Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Employment
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
Health & Safety
Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.
Watseka, Illinois is a small-sized city with a population of 4,956 inhabitants. The majority of Watseka residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. The Watseka population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 49, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Watseka is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Watseka, Illinois could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Watseka and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Watseka to Illinois and the national average.
The livability score in Watseka is 59/100 and the city is ranked in the 36th percentile of all cities across America. This is a lower than the national average livability score as Watseka does not rank well for most categories. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Watseka has received high marks for housing (B). On a less positive note, Watseka does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F), education (D-) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Watseka, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 153 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Watseka has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Watseka is real estate affordability. The median home price for Watseka homes is $79,700, which is 54.4% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Watseka, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 30% lower than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Watseka | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.7% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 13.2% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.1% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 0.8% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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