Watseka, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,780
3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$43,608/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,440
2.4% year-over-year change

Watseka population

How many people live in Watseka

Watseka is home to 4,780 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46% of Watseka locals are male, and 54% are female.

Total population
4,780
3.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46%
2,198
Female
54%
2,582
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,198 46% 5.2%
Female 2,582 54% 1.6%
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 Watseka is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.3% are children under 15, then 13.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.5% of the population, while another 27.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.3%
15 to 24
13.2%
25 to 44
17.5%
45 to 64
27.8%
Over 65
25.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 778 16.3% 7.3%
15 to 24 632 13.2% 0.8%
25 to 44 837 17.5% -5.6%
45 to 64 1,330 27.8% 9.7%
Over 65 1,203 25.2% 2.1%
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 Watseka, 96.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.4% of locals are Caucasian, 1.3% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,613 96.5% 3.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 61 1.3% 41.9%
Non-citizens 106 2.2% -17.2%
Racial breakdown
White
86.4%
Black or African American
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.2%
Other
4.8%
Value Percent
White 4,132 86.4%
Black or African American 60 1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4 0.1%
Asian 54 1.1%
Two or more races 298 6.2%
Other 232 4.8%

Households in Watseka

A peek inside Watseka households

Watseka has 2,277 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.6% are families, while the remaining 50.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,277
7.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,148
Family households
1,129
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,148 50.4% 7.4%
Family households 1,129 49.6% 7.4%
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 Watseka

The housing landscape of Watseka

Watseka's housing consists of 2,440 units, with 67.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.6% 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 7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,440
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,640 67.2%
1 unit, attached 235 9.6%
2 units 127 5.2%
3 or 4 units 49 2%
5 to 9 units 89 3.6%
10 to 19 units 64 2.6%
20 to 49 units 44 1.8%
50 or more units 20 0.8%
Mobile home 172 7%
Homes built since 2020
8
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Watseka

In Watseka, the median construction year is 1963. About 19% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 464 19% 11.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 192 7.9% -7.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 488 20% 14.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 246 10.1% -10.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 316 13% -6.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 240 9.8% 3.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 285 11.7% -5.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 185 7.6% 11.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 16 0.7% -23.8%
Built in 2020 or later 8 0.3% 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.

Watseka occupancy rates

Out of the 2,277 occupied housing units in Watseka, 64.8% are owner-occupied, while 35.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,277
7.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
801
Owner occupied
1,476
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 801 35.2% 2.0%
Owner occupied 1,476 64.8% 10.6%
Unoccupied housing units
6.7%
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.

Watseka housing costs

Housing costs in Watseka come to a median of $795 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $790.

Median housing costs per month
$795/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 Watseka
$790/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 Watseka

Watseka education at a glance

About 55.2% of the population in Watseka went to high school, while 22.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.9% earned an associate degree and 8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 74 2% 10.4%
High school diploma 2,093 55.2% -3.7%
College diploma 857 22.6% 11.9%
Associate degree 339 8.9% 2.1%
Bachelor's degree 305 8% 11.7%
Graduate degree 126 3.3% 16.7%
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 Watseka

How much people earn in Watseka

The average annual household income in Watseka was $57,063 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $43,608, reflecting a +1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Watseka
$57,063/year
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Watseka
$43,608/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Watseka income by age

In Watseka, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $80,386. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $44,525 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,979, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $28,355 in earnings. Overall, 76.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,979 -4.9%
25 - 44 $80,386 1.8%
45 - 64 $44,525 -11.2%
Over 65 $28,355 -4.4%
Above poverty level
3,521
Below poverty level
1,078
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,521 76.6% 8.2%
Below poverty level 1,078 23.4% -3.9%

Average renter income in Watseka

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Watseka, their median household income was $32,500 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$32,500
Rent-to-income ratio
29.2%
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 Watseka

Workforce and job types in Watseka

The job market in Watseka is powered by 1,971 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.2% run their own businesses, 71.3% are employed by private companies, and 9.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,971
2.7% year-over-year change
White collar
1,266
Blue collar
705
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,266 64.2% -3.9%
Blue collar 705 35.8% 16.9%
Employer type
Self employees
8.2%
Private companies
71.3%
Governmental workers
9.9%
Not for profit companies
10.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 161 8.2% 24.8%
Private companies 1,405 71.3% 5.3%
Governmental workers 195 9.9% -15.9%
Not for profit companies 210 10.6% -6.7%
Unemployment rate
5.8%
-12.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Watseka stands at 5.8%, 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 Watseka

How people get around in Watseka

Commuting methods vary: 91.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% 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 1,769 91.8% 0.6%
Bus or trolleybus 13 0.7% -35.0%
Bicycle 9 0.5% 0.0%
Walk 34 1.8% -8.1%
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 Watseka by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60970 5,991 2,813 $46,688 $70,180

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FAQs about Watseka demographics 

What is the total population of Watseka?

Watseka has a total population of 4,780 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 +3.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Watseka?

The gender ratio in Watseka is as follows:
  • 46% males (2,198 residents)
  • 54% females (2,582 residents)

What is the median age in Watseka?

The median age in Watseka is 47.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Watseka?

The age distribution in Watseka is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.3% (778 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.2% (632 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.5% (837 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.8% (1,330 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.2% (1,203 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Watseka?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Watseka is as follows:
  • White: 86.4% (4,132 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.3% (60 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (4 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (54 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.2% (298 residents)
  • Other: 4.8% (232 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.5% of the population in Watseka.

How many housing units are there in Watseka?

There are 2,440 housing units in Watseka, reflecting a +2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Watseka has a total of 2,277 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Watseka?

Watseka has a median household income of $43,608, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.2% in Watseka, with a workforce of 1,971 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.2% (1,266 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.8% (705 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.2% (161 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.3% (1,405 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.9% (195 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.6% (210 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