Watsontown, PA
Population 1,845 · Pennsylvania
About Watsontown, PA
Watsontown is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 1,845 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,355 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.3 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 Watsontown features a median home value of $161,200, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Watsontown in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $848, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 897 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (461 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (366 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Watsontown shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Watsontown have an average one-way commute time of 16.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.6% of Watsontown 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, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Watsontown, PA
Compared to national averages, Watsontown has a median household income of $53,355 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $161,200, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $848 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Watsontown's income is 27% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 16% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Watsontown, PA?
Watsontown offers affordable housing with a median home value of $161,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $848/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,355) that falls below the national average. However, Watsontown’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Watsontown has a population of 1,845 with a median age of 44.3 years. Compare Watsontown with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Watsontown
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercer | 1,847 | $44,865 | $130,300 | Compare |
| South Coatesville | 1,843 | $72,976 | $253,900 | Compare |
| South Connellsville | 1,848 | $49,821 | $98,000 | Compare |
| Belleville | 1,860 | $64,179 | $154,300 | Compare |
| Lykens | 1,830 | $69,125 | $101,300 | Compare |
| Old Orchard | 1,829 | $108,634 | $347,300 | Compare |
| Stewartstown | 1,863 | $69,583 | $250,400 | Compare |
| Moscow | 1,825 | $76,250 | $275,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Watsontown With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Watsontown
What is the population of Watsontown, PA?
The population of Watsontown, PA is 1,845 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Watsontown?
The median household income in Watsontown, PA is $53,355 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Watsontown?
The median home value in Watsontown, PA is $161,200, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Watsontown?
The median monthly rent in Watsontown, PA is $848, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Watsontown?
The unemployment rate in Watsontown, PA is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Watsontown, PA a good place to live?
Watsontown offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,845 and a median age of 44.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Watsontown, PA?
15.6% of residents in Watsontown 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 Watsontown?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Watsontown, PA: median home value is $161,200 (34% below national), median rent is $848/month, and median household income is $53,355. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Watsontown?
The poverty rate in Watsontown, PA is 14.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Watsontown, PA?
Watsontown's population is 0.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.