| ZIP Code | 60970 |
|---|---|
| City | Watseka |
| State | Illinois (IL) |
| County | Iroquois County |
| Area Code | 779/815 |
| Elevation | 620 ft |
| Latitude | 40.793923 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -87.741344 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 17075 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 47.9 yrs ↓ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.18 |
| Below Poverty | 22.5% ▲ 125% above avg |
| College Grads | 25.4% ▼ 34% below avg |
| Unemployment | 6.2% ▲ 27% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 28 (0.7%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,637 (41.6%) |
| Some College | 598 (15.2%) |
| Associates | 670 (17%) |
| Bachelors | 425 (10.8%) |
| Graduate Degree | 573 (14.6%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $48,456 ▼ 36% below avg ↑ 13% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $120,700 ▼ 57% below avg ↑ 35% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.5x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $816/mo ↑ 25% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 3,071 |
| Vacant Units | 396 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.18 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 3,071 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 396 |
| Owner Occupied | 69.8% |
| Renter Occupied | 30.2% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.18 |
ZIP code 60970 is located in Watseka, Illinois, within Iroquois County. With a population of 5,965, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 47.9 years. Economically, 60970 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $48,456 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 60970 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $120,700 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $816 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 69.8% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 35% since 2019.
The population of 60970 is primarily White (87.54%). Residents are moderately educated — 25.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 22.5%. Household income has grown by 13% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 60970 stands at 6.2%, which is above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 80%.
Overall, ZIP code 60970 in Watseka, IL is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 5,965 residents, a median household income of $48,456, and a median home value of $120,700, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Illinois.