Watkins, IA
Population 47 · Iowa
About Watkins, IA
Watkins is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 47 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Watkins features a median home value of $53,500, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Watkins one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 27 total housing units, 100% are owner-occupied (27 units) and 0% are renter-occupied (0 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Watkins shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 0.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Watkins have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
57.1% of Watkins residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Watkins Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Watkins, IA
Compared to national averages, Watkins has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $53,500, which is 78% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Watkins's income is 100% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 60% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Watkins, IA?
Watkins offers affordable housing with a median home value of $53,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 57.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 0.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Watkins’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Watkins has a population of 47 with a median age of 28.6 years. Compare Watkins with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Watkins
What is the population of Watkins, IA?
The population of Watkins, IA is 47 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Watkins?
The median household income in Watkins, IA is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Watkins?
The median home value in Watkins, IA is $53,500, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Watkins?
The median monthly rent in Watkins, IA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Watkins?
The unemployment rate in Watkins, IA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Watkins, IA a good place to live?
Watkins offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 47 and a median age of 28.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Watkins, IA?
57.1% of residents in Watkins aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Watkins?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Watkins, IA: median home value is $53,500 (78% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Watkins?
The poverty rate in Watkins, IA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Watkins, IA?
Watkins's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.