Watts, Los Angeles, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
30,557
-1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,586/yr
4.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,257
-0.6% year-over-year change

Watts population

How many people live in Watts

Watts is home to 30,557 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Watts locals are male, and 52.3% are female.

Total population
30,557
-1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
14,569
Female
52.3%
15,987
Value Percent YoY change
Male 14,569 47.7% -2.4%
Female 15,987 52.3% -0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Watts is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.8% are children under 15, then 16.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28% of the population, while another 22.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
31
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.8%
15 to 24
16.5%
25 to 44
28%
45 to 64
22.6%
Over 65
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,265 23.8% -4.2%
15 to 24 5,045 16.5% 0.2%
25 to 44 8,569 28% -2.5%
45 to 64 6,907 22.6% -0.0%
Over 65 2,770 9.1% 5.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Watts, 65.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 21.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 7.8% of locals are Caucasian, 17.2% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. Another 2.7% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 44.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 26.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
65.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.9%
Non-citizens
21.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 20,001 65.4% -2.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,933 12.9% 8.4%
Non-citizens 6,623 21.7% -2.2%
Racial breakdown
White
7.8%
Black or African American
17.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.7%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
26.3%
Other
44.4%
Value Percent
White 2,392 7.8%
Black or African American 5,264 17.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 815 2.7%
Asian 452 1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 29 0.1%
Two or more races 8,026 26.3%
Other 13,579 44.4%

Households in Watts

A peek inside Watts households

Watts has 7,925 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 78.7% are families, while the remaining 21.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,925
-1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
1,686
Family households
6,239
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,686 21.3% -3.2%
Family households 6,239 78.7% -0.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Watts

The housing landscape of Watts

Watts's housing consists of 8,257 units, with 56% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 12.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,257
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,624 56%
1 unit, attached 1,037 12.6%
2 units 371 4.5%
3 or 4 units 577 7%
5 to 9 units 600 7.3%
10 to 19 units 316 3.8%
20 to 49 units 155 1.9%
50 or more units 496 6%
Mobile home 76 0.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0%
Homes built since 2020
99
253.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Watts

In Watts, the median construction year is 1956. About 19.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 21.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,636 19.8% -1.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,797 21.8% 3.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,341 16.2% 0.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 685 8.3% -17.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 674 8.2% -4.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 638 7.7% 6.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 563 6.8% -7.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 390 4.7% -16.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 434 5.3% 29.2%
Built in 2020 or later 99 1.2% 253.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Watts occupancy rates

Out of the 7,925 occupied housing units in Watts, 41.2% are owner-occupied, while 58.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,925
-1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,661
Owner occupied
3,263
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,661 58.8% 0.6%
Owner occupied 3,263 41.2% -3.2%
Unoccupied housing units
4.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Watts housing costs

Housing costs in Watts come to a median of $1,630 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,504.

Median housing costs per month
$1,630/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Watts
$1,504/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Watts

Watts education at a glance

About 45.1% of the population in Watts went to high school, while 20.4% pursued college studies. Another 4.9% earned an associate degree and 6.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,651 21.4% 0.9%
High school diploma 9,788 45.1% -2.3%
College diploma 4,438 20.4% 3.4%
Associate degree 1,062 4.9% 1.1%
Bachelor's degree 1,329 6.1% -4.1%
Graduate degree 432 2% -7.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Watts

How much people earn in Watts

The average annual household income in Watts was $75,336 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,586, reflecting a +4.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Watts
$75,336/year
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Watts
$57,586/year
4.7% year-over-year change

Watts income by age

In Watts, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,444. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $65,402 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $75,743, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,706 in earnings. Overall, 76% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $75,743 3.3%
25 - 44 $60,444 7.3%
45 - 64 $65,402 9.5%
Over 65 $38,706 0.9%
Above poverty level
22,772
Below poverty level
7,196
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 22,772 76% -1.5%
Below poverty level 7,196 24% 0.4%

Employment in Watts

Workforce and job types in Watts

62.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 37.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.5% run their own businesses, 70% are employed by private companies, and 14.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
7,851
Blue collar
4,644
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,851 62.8% 0.3%
Blue collar 4,644 37.2% 0.8%
Employer type
Self employees
11.5%
Private companies
70%
Governmental workers
14.5%
Not for profit companies
4.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,436 11.5% 1.1%
Private companies 8,743 70% -2.1%
Governmental workers 1,810 14.5% 11.2%
Not for profit companies 507 4.1% 11.7%

Transportation in Watts

How people get around in Watts

In Watts, the average commute time is 10 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 90% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
10 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,929 90% 0.8%
Taxicab 101 0.9% -12.2%
Bus or trolleybus 674 6.1% -6.8%
Railroad 7 0.1% -36.4%
Motorcycle 9 0.1% -10.0%
Bicycle 31 0.3% -18.4%
Walk 280 2.5% 2.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Watts by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
90002 52,122 13,039 $59,021 $75,123
90059 37,511 10,314 $56,152 $75,575

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FAQs about Watts demographics 

What is the total population of Watts?

Watts has a total population of 30,557 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Watts?

The gender ratio in Watts is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (14,569 residents)
  • 52.3% females (15,987 residents)

What is the median age in Watts?

The median age in Watts is 31.

What is the age distribution of the population in Watts?

The age distribution in Watts is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.8% (7,265 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.5% (5,045 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28% (8,569 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.6% (6,907 residents)
  • Over 65: 9.1% (2,770 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Watts?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Watts is as follows:
  • White: 7.8% (2,392 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.2% (5,264 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.7% (815 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (452 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (29 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 26.3% (8,026 residents)
  • Other: 44.4% (13,579 residents)

What percentage of the population in Watts are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 65.4% of the population in Watts.

How many housing units are there in Watts?

There are 8,257 housing units in Watts, reflecting a -0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Watts and what is the average household size?

Watts has a total of 7,925 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Watts?

Watts has a median household income of $57,586, representing a +4.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Watts?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 62.8% (7,851 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 37.2% (4,644 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.5% (1,436 residents)
  • Private companies: 70% (8,743 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.5% (1,810 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.1% (507 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025