Waterman, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,448
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$100,139/yr
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
509
0.2% year-over-year change

Waterman population

How many people live in Waterman

Waterman is home to 1,448 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.6% of Waterman locals are male, and 53.4% are female.

Total population
1,448
2.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.6%
674
Female
53.4%
774
Value Percent YoY change
Male 674 46.6% 5.8%
Female 774 53.4% -1.0%
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 Waterman is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.1% are children under 15, then 16.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.6% of the population, while another 20.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
31
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.1%
15 to 24
16.9%
25 to 44
29.6%
45 to 64
20.2%
Over 65
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 364 25.1% 14.8%
15 to 24 245 16.9% 3.8%
25 to 44 428 29.6% 6.7%
45 to 64 293 20.2% -18.2%
Over 65 118 8.2% 10.3%
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 Waterman, 98.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 85% of locals are Caucasian, 2.1% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.1%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,430 98.8% 5.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 0.1% -94.3%
Non-citizens 16 1.1% -48.4%
Racial breakdown
White
85%
Black or African American
2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.7%
Other
3.9%
Value Percent
White 1,231 85%
Black or African American 30 2.1%
Asian 4 0.3%
Two or more races 126 8.7%
Other 57 3.9%

Households in Waterman

A peek inside Waterman households

Waterman has 486 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 79% are families, while the remaining 21% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
486
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
102
Family households
384
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 102 21% -9.7%
Family households 384 79% 4.3%
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 Waterman

The housing landscape of Waterman

Waterman's housing consists of 509 units, with 86% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3% 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 3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
509
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 438 86%
1 unit, attached 15 3%
2 units 2 0.4%
3 or 4 units 22 4.3%
5 to 9 units 3 0.6%
10 to 19 units 5 1%
20 to 49 units 9 1.8%
Mobile home 15 3%
Homes built since 2020
7
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Waterman

In Waterman, the median construction year is 1970. About 20.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.8% 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 103 20.2% -10.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 50 9.8% 38.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 53 10.4% 8.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 51 10% 4.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 54 10.6% 22.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 27 5.3% 28.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 60 11.8% -14.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 104 20.4% -16.1%
Built in 2020 or later 7 1.4% N/A
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.

Waterman occupancy rates

Out of the 486 occupied housing units in Waterman, 87.6% are owner-occupied, while 12.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
486
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
60
Owner occupied
426
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 60 12.4% -10.4%
Owner occupied 426 87.6% 2.9%
Unoccupied housing units
4.5%
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.

Waterman housing costs

Housing costs in Waterman come to a median of $1,348 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $877.

Median housing costs per month
$1,348/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 Waterman
$877/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 Waterman

Waterman education at a glance

About 40.2% of the population in Waterman went to high school, while 26.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.5% earned an associate degree and 18.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 15 1.5% -42.3%
High school diploma 411 40.2% -5.7%
College diploma 274 26.8% 15.6%
Associate degree 87 8.5% 20.8%
Bachelor's degree 190 18.6% -12.0%
Graduate degree 46 4.5% -16.4%
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 Waterman

How much people earn in Waterman

The average annual household income in Waterman was $110,738 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $100,139, reflecting a +2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Waterman
$110,738/year
5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Waterman
$100,139/year
2.8% year-over-year change

Waterman income by age

In Waterman, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $104,625. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $106,500 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $81,458, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $67,000 in earnings. Overall, 94.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $81,458 -24.7%
25 - 44 $104,625 -6.4%
45 - 64 $106,500 8.0%
Over 65 $67,000 0.5%
Above poverty level
1,339
Below poverty level
72
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,339 94.9% 4.5%
Below poverty level 72 5.1% -29.4%

Average renter income in Waterman

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Waterman, their median household income was $33,906 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,906
Rent-to-income ratio
31%
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 Waterman

Workforce and job types in Waterman

The job market in Waterman is powered by 790 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 56.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 43.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.1% run their own businesses, 71% are employed by private companies, and 11% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
790
-1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
447
Blue collar
343
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 447 56.6% -9.5%
Blue collar 343 43.4% 12.5%
Employer type
Self employees
10.1%
Private companies
71%
Governmental workers
11%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 80 10.1% -2.4%
Private companies 561 71% -0.5%
Governmental workers 87 11% -2.2%
Not for profit companies 62 7.8% -3.1%
Unemployment rate
4.1%
25.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Waterman stands at 4.1%, 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 Waterman

How people get around in Waterman

Commuting methods vary: 88.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% 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 656 88.8% -4.9%
Walk 12 1.6% 33.3%
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 Waterman by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60556 2,138 719 $100,186 $105,276

Explore more communities

FAQs about Waterman demographics 

What is the total population of Waterman?

Waterman has a total population of 1,448 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 +2.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Waterman?

The gender ratio in Waterman is as follows:
  • 46.6% males (674 residents)
  • 53.4% females (774 residents)

What is the median age in Waterman?

The median age in Waterman is 31.

What is the age distribution of the population in Waterman?

The age distribution in Waterman is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.1% (364 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.9% (245 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.6% (428 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.2% (293 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.2% (118 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Waterman?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Waterman is as follows:
  • White: 85% (1,231 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.1% (30 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.7% (126 residents)
  • Other: 3.9% (57 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.8% of the population in Waterman.

How many housing units are there in Waterman?

There are 509 housing units in Waterman, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Waterman has a total of 486 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Waterman?

Waterman has a median household income of $100,139, representing a +2.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.9% in Waterman, with a workforce of 790 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 56.6% (447 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 43.4% (343 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.1% (80 residents)
  • Private companies: 71% (561 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11% (87 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (62 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