Watkins Glen, NY
Population 1,712 · New York
About Watkins Glen, NY
Watkins Glen is a small town located in New York with a population of 1,712 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,279 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Watkins Glen features a median home value of $200,000, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Watkins Glen in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $793, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,156 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (386 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (538 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Watkins Glen shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Watkins Glen have an average one-way commute time of 18.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.4% of Watkins Glen residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 7.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Watkins Glen, NY
Compared to national averages, Watkins Glen has a median household income of $46,279 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $200,000, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $793 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Watkins Glen's income is 52% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 48% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Watkins Glen, NY?
Watkins Glen offers affordable housing with a median home value of $200,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $793/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,279) that falls below the national average. However, Watkins Glen’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Watkins Glen has a population of 1,712 with a median age of 50.8 years. Compare Watkins Glen with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Watkins Glen
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schuylerville | 1,706 | $76,250 | $193,000 | Compare |
| Pine Bush | 1,720 | $105,000 | $299,400 | Compare |
| Pittsford | 1,702 | $136,429 | $337,000 | Compare |
| Merritt Park | 1,723 | $136,250 | $458,500 | Compare |
| Angola on the Lake | 1,699 | $62,188 | $137,600 | Compare |
| Walker Valley | 1,695 | $96,429 | $355,100 | Compare |
| Adams | 1,730 | $62,411 | $188,400 | Compare |
| Milton CDP (Ulster County), New York | 1,692 | $95,909 | $338,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Watkins Glen
What is the population of Watkins Glen, NY?
The population of Watkins Glen, NY is 1,712 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New York.
What is the median household income in Watkins Glen?
The median household income in Watkins Glen, NY is $46,279 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Watkins Glen?
The median home value in Watkins Glen, NY is $200,000, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Watkins Glen?
The median monthly rent in Watkins Glen, NY is $793, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Watkins Glen?
The unemployment rate in Watkins Glen, NY is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Watkins Glen, NY a good place to live?
Watkins Glen offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,712 and a median age of 50.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Watkins Glen, NY?
28.4% of residents in Watkins Glen 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 Glen?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Watkins Glen, NY: median home value is $200,000 (18% below national), median rent is $793/month, and median household income is $46,279. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Watkins Glen?
The poverty rate in Watkins Glen, NY is 11.2%, 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 Glen, NY?
Watkins Glen's population is 0.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 7.5% of residents are foreign-born.