Wataga ZIP Codes — Knox County, IL

There is one unique ZIP code in Wataga, Illinois and it is 61488. Area code: 309.

ZIP codes

23.61

sq mi land

0.00

sq mi water

309

area code

Wataga, IL ZIP code map

About Wataga, IL

Wataga is a quaint village located in Knox County, Illinois. Known for its small-town charm and friendly community, it is a place where residents enjoy a peaceful lifestyle. With its lush landscapes and rural surroundings, Wataga represents the heart of midwestern America.

Location & geography

Situated within Knox County, Wataga is surrounded by other notable cities, including Galesburg, which lies approximately 9 miles to the northeast, and Abingdon, located about 11 miles to the south. The town covers a land area of 23.61 square miles, with no water area, emphasizing its terrestrial landscape. The terrain is primarily flat, characteristic of the region, making it suitable for agriculture and outdoor activities.

Community & economy

Wataga has a welcoming community that fosters a sense of belonging among residents. The village has traditionally been agricultural in nature, with local industries reflecting this heritage. Daily life in Wataga revolves around community events, local schools, and family-oriented activities, creating a close-knit atmosphere for those who call the village home.

Transportation

Access to Wataga is made convenient via major highways, including U.S. Route 34, which connects the village to neighboring cities and beyond. The nearest airport is the Galesburg Municipal Airport, located just a few miles away, offering essential air travel services. Public transit options are limited, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transportation for residents.

History

Wataga was established in the late 19th century and has roots in the agricultural development of the region. The village has seen various industries come and go, with agriculture remaining a key component of its economic foundation. Over the years, Wataga has remained a peaceful enclave amidst the growth of surrounding urban areas.

Did you know?

One little-known fact about Wataga is that it shares its name with a historic Native American village, highlighting its rich cultural heritage. Additionally, despite its small size, Wataga boasts a vibrant community spirit that is evident in local events and gatherings.

ZIP codes for Wataga, IL (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
61488	Wataga	Knox	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,284

Population

39.7

Median age

$63,684

Median household income

$36,109

Per capita income

$119,000

Median home value

$569

Median monthly rent

79.2%

Home ownership

10.4%

Poverty rate

1.7%

Unemployment

453

Housing units

22.3%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

114

25–34

124

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	273	21.3%
18 and over	1,011	78.7%
65 and over	286	22.3%
Median age	39.7 years

Race & ethnicity

White 92.9%

Two or more races 4%

Hispanic or Latino 2%

Black or African American 0.9%

Asian 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	1,217	92.9%
Two or more races	52	4%
Hispanic or Latino	26	2%
Black or African American	12	0.9%
Asian	3	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 2.9%

$10k–$15k 0.2%

$15k–$25k 9.9%

$25k–$35k 10.4%

$35k–$50k 19.3%

$50k–$75k 14.4%

$75k–$100k 16.6%

$100k–$150k 18.1%

$150k–$200k 4.9%

$200k+ 3.3%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.9%
$10k–$15k	0.2%
$15k–$25k	9.9%
$25k–$35k	10.4%
$35k–$50k	19.3%
$50k–$75k	14.4%
$75k–$100k	16.6%
$100k–$150k	18.1%
$150k–$200k	4.9%
$200k+	3.3%
Median income	$63,684

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 4.6%

$50k–$100k 34.6%

$100k–$150k 24.7%

$150k–$200k 5.5%

$200k–$300k 19.1%

$300k–$500k 11.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$119,000
Median rent / month	$569
Owner occupied	79.2%
Renter occupied	20.8%
Vacant	3.4%
Single-family detached	86.9%
Large apartment buildings	1.2%
Mobile homes	0.0%
Median rooms	6.2
Avg household size (owned)	2.40

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	1.4%
2000–2009	1.1%
1990–1999	3.7%
1980–1989	14.6%
1970–1979	34.0%
1960–1969	8.6%
1950–1959	4.4%
1940–1949	2.5%
1939 or earlier	29.6%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.1%
1 bedroom	5.1%
2 bedrooms	25.7%
3 bedrooms	42.3%
4 bedrooms	25.2%
5+ bedrooms	0.5%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	3.1%
1 vehicle	23.9%
2 vehicles	41.4%
3 or more	31.6%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	54.0%
Electricity	31.2%
Propane / LP gas	14.2%
Wood	0.5%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	299	54.6%
Cohabiting couple	60	10.9%
Male householder, no spouse	87	15.9%
Female householder, no spouse	102	18.6%
Households with children under 18	142	25.9%
Households with seniors (65+)	238	43.4%
Average household size	2.34

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	31.5%	14.4%
Married	53.1%	56.7%
Separated	0.4%	0.0%
Widowed	3.0%	21.2%
Divorced	12.0%	7.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.8%

Some HS, no diploma 3.1%

HS graduate 29.7%

Some college, no degree 24.5%

Associate's degree 18.6%

Bachelor's degree 12.9%

Graduate / professional 9.4%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	95.1%
Bachelor's or higher	22.3%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	20	10.4%
Kindergarten	30	15.6%
Elementary school	88	45.8%
High school	40	20.8%
College / grad school	14	7.3%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 25.1%

Retail trade 19.4%

Transportation & utilities 10.0%

Construction 8.9%

Professional & management 7.8%

Manufacturing 6.3%

Wholesale trade 6.2%

Other services 3.8%

Arts, food & hospitality 3.5%

Finance & real estate 3.2%

Public administration 3.2%

Agriculture & mining 2.2%

Information 0.3%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	32.3%
Service	9.8%
Sales & office	34.8%
Natural resources & construction	7.2%
Production & transportation	15.8%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	81.5%
Government	13.8%
Self-employed	4.5%
Unpaid family workers	0.2%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	75.8%
Carpool	9.2%
Public transit	0.2%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	0.2%
Avg commute (minutes)	18.9

Poverty

All people 10.4%

Under 18 years 15.4%

18 and over 9.1%

Married-couple families 7.0%

Female-led households 39.1%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	47.4%
Retirement income	21.9%
Supplemental Security	3.1%
Cash public assistance	1.5%
Food stamps / SNAP	10.0%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	34.1%
High cholesterol	35.3%
Heart disease	6.9%
Stroke	3.2%
Asthma	9.8%
Arthritis	28.9%
Kidney disease	3.0%
Pulmonary disease	7.7%
Cancer	7.4%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	14.8%
No physical activity	24.4%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	33.5%
Fair or poor health	14.1%
Poor mental health	12.7%
Poor physical health	10.3%
No health insurance	9.7%
Visited doctor (checkup)	76.7%
Visited dentist	64.4%
Cholesterol screening	90.4%
Teeth loss	13.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	84	8.3%

Disability	%
Any disability	10.0%
Under 18	0.0%
18–64 years	9.1%
65 and over	22.0%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	66.7%
Public insurance	44.1%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,164	90.7%
Spanish	0	0.0%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,277	99.5%
Born in same state	1,274	99.2%
Born in different state	971	75.6%
Foreign born	3	0.2%
Naturalized citizen	7	0.5%
Not a US citizen	5	71.4%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	192	15%
Italian	141	11%
Arab	56	4.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	17	1.3%
Polish	7	0.5%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	42.7%
Internet access	93.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Wataga, IL have?

Wataga, IL has one ZIP code: 61488. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.