Wataga, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
710
-9.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,917/yr
9.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
357
0.8% year-over-year change

Wataga population

How many people live in Wataga

Wataga is home to 710 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.9% of Wataga locals are male, and 45.1% are female.

Total population
710
-9.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.9%
390
Female
45.1%
320
Value Percent YoY change
Male 390 54.9% -4.2%
Female 320 45.1% -14.7%
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 Wataga is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.1% are children under 15, then 7.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 36.2% of the population, while another 17.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.1%
15 to 24
7.9%
25 to 44
36.2%
45 to 64
17.5%
Over 65
15.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 164 23.1% -17.2%
15 to 24 56 7.9% -26.3%
25 to 44 257 36.2% -2.6%
45 to 64 124 17.5% -10.1%
Over 65 109 15.4% 2.8%
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 Wataga, 99.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 89.7% of locals are Caucasian, 1.6% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 706 99.4% -9.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4 0.6% -20.0%
Racial breakdown
White
89.7%
Black or African American
1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 637 89.7%
Black or African American 11 1.6%
Asian 1 0.1%
Two or more races 57 8%
Other 4 0.6%

Households in Wataga

A peek inside Wataga households

Wataga has 327 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66.7% are families, while the remaining 33.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
327
-2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
109
Family households
218
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 109 33.3% 2.8%
Family households 218 66.7% -4.4%
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 Wataga

The housing landscape of Wataga

Wataga's housing consists of 357 units, with 81.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
357
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 290 81.2%
2 units 3 0.8%
3 or 4 units 58 16.2%
10 to 19 units 6 1.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wataga

In Wataga, the median construction year is 1971. About 31.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 112 31.4% 19.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 7 2% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 25 7% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 20 5.6% 25.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 114 31.9% -1.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 61 17.1% 7.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 11 3.1% -45.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4 1.1% -71.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3 0.8% -40.0%
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.

Wataga occupancy rates

Out of the 327 occupied housing units in Wataga, 74.3% are owner-occupied, while 25.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
327
-2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
84
Owner occupied
243
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 84 25.7% -9.7%
Owner occupied 243 74.3% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
8.4%
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.

Wataga housing costs

Housing costs in Wataga come to a median of $764 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $636.

Median housing costs per month
$764/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 Wataga
$636/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 Wataga

Wataga education at a glance

About 37.5% of the population in Wataga went to high school, while 33.5% pursued college studies. Another 15.4% earned an associate degree and 10.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6 1.1% -53.9%
High school diploma 204 37.5% -8.9%
College diploma 182 33.5% 4.0%
Associate degree 84 15.4% -9.7%
Bachelor's degree 56 10.3% -1.8%
Graduate degree 12 2.2% 50.0%
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 Wataga

How much people earn in Wataga

The average annual household income in Wataga was $75,837 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,917, reflecting a +9.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wataga
$75,837/year
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wataga
$62,917/year
9.4% year-over-year change

Wataga income by age

In Wataga, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,833. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $78,750 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,917, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,750 in earnings. Overall, 90.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,917 49.1%
25 - 44 $82,833 14.2%
45 - 64 $78,750 3.3%
Over 65 $38,750 2.0%
Above poverty level
635
Below poverty level
64
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 635 90.8% -4.5%
Below poverty level 64 9.2% -36.0%

Average renter income in Wataga

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Wataga, their median household income was $34,191 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 22.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$34,191
Rent-to-income ratio
22.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Wataga

Workforce and job types in Wataga

The job market in Wataga is powered by 384 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.6% run their own businesses, 74.2% are employed by private companies, and 11.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
384
1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
245
Blue collar
139
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 245 63.8% 3.4%
Blue collar 139 36.2% -2.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.6%
Private companies
74.2%
Governmental workers
11.2%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 29 7.6% -6.5%
Private companies 285 74.2% 3.3%
Governmental workers 43 11.2% -17.3%
Not for profit companies 27 7% 28.6%
Unemployment rate
1.8%
-63.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wataga stands at 1.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Wataga

How people get around in Wataga

Commuting methods vary: 97.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 374 97.4% -0.3%
Ferryboat 2 0.5% 100.0%
Walk 3 0.8% N/A
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 Wataga by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61488 1,084 486 $68,333 $91,378

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FAQs about Wataga demographics 

What is the total population of Wataga?

Wataga has a total population of 710 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 -9.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wataga?

The gender ratio in Wataga is as follows:
  • 54.9% males (390 residents)
  • 45.1% females (320 residents)

What is the median age in Wataga?

The median age in Wataga is 32.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Wataga?

The age distribution in Wataga is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.1% (164 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.9% (56 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 36.2% (257 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.5% (124 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.4% (109 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wataga?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wataga is as follows:
  • White: 89.7% (637 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.6% (11 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (1 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8% (57 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (4 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.4% of the population in Wataga.

How many housing units are there in Wataga?

There are 357 housing units in Wataga, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wataga has a total of 327 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wataga?

Wataga has a median household income of $62,917, representing a +9.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Wataga?

The employment rate is 98.2% in Wataga, with a workforce of 384 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.8% (245 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.2% (139 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.6% (29 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.2% (285 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.2% (43 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (27 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