capita$26,141
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty16.7%
County GDP$3,084M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,900
Rent$750
Ownership82.3%
Zillow$160,759
Housing Units265
Rent Burden16.4%
Crime
F
Violent412/100K
Property3,241/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking16.9%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain44.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation556 ft (169 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.1%
High School+89.5%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute17 min
Broadband86.6%
EV Stations5
Libraries3
Is Watson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Watson receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Watson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Watson is $68,625, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. The poverty rate of 16.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Watson is $93,900, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 412 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,241 per 100,000, 65% above the national average.
Education
12.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Watson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.0 inches, including 14.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Watson has a population of 616 with a density of 565 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 41.4 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (98.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 7.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.4yrs
Median Age
6% 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 $68,625, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,141 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,020, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,237 business establishments, including 125 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 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 | $68,625 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,141 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,020 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,897 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.7% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,237 |
| County GDP | $3,084M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 125 |
| Healthcare | 159 |
| Retail | 195 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,557 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Watson is $93,900, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,759, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $750 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 265 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $6,557 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 16.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,900 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,759 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $750 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.7% |
| Housing Units | 265 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,557 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.98% |
In Watson, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.7% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,275. The dentist ratio is 1:563. 58.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Watson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,275 |
| Dentists | 1:563 |
| Mental Health | 1:386 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,573/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 159 |
Watson has a violent crime rate of 412 per 100,000 residents, 8% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,241 per 100,000, 65% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Watson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Watson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 412.1/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,241.1/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Watson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 293 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 44.0 inches. The area receives 14.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 556 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.4°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 556 ft (169 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 565/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.0261°N, 88.5686°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Effingham County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (LWV)
55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.0"
16% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively 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 Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
55 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
87 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
88 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
134 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
88 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
88 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
75 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
88 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
86 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
56 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
90 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
65 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
89 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
43 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
40 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
83 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
112 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
501 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 23 fatalities, 545 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
46 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
46 km |
6 |
| Jul 28, 1976 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Apr 1, 1974 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1961 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Watson has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.1").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $655 |
| Toddler | $611 |
| Preschool | $541 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $570 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $542 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Watson
What is the population of Watson?
Watson has a population of 616 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 565 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Watson expensive to live in?
Watson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $68,625, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,900 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Watson safe?
The violent crime rate in Watson is 412 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 3,241 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 has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.0 inches, with 14.6 inches of snow. 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 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,020. There are 1,237 business establishments in the area, including 125 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Watson?
The median home value in Watson is $93,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,759. For renters, the median monthly rent is $750. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,557.
How are the schools in Watson?
Schools in Watson score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.1% of adults in Watson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Watson?
The obesity rate in Watson is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 58.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,275.
What is transportation like in Watson?
The average commute in Watson is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Watson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Watson is 98.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.1% of the population are military veterans. 7.8% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
