Median Income
$38,958
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$66,500
76% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
212/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.8%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$706
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.3%
25% lower than US avg
How Watson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population189
Median Age44.7 yrs
Density1,050/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans9.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$38,958
Per Capita$27,331
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty9.3%
County GDP$774M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$66,500
Rent$706
Ownership71.1%
Zillow$205,184
Housing Units102
Rent Burden25.6%
Crime
F
Violent212/100K
Property3,013/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking17.0%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain27.4 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,030 ft (314 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.8%
High School+77.4%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute17 min
Broadband97.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Watson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Watson receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include 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 $38,958, 48% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Watson is $66,500, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $706 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Watson is below the national average at 212 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,013 per 100,000, 54% above the national average.
Education
8.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Watson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.4 inches, including 51.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Watson has a population of 189 with a density of 1,050 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 44.7 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (83.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.3% of residents, while 13.7% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.7yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.3%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.7%
2% above US avg
The median household income in Watson is $38,958, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,331 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,018, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 425 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 18.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,958 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,331 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,018 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,084 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.3% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 425 |
| County GDP | $774M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,463 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 18.3% |
The median home value in Watson is $66,500, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,184, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $706 (39% 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. 71.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 102 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1946. The average annual property tax is $3,463. 25.6% 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 | $66,500 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $205,184 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $706 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.9% |
| Housing Units | 102 |
| Median Year Built | 1946 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,463 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.21% |
In Watson, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.3% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,030. The dentist ratio is 1:2,047. 56.9% 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 | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 29.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,030 |
| Dentists | 1:2,047 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,107 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 67.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,322/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Watson has a violent crime rate of 212 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,013 per 100,000, 54% 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 | 212.4/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,012.8/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Watson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 276 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 27.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 51.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,030 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,030 ft (314 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,050/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.0101°N, 95.7998°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Chippewa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.4"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.50"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.8 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
83 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
63 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
442 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 238 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
94 km |
9 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
16 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2009 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2001 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
41 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
22 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
46 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
50 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
51 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
51 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
47 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
47 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
50 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
47 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
51 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
47 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
48 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
59 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
52 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
47 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
ASHLEY N |
588 |
93 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
52 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Watson has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 14°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.7").
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) |
$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 | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Watson
What is the population of Watson?
Watson has a population of 189 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,050 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Watson expensive to live in?
Watson 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 $38,958, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $66,500 (76% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $706 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, 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 212 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,013 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 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.4 inches, with 51.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Watson?
Watson has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,018. There are 425 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 18.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Watson?
The median home value in Watson is $66,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,184. For renters, the median monthly rent is $706. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,463.
How are the schools in Watson?
Schools in Watson score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.8% of adults in Watson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.4% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Watson?
The obesity rate in Watson is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 56.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,030.
What is transportation like in Watson?
The average commute in Watson is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 18.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Watson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Watson is 83.1% White. 86.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.7% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 18.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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