Median Income
$38,958
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$66,500
76% 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
5.6%
56% higher 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
Unemployment5.6%
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%
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking17.0%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
Rain29.4 in/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
Broadband76.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Watson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Watson receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. 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 $38,958, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 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.
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 has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.4 inches, including 45.5 inches of snow.
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%), with 12.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.4% of residents, while 13.7% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
189
Total Population
2023 Census
44.7yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.4%
6% 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 5.6% (above 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 | 5.6% |
| 56% above 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 |
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. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 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 | 0.0% |
| 100% below 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 45.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,030 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.5°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
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
29.4"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.35"
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 |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Watson has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January 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.
What is the weather like in Watson?
Watson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 29.4 inches, with 45.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Watson?
The unemployment rate in Watson is 5.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 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, 12.7% Asian. 83.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.7% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 19.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.