Watsontown, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,005
8.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,051/yr
12.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
940
4.8% year-over-year change

Watsontown population

How many people live in Watsontown

Watsontown is home to 2,005 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Watsontown locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
2,005
8.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
991
Female
50.6%
1,014
Value Percent YoY change
Male 991 49.4% 5.0%
Female 1,014 50.6% 12.5%
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 Watsontown is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.1% are children under 15, then 10% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.6% of the population, while another 20.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.1%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 44
28.6%
45 to 64
20.8%
Over 65
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 423 21.1% 44.9%
15 to 24 200 10% -1.5%
25 to 44 573 28.6% 25.9%
45 to 64 416 20.8% -10.7%
Over 65 393 19.6% -8.4%
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 Watsontown, 96.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 93.7% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.4%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,929 96.2% 11.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 49 2.4% -45.6%
Non-citizens 27 1.4% 3.9%
Racial breakdown
White
93.7%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.8%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 1,879 93.7%
Black or African American 5 0.2%
Asian 24 1.2%
Two or more races 76 3.8%
Other 21 1%

Households in Watsontown

A peek inside Watsontown households

Watsontown has 866 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.1% are families, while the remaining 46.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
866
4.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
406
Family households
460
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 406 46.9% 1.2%
Family households 460 53.1% 8.0%
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 Watsontown

The housing landscape of Watsontown

Watsontown's housing consists of 940 units, with 58.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.8% 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 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
940
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 547 58.2%
1 unit, attached 102 10.8%
2 units 139 14.8%
3 or 4 units 53 5.6%
5 to 9 units 83 8.8%
20 to 49 units 8 0.8%
Mobile home 8 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Watsontown

In Watsontown, the median construction year is 1952. About 44.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% 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 422 44.9% 4.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 26 2.8% 23.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 122 13% -18.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 146 15.5% 9.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 98 10.4% 3.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 47 5% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 37 3.9% 76.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 37 3.9% 131.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5 0.5% -50.0%
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.

Watsontown occupancy rates

Out of the 866 occupied housing units in Watsontown, 53.5% are owner-occupied, while 46.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
866
4.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
403
Owner occupied
463
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 403 46.5% 10.1%
Owner occupied 463 53.5% 0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
7.9%
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.

Watsontown housing costs

Housing costs in Watsontown come to a median of $885 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $877.

Median housing costs per month
$885/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 Watsontown
$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 Watsontown

Watsontown education at a glance

About 55.3% of the population in Watsontown went to high school, while 17.7% pursued college studies. Another 5.5% earned an associate degree and 12.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 27 1.8% -3.6%
High school diploma 823 55.3% -0.8%
College diploma 263 17.7% -11.7%
Associate degree 82 5.5% 28.1%
Bachelor's degree 182 12.2% 23.0%
Graduate degree 112 7.5% 24.4%
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 Watsontown

How much people earn in Watsontown

The average annual household income in Watsontown was $73,253 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,051, reflecting a +12.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Watsontown
$73,253/year
8.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Watsontown
$60,051/year
12.6% year-over-year change

Watsontown income by age

In Watsontown, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $86,806. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $57,228 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $33,542, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $43,839 in earnings. Overall, 88.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $33,542 -10.6%
25 - 44 $86,806 26.7%
45 - 64 $57,228 -0.1%
Over 65 $43,839 9.2%
Above poverty level
1,613
Below poverty level
212
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,613 88.4% 9.9%
Below poverty level 212 11.6% -10.2%

Average renter income in Watsontown

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Watsontown, their median household income was $33,589 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,589
Rent-to-income ratio
31.3%
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 Watsontown

Workforce and job types in Watsontown

The job market in Watsontown is powered by 987 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.7% run their own businesses, 60.3% are employed by private companies, and 17.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
987
12.5% year-over-year change
White collar
720
Blue collar
267
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 720 73% 23.3%
Blue collar 267 27% -8.9%
Employer type
Self employees
7.7%
Private companies
60.3%
Governmental workers
17.8%
Not for profit companies
14.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 76 7.7% 35.7%
Private companies 595 60.3% -3.9%
Governmental workers 176 17.8% 63.0%
Not for profit companies 140 14.2% 48.9%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
54.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Watsontown stands at 3.6%, 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 Watsontown

How people get around in Watsontown

Commuting methods vary: 89% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.4% 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 844 89% 13.8%
Motorcycle 6 0.6% 20.0%
Walk 61 6.4% 3.4%
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 Watsontown by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
17777 7,030 2,507 $67,188 $84,038

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FAQs about Watsontown demographics 

What is the total population of Watsontown?

Watsontown has a total population of 2,005 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 +8.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Watsontown?

The gender ratio in Watsontown is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (991 residents)
  • 50.6% females (1,014 residents)

What is the median age in Watsontown?

The median age in Watsontown is 38.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Watsontown?

The age distribution in Watsontown is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.1% (423 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10% (200 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.6% (573 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.8% (416 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.6% (393 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Watsontown?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Watsontown is as follows:
  • White: 93.7% (1,879 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (5 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (24 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.8% (76 residents)
  • Other: 1% (21 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.2% of the population in Watsontown.

How many housing units are there in Watsontown?

There are 940 housing units in Watsontown, reflecting a +4.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Watsontown has a total of 866 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Watsontown?

Watsontown has a median household income of $60,051, representing a +12.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.4% in Watsontown, with a workforce of 987 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73% (720 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27% (267 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.7% (76 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.3% (595 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.8% (176 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.2% (140 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