| ZIP Code | 61488 |
|---|---|
| City | Wataga |
| State | Illinois (IL) |
| County | Knox County |
| Area Code | 309/861 |
| Elevation | 831 ft |
| Latitude | 41.030032 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -90.320773 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 17095 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 41.5 yrs ↓ 8% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.26 |
| Below Poverty | 9.8% ≈ Avg |
| College Grads | 39.7% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 3.1% ▼ 37% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 10 (1.2%) |
| HS Graduate | 260 (30.4%) |
| Some College | 115 (13.5%) |
| Associates | 130 (15.2%) |
| Bachelors | 195 (22.8%) |
| Graduate Degree | 144 (16.9%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $61,786 ▼ 19% below avg ↑ 34% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $125,000 ▼ 55% below avg ↑ 37% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.0x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $634/mo ↑ 26% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 564 |
| Vacant Units | 20 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.26 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 564 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 20 |
| Owner Occupied | 80.9% |
| Renter Occupied | 19.1% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.26 |
ZIP code 61488 is located in Wataga, Illinois, within Knox County. With a population of 1,230, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 41.5 years. Economically, 61488 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $61,786 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 61488 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $125,000 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $634 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 80.9% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 37% since 2019.
The population of 61488 is primarily White (89.27%). Residents are moderately educated — 39.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 9.8%. Household income has grown by 34% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 61488 stands at 3.1%, which is below the national average. About 14% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 78%.
Overall, ZIP code 61488 in Wataga, IL is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 1,230 residents, a median household income of $61,786, and a median home value of $125,000, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Illinois.