Median Income
$147,500
96% higher than US avg
Home Value
$245,000
13% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
809/100K
113% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.3%
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.5%
53% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.0%
11% lower than US avg
How Watson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,503
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density1,566/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$147,500
Per Capita$38,269
Unemployment5.5%
Poverty11.0%
County GDP$4,247M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$245,000
Ownership95.1%
Zillow$253,522
Housing Units521
Rent Burden27.6%
Crime
F
Violent809/100K
Property7,748/100K
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking14.9%
Depression30.2%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain59.7 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation64 ft (20 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.3%
High School+88.9%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score5.59
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute32 min
Broadband88.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Watson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Watson receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment. Watson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Watson is $147,500, which is significantly higher than the national average / 96% above $75,149. This places Watson among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 5.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 11.0% 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 $245,000, 13% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 809 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,748 per 100,000, 295% above the national average.
Education
28.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Watson enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 59.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Watson has a population of 1,503 with a density of 1,566 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.9% female and 61.1% male. The city is predominantly White (89.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 7.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.3yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Watson is $147,500, which is 96% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,269. The average weekly wage is $888, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 3,117 business establishments, including 210 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 11.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $147,500 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,269 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $888 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,033 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.5% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.0% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,117 |
| County GDP | $4,247M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 210 |
| Healthcare | 174 |
| Retail | 340 |
| Manufacturing | 53 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,154 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.3% |
The median home value in Watson is $245,000, 13% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,522. Homes sell for 99.2% of their list price. Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 521 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. The average annual property tax is $2,154 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $245,000 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $253,522 |
| Median List Price | $299,800 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $299,800 |
| $/Sq Ft | $177 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.2% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.9% |
| Housing Units | 521 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,154 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.88% |
In Watson, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 30.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,861. The dentist ratio is 1:2,699. 61.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Watson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.3% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 30.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,861 |
| Dentists | 1:2,699 |
| Mental Health | 1:751 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.3% |
| Dental Visits | 63.7% |
| Premature Death | 11,382/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 174 |
Watson has a violent crime rate of 809 per 100,000 residents, 113% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,748 per 100,000, 295% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 31 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 | 809.4/100K |
| 113% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,748.5/100K |
| 295% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 31 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Watson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 306 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 59.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 64 feet.
Temperature
49°F Jan (9°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 65.6°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 64 ft (20 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,566/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.5749°N, 90.9508°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Livingston Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) 58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
59.7"
57% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.30"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0421 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.9 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 94.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 2, 2010.
| Aug 2, 2010 |
16 km ESE of Clinton, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
28 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
23 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
109 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
15 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
235 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
109 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
194 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
299 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
162 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
184 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
138 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
256 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
133 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
282 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
174 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
296 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 3 |
145 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
196 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
183 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
72 km |
| 1988 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
206 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
555 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 772 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 6, 1983 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 1975 |
EF4 |
78 km |
9 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2011 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1992 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| Oct 14, 1984 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1977 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1973 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1972 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jan 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Nov 7, 1957 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,768 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,768 |
83 km |
| 2022 |
HOMOCHITTO BB51 |
4,411 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,022 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
HOMOCHITTO BURN BLOCK 18 |
3,826 |
92 km |
| 2010 |
HOMOCHITTO BURN BLOCK 25 |
3,676 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,666 |
85 km |
| 2022 |
HOMOCHITTO BB24 |
2,458 |
82 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,444 |
100 km |
| 2010 |
HOMOCHITTO BURN BLOCK 48 |
2,394 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
HOMOCHITTO BB28 SUB3 RX |
2,279 |
75 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,229 |
82 km |
| 2022 |
HOMOCHITTO BB25 |
2,183 |
83 km |
| 2010 |
HOMOCHITTO BURN BLOCK 21 |
2,182 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
2,143 |
93 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,111 |
89 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,071 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
HOMOCHITTO BB 21 AND BBHB |
2,021 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
HOMOCHITTO BB26 |
2,008 |
78 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,995 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
HOMOCHITTO BB 46 |
1,925 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
49°F (9°C) |
5.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
53°F (12°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| March |
60°F (16°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
6.3 in |
Wettest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
5.9 in |
Warmest |
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| October |
67°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Driest |
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
5.8 in |
|
Watson has a seasonal temperature swing of 32°F / from 49°F in January to 81°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 63.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.3") and October the driest (3.7").
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) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($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–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
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 |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $664 |
| Preschool | $635 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $606 |
| Toddler | $606 |
| Preschool | $606 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Watson
What is the population of Watson?
Watson has a population of 1,503 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 1,566 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.3 years. The population is 38.9% female and 61.1% male.
Is Watson expensive to live in?
Watson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $147,500, 96% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $245,000 (13% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Watson safe?
Public safety is a concern in Watson, with a violent crime rate of 809 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,748 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 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 49°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 59.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Watson?
The unemployment rate in Watson is 5.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $888. There are 3,117 business establishments in the area, including 210 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 11.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Watson?
The median home value in Watson is $245,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,522. The homeownership rate is 95.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,154.
How are the schools in Watson?
Schools in Watson score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.3% of adults in Watson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Watson?
The obesity rate in Watson is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 30.2% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 61.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,861.
What is transportation like in Watson?
The average commute in Watson is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Watson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Watson is 89.2% White. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.1% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.