Watauga, TN
Population 631 · Tennessee
About Watauga, TN
Watauga is a small community located in Tennessee with a population of 631 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,912 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44 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 Watauga features a median home value of $128,800, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Watauga 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 301 total housing units, 94% are owner-occupied (261 units) and 6% are renter-occupied (17 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Watauga shows an unemployment rate of 13.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Watauga have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.7% of Watauga 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 5.1% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 5.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Watauga, TN
Compared to national averages, Watauga has a median household income of $56,912 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $128,800, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Watauga's income is 9% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 40% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Watauga, TN?
Watauga offers affordable housing with a median home value of $128,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,912) that falls below the national average. However, Watauga’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Watauga has a population of 631 with a median age of 44 years. Compare Watauga with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Watauga
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarkrange | 636 | $50,481 | $301,300 | Compare |
| Castalian Springs | 648 | $86,071 | $250,000 | Compare |
| Chesterfield | 650 | $58,929 | $198,000 | Compare |
| Darden | 612 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Gates | 612 | $39,815 | $88,500 | Compare |
| Beersheba Springs | 610 | $50,000 | $102,700 | Compare |
| Bell Buckle | 654 | $83,452 | $321,400 | Compare |
| Adams | 655 | $66,250 | $200,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Tennessee
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Watauga With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Watauga
What is the population of Watauga, TN?
The population of Watauga, TN is 631 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Tennessee.
What is the median household income in Watauga?
The median household income in Watauga, TN is $56,912 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Watauga?
The median home value in Watauga, TN is $128,800, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Watauga?
The median monthly rent in Watauga, TN is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Watauga?
The unemployment rate in Watauga, TN is 13.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Watauga, TN a good place to live?
Watauga offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 631 and a median age of 44, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Watauga, TN?
26.7% of residents in Watauga 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 Watauga?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Watauga, TN: median home value is $128,800 (47% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $56,912. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Watauga?
The poverty rate in Watauga, TN is 20.9%, 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 Watauga, TN?
Watauga's population is 5.1% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 7.0% two or more races. 5.5% of residents are foreign-born.