Watkins, MN
Population 797 · Minnesota
About Watkins, MN
Watkins is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 797 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,875 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Watkins features a median home value of $136,800, which is 44% 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 $760, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 398 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (212 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (117 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Watkins shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Watkins have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
6.7% of Watkins residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Watkins, MN
Compared to national averages, Watkins has a median household income of $50,875 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $136,800, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $760 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Watkins's income is 31% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 33% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Watkins, MN?
Watkins offers affordable housing with a median home value of $136,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $760/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,875) 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 797 with a median age of 40.3 years. Compare Watkins with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Watkins
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battle Lake | 794 | $58,125 | $221,000 | Compare |
| Landfall | 802 | $39,938 | $26,300 | Compare |
| Lanesboro | 804 | $80,000 | $186,900 | Compare |
| Le Roy | 790 | $51,250 | $106,400 | Compare |
| Loretto | 805 | $110,833 | $350,600 | Compare |
| St. Clair | 785 | $101,375 | $200,800 | Compare |
| Fertile | 782 | $64,444 | $118,400 | Compare |
| Hancock | 816 | $69,712 | $79,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Watkins With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Watkins
What is the population of Watkins, MN?
The population of Watkins, MN is 797 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Watkins?
The median household income in Watkins, MN is $50,875 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Watkins?
The median home value in Watkins, MN is $136,800, which is 44% 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, MN is $760, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Watkins?
The unemployment rate in Watkins, MN is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Watkins, MN a good place to live?
Watkins offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 797 and a median age of 40.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Watkins, MN?
6.7% of residents in Watkins aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Watkins?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Watkins, MN: median home value is $136,800 (44% below national), median rent is $760/month, and median household income is $50,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Watkins?
The poverty rate in Watkins, MN is 8.1%, 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, MN?
Watkins's population is 0.0% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.