North DakotaPop. 6,039Towns
Is Watford City a Good Place to Live? Watford City, North Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Watford City ranks #333 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #54 of 234 towns and #8 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.5%, #11 of 151) and low living costs (87.3, #41 of 230), and trails on expensive homes ($408,500, #187 of 231) and high violent crime (387 per 100,000, #114 of 146).
Watford City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Watford City's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Watford City?
Watford City's cost of living index is 87.3, 13% below the US level of 100 and #114 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,336/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $382,846, 31% above the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
| Measure | Watford City | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 87.3#114 of 1,308 | 89 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $382,846#587 of 1,187 | $292,293 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,254/mo#128 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $408,500#805 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,336/mo#575 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4x#577 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 15.7%#84 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Watford City housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below.
North Dakota housing market →Is Watford City safe?
Watford City recorded 387 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% above the US rate of 328 and 51% above North Dakota's 257. That ranks #701 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #114 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Watford City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,951 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Watford City | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 387#701 of 1,085 | 257 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,951#694 of 1,085 | 1,698 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Watford City?
The median household in Watford City earns $102,260, 23% above the US figure of $83,163 and 31% above North Dakota ($77,871). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Watford City | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $102,260#312 of 1,312 | $77,871 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 7.8%#305 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +2.5%#66 of 1,132 | +0.8% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Watford City?
The median resident of Watford City is 28.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 18.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1193 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 29.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Watford City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 28.8 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 18.9%#1193 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 29.3% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Watford City's schools and health?
Watford City's 5 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 14.4 students per teacher and $15,006 spent per pupil. 39.4% of adults are obese and 7.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Watford City | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 85.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14.4#362 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $15,006#585 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 39.4%#1078 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 7.3%#59 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 15.7%#363 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 10.3%#691 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 2,105 students are enrolled in Watford City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Watford City?
The average commute in Watford City is 20.8 minutes (North Dakota 17.5); 0% of workers take transit and 7.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Watford City scores 9.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #763 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.3°F and winters 16.2°F, with 15.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Watford City | North DakotaND | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 20.8 min#406 of 1,312 | 17.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 11.1%#1115 of 1,312 | 4.3% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 77.1% | 76.7% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1% | 3.7% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 2.1% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 7.9% | 7.1% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.4#763 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). North Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21.6 | 5.1 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 26.2 | 8.1 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 38.8 | 18.8 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 53.1 | 30.5 | 1 |
| May | 64.8 | 42.1 | 2.4 |
| Jun | 74.1 | 52.9 | 3.4 |
| Jul | 82.2 | 57.9 | 2.6 |
| Aug | 81.6 | 55.4 | 1.4 |
| Sep | 71.1 | 44.9 | 1.2 |
| Oct | 54.7 | 32.6 | 1 |
| Nov | 38 | 20 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 26.2 | 9.9 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Watford City.
| Measure | Watford City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 42.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 67.3°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 16.2°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 15.7 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Watford City.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Watford City?
McKenzie County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts McKenzie County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
| Measure | Watford City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 6#761 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#213 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for McKenzie County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, McKenzie County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0035% | 98% of counties |
| Hail | 0.018% | 93% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0045% | 86% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0074% | 82% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0018% | 47% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0067% | 43% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.047% | 9% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Watford City compare with similar-size cities?
Watford City is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #54 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 6,039.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watford City, NDPop. 6,039 | #333 | 61.3 | $102,260 | $1,336/mo | 387 | 20.8 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 min |
| Elsmere, DEPop. 6,203 | #971 | 50.6 | $67,944 | $1,339/mo | 144 | 24.4 min |
| South Lakes, AKPop. 6,180 | #716 | 54.8 | $98,141 | $1,178/mo | no data | 27.8 min |
| Madison, SDPop. 6,094 | #662 | 55.7 | $65,593 | $981/mo | 99 | 11.4 min |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #1094 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 | 12.7 min |
| Ranchettes, WYPop. 5,949 | #180 | 65.0 | $121,445 | $831/mo | no data | 18.7 min |
| St. Johnsbury, VTPop. 5,859 | #334 | 61.3 | $53,711 | $912/mo | 203 | 19.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Watford City compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Watford City ranks #8 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 61.3 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 31% above the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 51% above the statewide rate. Homes are 31% above the typical North Dakota home.
