Where Watson residents get care
CDC publishes only some of its health estimates for Watson, not the seven a Health Grade needs; here is what we do have.
Modeled estimates for adults 18+, CDC’s own estimate for Watson. How CDC estimates town health
What stands out about health in Watson
Depression is more common in Watson
1 in 4 adults have been diagnosed with depression (24.4%), vs 19.8% across Illinois. Frequent mental distress is above the state too: 19.2%, vs 15.6% across Illinois. Mind & connection ↓
Smoking is more common in Watson
1 in 6 adults smoke cigarettes (17.2%), vs 12.1% across Illinois. Habits ↓
Written from the CDC, Medicare and HRSA data on this page. CDC PLACES 2025 release: modeled estimates for adults, not counts; “higher” and “lower” mean the Illinois figure falls outside Watson’s likely range.
How Watson adults are doing
On 2 of 4 measures, Watson runs above Illinois.
1 in 3 Watson adults feel lonely. A hello is a start.
Groups are the easiest way in: a walking group, a book club, your street.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s free, confidential and open 24/7.
Everyday habits, side by side with Illinois
Share of adults, with the Illinois figure marked.
0 miles of trails across 1 park or preserve
Out of every 100 Watson adults…
Watson runs above IL on 2 of 12 conditions. Tap one to see it as people.
Care in and near Watson
No hospital or community health center in Watson itself. These are the nearest.
Hospitals: Medicare overall star ratings, 1–5. Community health centers charge on a sliding scale by income. Distances are straight-line from the center of Watson; ≈ marks a hospital located by its town, not its street. Shortage areas: HRSA Health Professional Shortage Areas (a “population” designation covers specific residents, such as those with low incomes).
Keeping up with care
Share of Watson adults getting routine care. The full ring is 100%; the dark tick marks Illinois.
Making ends meet
Needs that shape health as much as any doctor visit: food, housing, utilities and a way to get around.
14.9% of Watson adults receive SNAP (food stamps), compared with 13.8% across Illinois.
Watson and the towns around it
How health changes across the town line.
Nearby towns are shaded from CDC’s estimates for their ZIP codes, or CDC’s own figure for cities and villages.
Health next door
| Town | Health | Obesity | Diabetes | Smoking | Figures from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson Township | B− | 35.2% | 11.7% | 15.3% | ZIP codes |
| Watson Township | B | 34.6% | 11.5% | 14.4% | ZIP codes |
Same-state neighbors only, ordered by length of shared border.
Living with a disability
Shown without a better/worse judgment.
of Watson adults live with a disability (Illinois 27.6%). Thinking or memory is the most common.
Questions about health in Watson
Why doesn’t Watson have a Health Grade?
Every Health Grade is built from seven of CDC’s PLACES estimates, and CDC doesn’t publish all seven for Watson.
What hospital is closest to Watson?
St. Anthonys Memorial Hospital in Effingham, 7.0 miles in a straight line from Watson’s center point, is the nearest general hospital with an emergency room. Medicare rates it 3 of 5 stars.
Where can I get low-cost care near Watson?
1 community health center sites are within 10 miles; the nearest is Sihf Healthcare - Effingham in Effingham, 7.1 miles away. They charge on a sliding scale by income.
Neighbors talk health
Doctors taking patients, urgent care, staying active in Watson.
Health estimates: CDC PLACES: Local Data for Better Health, 2025 release. The Illinois figure combines its counties, weighted by adult population. Hospitals and star ratings: Medicare Care Compare (CMS). Health centers and shortage areas: HRSA. Ages: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey. Town boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau. This page isn’t medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.