Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Watseka, IL
Considering a move to Watseka, IL? With a friendly population of around 4,770, this small city offers affordable living with a median home price of just $91,000 and average rents near $690. Residents enjoy short commutes averaging 18 minutes and experience all four seasons, with warm summers and snowy winters. While crime rates are moderate, Watseka stands out for its community feel, local schools, and close-knit atmosphere—making it a great choice for those seeking small-town charm and budget-friendly living.
Demographics - Watseka, IL
Demographics - Watseka, IL
Watseka, Illinois is a small city of about 4,770 residents, with a median age of 43.9 and a population density of 1,600 per square mile. The community is predominantly White, and a small percentage of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to its close-knit, neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
4,770
Density:
1,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.9
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
6.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Watseka, IL?
Watseka offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $91,000 and average monthly rent around $690. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and the cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$91,000
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,000
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.3
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
41.0
Utilities:
96.0
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Watseka, IL a safe place to live?
Watseka experiences moderate crime levels, with a violent crime rate of 225 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,800 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 445 chance of encountering violent crime, indicating a generally safe environment but with some room for awareness.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
225
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,800
Crime Index:
2,025
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 445
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 56
Weather
What is the weather like in Watseka, IL year-round?
Residents of Watseka enjoy all four seasons, including warm summers with highs around 85°F and cold winters with lows near 17°F. The city receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and has sunny weather 54% of the year, appealing to those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Typical households in Watseka earn around $44,000 annually, with a poverty rate of 17.5% and an unemployment rate of 5.6%. Most residents commute less than 20 minutes to work, and the area is characterized by a strong sense of community and modest living costs.
Median Income:
$26,200
Household Income:
$44,000
Family Income:
$56,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,100
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
17.5%
Non English Speakers:
4.3%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.8%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Watseka, IL?
Watseka is served by local public schools like Watseka Community High School and Glenn Raymond School, which offer favorable student-teacher ratios. Private education is available at St. Edmund Catholic School, and higher education is easily accessible with Kankakee Community College just 27 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Watseka Community High School
Street:
138 S Belmont Ave
Phone:
815-432-2486
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Name:
Glenn Raymond School
Street:
101 W Mulberry St
Phone:
815-432-2112
Students:
360
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Edmund Catholic School
Street:
1520 Oak St
Phone:
815-432-5569
Students:
85
Colleges
Name:
Kankakee Community College
City:
Kankakee
State:
IL
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
5,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Watseka is anchored by Iroquois Memorial Hospital, providing general and emergency services to the community. With 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and health insurance coverage at over 92%, locals have access to essential medical care close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Iroquois Memorial Hospital
Address:
200 Fairman Ave, Watseka, IL 60970
Phone:
(815) 432-5841
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
73.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Watseka, IL?
The Watseka housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $91,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $700. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the market sees steady appreciation, making it accessible for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$91,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Watseka residents can access full driver and vehicle services at the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility located downtown. The local DMV provides essential services for licensing, registration, and more, with details available on the state website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
123 W. State St., Watseka, IL 60970
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.