Watervliet, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,156
14.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,167/yr
6.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
729
3.1% year-over-year change

Watervliet population

How many people live in Watervliet

Watervliet is home to 2,156 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 40.4% of Watervliet locals are male, and 59.6% are female.

Total population
2,156
14.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
40.4%
870
Female
59.6%
1,286
Value Percent YoY change
Male 870 40.4% 8.8%
Female 1,286 59.6% 19.2%
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 Watervliet is 29, with the population distributed as follows: about 30.3% are children under 15, then 11.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26% of the population, while another 22.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
29.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
30.3%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 44
26%
45 to 64
22.3%
Over 65
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 653 30.3% 23.9%
15 to 24 254 11.8% 19.8%
25 to 44 561 26% 3.5%
45 to 64 481 22.3% 19.9%
Over 65 207 9.6% 5.1%
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 Watervliet, 97.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.7%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,098 97.3% 15.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 36 1.7% 12.5%
Non-citizens 22 1% -29.0%
Racial breakdown
White
84.4%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.5%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.4%
Other
7.7%
Value Percent
White 1,819 84.4%
Black or African American 17 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 33 1.5%
Asian 4 0.2%
Two or more races 117 5.4%
Other 166 7.7%

Households in Watervliet

A peek inside Watervliet households

Watervliet has 690 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 58.8% are families, while the remaining 41.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
690
2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
284
Family households
406
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 284 41.2% 8.0%
Family households 406 58.8% -0.5%
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 Watervliet

The housing landscape of Watervliet

Watervliet's housing consists of 729 units, with 73.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.7% 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 1.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
729
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 537 73.7%
1 unit, attached 56 7.7%
2 units 34 4.7%
3 or 4 units 16 2.2%
10 to 19 units 3 0.4%
20 to 49 units 11 1.5%
50 or more units 58 8%
Mobile home 14 1.9%
Homes built since 2020
24
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Watervliet

In Watervliet, the median construction year is 1957. About 25.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 184 25.2% -1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 94 12.9% 10.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 128 17.6% 28.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 120 16.5% -13.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 59 8.1% -28.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 35 4.8% 12.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 66 9% 1.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 16 2.2% 33.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3 0.4% -62.5%
Built in 2020 or later 24 3.3% 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.

Watervliet occupancy rates

Out of the 690 occupied housing units in Watervliet, 67% are owner-occupied, while 33% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
690
2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
228
Owner occupied
462
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 228 33% 0.4%
Owner occupied 462 67% 4.0%
Unoccupied housing units
5.3%
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.

Watervliet housing costs

Housing costs in Watervliet come to a median of $1,027 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $885.

Median housing costs per month
$1,027/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 Watervliet
$885/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 Watervliet

Watervliet education at a glance

About 45% of the population in Watervliet went to high school, while 33.7% pursued college studies. Another 10.1% earned an associate degree and 6.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 43 3% -10.4%
High school diploma 641 45% 7.4%
College diploma 480 33.7% 26.0%
Associate degree 144 10.1% 2.9%
Bachelor's degree 90 6.3% -2.2%
Graduate degree 28 2% -20.0%
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 Watervliet

How much people earn in Watervliet

The average annual household income in Watervliet was $67,791 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,167, reflecting a +6.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Watervliet
$67,791/year
5.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Watervliet
$61,167/year
6.4% year-over-year change

Watervliet income by age

In Watervliet, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,890. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,197 overall. Overall, 84% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $19,583 0.3%
25 - 44 $56,890 0.3%
45 - 64 $73,197 3.3%
Above poverty level
1,702
Below poverty level
323
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,702 84% 12.6%
Below poverty level 323 16% -4.7%

Employment in Watervliet

Workforce and job types in Watervliet

The job market in Watervliet is powered by 948 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.6% run their own businesses, 73% are employed by private companies, and 10.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
948
14.8% year-over-year change
White collar
655
Blue collar
293
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 655 69.1% 19.5%
Blue collar 293 30.9% 5.4%
Employer type
Self employees
9.6%
Private companies
73%
Governmental workers
10.2%
Not for profit companies
7.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 91 9.6% -6.2%
Private companies 692 73% 15.7%
Governmental workers 97 10.2% -6.7%
Not for profit companies 68 7.2% 151.8%
Unemployment rate
4.0%
-18.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Watervliet stands at 4%, 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 Watervliet

How people get around in Watervliet

Commuting methods vary: 88.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% 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 808 88.9% 5.6%
Walk 9 1% 12.5%
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 Watervliet by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49098 6,215 2,417 $59,047 $78,125

Explore more communities

FAQs about Watervliet demographics 

What is the total population of Watervliet?

Watervliet has a total population of 2,156 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 +14.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Watervliet?

The gender ratio in Watervliet is as follows:
  • 40.4% males (870 residents)
  • 59.6% females (1,286 residents)

What is the median age in Watervliet?

The median age in Watervliet is 29.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Watervliet?

The age distribution in Watervliet is as follows:
  • Under 15: 30.3% (653 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.8% (254 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26% (561 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.3% (481 residents)
  • Over 65: 9.6% (207 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Watervliet?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Watervliet is as follows:
  • White: 84.4% (1,819 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (17 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.5% (33 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.4% (117 residents)
  • Other: 7.7% (166 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.3% of the population in Watervliet.

How many housing units are there in Watervliet?

There are 729 housing units in Watervliet, reflecting a +3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Watervliet has a total of 690 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Watervliet?

Watervliet has a median household income of $61,167, representing a +6.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96% in Watervliet, with a workforce of 948 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.1% (655 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.9% (293 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.6% (91 residents)
  • Private companies: 73% (692 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.2% (97 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.2% (68 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