Watauga, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
644
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,917/yr
10.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
299
-0.7% year-over-year change

Watauga population

How many people live in Watauga

Watauga is home to 644 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.3% of Watauga locals are male, and 46.7% are female.

Total population
644
2.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.3%
343
Female
46.7%
301
Value Percent YoY change
Male 343 53.3% 3.6%
Female 301 46.7% 0.3%
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 Watauga is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.8% are children under 15, then 8.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.9% of the population, while another 29% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
43
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.8%
15 to 24
8.4%
25 to 44
21.9%
45 to 64
29%
Over 65
19.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 134 20.8% 78.7%
15 to 24 54 8.4% -32.5%
25 to 44 141 21.9% -16.6%
45 to 64 187 29% -4.6%
Over 65 128 19.9% 15.3%
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 Watauga, 93.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 8.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.5%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 600 93.2% 1.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 42 6.5% 20.0%
Non-citizens 2 0.3% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
85.9%
Black or African American
5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.2%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 553 85.9%
Black or African American 35 5.4%
Two or more races 53 8.2%
Other 3 0.5%

Households in Watauga

A peek inside Watauga households

Watauga has 278 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.8% are families, while the remaining 44.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
278
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
123
Family households
155
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 123 44.2% -0.8%
Family households 155 55.8% 0.7%
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 Watauga

The housing landscape of Watauga

Watauga's housing consists of 299 units, with 71.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 26.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
299
-0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 215 71.9%
3 or 4 units 5 1.7%
Mobile home 79 26.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Watauga

In Watauga, the median construction year is 1986. About 11% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.7% 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 33 11% -13.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 14 4.7% -22.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 29 9.7% -12.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 25 8.4% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 37 12.4% 2.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 19 6.4% -24.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 105 35.1% 1.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 28 9.4% 100.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 9 3% 0.0%
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.

Watauga occupancy rates

Out of the 278 occupied housing units in Watauga, 94.6% are owner-occupied, while 5.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
278
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15
Owner occupied
263
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15 5.4% -11.8%
Owner occupied 263 94.6% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
7.0%
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.

Watauga housing costs

Housing costs in Watauga come to a median of $576 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $588.

Median housing costs per month
$576/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 Watauga
$588/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 Watauga

Watauga education at a glance

About 40.3% of the population in Watauga went to high school, while 13.9% pursued college studies. Another 11.3% earned an associate degree and 19.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 16 3.2% -27.3%
High school diploma 200 40.3% -18.7%
College diploma 69 13.9% -4.2%
Associate degree 56 11.3% 3.7%
Bachelor's degree 98 19.8% -2.0%
Graduate degree 57 11.5% 29.6%
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 Watauga

How much people earn in Watauga

The average annual household income in Watauga was $75,037 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,917, reflecting a +10.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Watauga
$75,037/year
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Watauga
$62,917/year
10.6% year-over-year change

Watauga income by age

In Watauga, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,406. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $135,306 overall. Overall, 89% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $56,406 0.2%
45 - 64 $135,306 4.0%
Above poverty level
561
Below poverty level
69
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 561 89% 12.7%
Below poverty level 69 11% -47.7%

Average renter income in Watauga

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Watauga, their median household income was $60,893 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 11.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$60,893
Rent-to-income ratio
11.6%
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 Watauga

Workforce and job types in Watauga

The job market in Watauga is powered by 208 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.9% run their own businesses, 53.4% are employed by private companies, and 28.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
208
-11.1% year-over-year change
White collar
161
Blue collar
47
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 161 77.4% -11.1%
Blue collar 47 22.6% -11.3%
Employer type
Self employees
15.9%
Private companies
53.4%
Governmental workers
28.4%
Not for profit companies
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 33 15.9% -2.9%
Private companies 111 53.4% -25.5%
Governmental workers 59 28.4% 25.5%
Not for profit companies 5 2.4% 25.0%
Unemployment rate
13.0%
-13.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Watauga stands at 13%, 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 Watauga

How people get around in Watauga

In Watauga, the average commute time is 19 minutes.

Commute time
19 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 190 93.6% -12.4%
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 Watauga by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
37694 1,729 752 $81,250 $117,147

Explore more communities

FAQs about Watauga demographics 

What is the total population of Watauga?

Watauga has a total population of 644 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 +2.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Watauga?

The gender ratio in Watauga is as follows:
  • 53.3% males (343 residents)
  • 46.7% females (301 residents)

What is the median age in Watauga?

The median age in Watauga is 43.

What is the age distribution of the population in Watauga?

The age distribution in Watauga is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.8% (134 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.4% (54 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.9% (141 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29% (187 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.9% (128 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Watauga?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Watauga is as follows:
  • White: 85.9% (553 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.4% (35 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.2% (53 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (3 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.2% of the population in Watauga.

How many housing units are there in Watauga?

There are 299 housing units in Watauga, reflecting a -0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Watauga has a total of 278 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Watauga?

Watauga has a median household income of $62,917, representing a +10.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 87% in Watauga, with a workforce of 208 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.4% (161 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.6% (47 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.9% (33 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.4% (111 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.4% (59 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.4% (5 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