| City | Rank in ND | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Fargo, NDPop. 40,094 | #1 | 69.3 | $90,665 | $1,111/mo | 185 |
| Horace, NDPop. 4,588 | #2 | 69.0 | $138,578 | $2,146/mo | no data |
| Grand Forks, NDPop. 59,042 | #3 | 63.9 | $63,627 | $980/mo | 270 |
| Dickinson, NDPop. 25,357 | #4 | 62.7 | $82,696 | $957/mo | 183 |
| Minot, NDPop. 47,791 | #5 | 62.1 | $73,219 | $973/mo | 295 |
| Fargo, NDPop. 131,627 | #6 | 62.0 | $66,998 | $946/mo | 378 |
| Bismarck, NDPop. 75,556 | #7 | 61.8 | $78,387 | $999/mo | 241 |
| Watford City, NDPop. 6,039 | #8 | 61.3 | $102,260 | $1,336/mo | 387 |
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #9 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 |
| Beulah, NDPop. 3,040 | #10 | 60.1 | $76,848 | $1,075/mo | 131 |
| Lincoln, NDPop. 4,381 | #11 | 58.0 | $87,652 | $950/mo | 44 |
| Grafton, NDPop. 4,102 | #12 | 54.9 | $62,679 | $733/mo | 200 |
| Wahpeton, NDPop. 8,010 | #13 | 54.4 | $62,750 | $751/mo | 135 |
| Minot AFB, NDPop. 4,878 | #14 | 53.7 | $62,500 | $1,431/mo | no data |
| Mandan, NDPop. 24,522 | #15 | 53.2 | $71,780 | $1,083/mo | 257 |
| Jamestown, NDPop. 15,787 | #16 | 53.2 | $56,554 | $773/mo | 133 |
| Valley City, NDPop. 6,541 | #17 | 52.2 | $60,339 | $780/mo | 61 |
| Casselton, NDPop. 2,953 | #18 | 52.1 | $73,259 | $814/mo | no data |
| Devils Lake, NDPop. 7,308 | #19 | 50.0 | $43,220 | $711/mo | 191 |
| New Town, NDPop. 2,721 | #20 | 42.0 | $52,500 | $851/mo | part year |
All 20 North Dakota cities we track, by overall score. North Dakota statewide: median income $77,871, violent crime 256.7 per 100,000.
How is Watford City's score calculated?
Watford City scores 61.3 out of 100, #333 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with North Dakota's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Watford City. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
58.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Watford City's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
68.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Watford City. Similar-size median 56.5.
58.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Watford City's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
61.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Watford City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
71.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Watford City. Similar-size median 50.8.
70.4 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Watford City. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
64.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Watford City. Similar-size median 48.3.
42.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Watford City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
44.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
74.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Watford City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Watford City has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Watford City
Is Watford City, ND a good place to live?
Watford City ranks #333 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #54 of 234 towns and #8 of 20 in North Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.5%, #11 of 151) and low living costs (87.3, #41 of 230), and trails on expensive homes ($408,500, #187 of 231) and high violent crime (387 per 100,000, #114 of 146).
What is the cost of living in Watford City?
Watford City's cost of living index is 87.3, 13% below the US level of 100 and #114 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,336/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $382,846, 31% above the typical North Dakota home ($292,293).
What is the crime rate in Watford City?
Watford City recorded 387 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% above the US rate of 328 and 51% above North Dakota's 257. That ranks #701 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #114 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Watford City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,951 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Watford City?
The median household in Watford City earns $102,260, 23% above the US figure of $83,163 and 31% above North Dakota ($77,871). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Watford City?
Median rent in Watford City is $1,336/mo (Census), #575 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,254/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 15.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Watford City?
The typical home value in Watford City is $382,846, up 6.3% in a year, against $292,293 for North Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $408,500.
How are the public schools in Watford City?
Watford City's 5 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (North Dakota 85.1%), with 14.4 students per teacher and $15,006 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Watford City?
The average commute is 20.8 minutes, #406 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 17.5 minutes across North Dakota. 11.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Watford City?
Watford City averages 42.1°F over the year, 67.3°F in summer and 16.2°F in winter, with 15.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Watford City walkable?
Watford City scores 9.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #763 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Watford City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts McKenzie County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Watford City?
McKenzie County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Watford City?
Watford City has 6,039 residents. The median resident of Watford City is 28.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 18.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1193 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 29.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Watford City compare with the rest of North Dakota?
Watford City ranks #8 of the 20 North Dakota cities we track, with a score of 61.3 against North Dakota's statewide 75.5. Its households earn 31% above the North Dakota median. Violent crime is 51% above the statewide rate. Homes are 31% above the typical North Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Watford City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Watford City's population of 6,039 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Elsmere, DE (#971 overall), South Lakes, AK (#716 overall), and Madison, SD (#662 overall). Watford City is #333.