South DakotaPop. 23,044Towns
Is Watertown a Good Place to Live? Watertown, South Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Watertown ranks #659 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #107 of 234 towns and #8 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (12.6 min, #22 of 234) and low living costs (86.7, #25 of 230), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Watertown by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Watertown'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 Watertown?
Watertown's cost of living index is 86.7, 13% below the US level of 100 and #87 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $942/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $315,177, 2% below the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
| Measure | Watertown | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 86.7#87 of 1,308 | 88.6 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $315,177#419 of 1,187 | $321,574 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,115/mo#60 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $229,400#322 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $942/mo#143 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 16.2%#109 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). South 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.
Watertown 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. Watertown is in the Watertown, SD metro.
South Dakota housing market →Is Watertown safe?
Watertown recorded 181 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 45% below the US rate of 328 and 41% below South Dakota's 308. That ranks #312 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #57 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Watertown Police Department. Property crime runs 734 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Watertown | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 181#312 of 1,085 | 308 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 734#102 of 1,085 | 1,312 | 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). South 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 Watertown?
The median household in Watertown earns $69,600, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below South Dakota ($76,881). 9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Watertown | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $69,600#824 of 1,312 | $76,881 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 9%#417 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +1.1%#213 of 1,132 | +0.9% | 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). South Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Watertown?
The median resident of Watertown is 39.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1119 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Watertown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 39.5 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 21.6%#1119 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 65.3% | 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 Watertown's schools and health?
Watertown's 8 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $10,402 spent per pupil. 35.4% of adults are obese and 11.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Watertown | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 82.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 15.1#478 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $10,402#1117 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 35.4%#807 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 11.6%#715 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% | 8.9%#500 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). South Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,673 students are enrolled in Watertown's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Watertown?
The average commute in Watertown is 12.6 minutes (South Dakota 18.5); 0.6% of workers take transit and 4.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Watertown scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.5°F and winters 15.4°F, with 22.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Watertown | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 12.6 min#24 of 1,312 | 18.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 1.9%#45 of 1,312 | 4.4% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 83.8% | 78.1% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.1% | 3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 4.8% | 8% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.8#866 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). South 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 | 21.4 | 3.1 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 25.9 | 6.7 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 38.6 | 19.6 | 1 |
| Apr | 54 | 31.5 | 2.1 |
| May | 66.9 | 44.5 | 2.9 |
| Jun | 76.8 | 55.4 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 82 | 60 | 3.1 |
| Aug | 79.5 | 57.5 | 2.9 |
| Sep | 71.6 | 48.6 | 2.5 |
| Oct | 56.2 | 35.2 | 2 |
| Nov | 39.8 | 21.3 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 26.3 | 9.3 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Watertown Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Watertown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 43°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 68.5°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 15.4°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 22.7 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 Watertown Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Watertown?
Codington County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Codington County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, inland flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 54% of US counties.
| Measure | Watertown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 35#143 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#722 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 Codington County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Codington County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.017% | 80% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 77% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0022% | 77% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0045% | 72% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0019% | 66% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0024% | 54% 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 Watertown compare with similar-size cities?
Watertown is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #107 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 23,044.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SDPop. 23,044 | #659 | 55.7 | $69,600 | $942/mo | 181 | 12.6 min |
| Columbus, MSPop. 23,348 | #1158 | 46.5 | $42,235 | $897/mo | 470 | 19 min |
| Rock Springs, WYPop. 23,127 | #816 | 53.1 | $69,168 | $928/mo | 145 | 22.5 min |
| Duncan, OKPop. 22,958 | #1188 | 45.5 | $58,054 | $896/mo | 356 | 21.9 min |
| Keene, NHPop. 22,939 | #231 | 63.7 | $78,445 | $1,342/mo | 143 | 17.2 min |
| Prairie Village, KSPop. 22,874 | #133 | 67.1 | $113,530 | $1,794/mo | 96 | 19.6 min |
| Radcliff, KYPop. 22,864 | #1183 | 45.6 | $58,559 | $971/mo | 287 | 24.7 min |
| North Platte, NEPop. 22,831 | #945 | 51.0 | $58,097 | $921/mo | 116 | 13.3 min |
| Central Falls, RIPop. 22,701 | #937 | 51.2 | $49,285 | $1,200/mo | 273 | 27.4 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 Watertown compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Watertown ranks #8 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 55.7 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 9% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 41% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2% below the typical South Dakota home.
| City | Rank in SD | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon, SDPop. 10,996 | #1 | 70.0 | $110,806 | $976/mo | 46 |
| Tea, SDPop. 6,786 | #2 | 69.8 | $120,139 | $1,220/mo | 169 |
| Dakota Dunes, SDPop. 3,936 | #3 | 68.7 | $136,125 | $1,225/mo | no data |
| Harrisburg, SDPop. 8,519 | #4 | 62.7 | $108,724 | $1,362/mo | no data |
| Sioux Falls, SDPop. 201,469 | #5 | 61.9 | $75,970 | $1,035/mo | 364 |
| Aberdeen, SDPop. 28,189 | #6 | 59.8 | $64,405 | $762/mo | 425 |
| Brookings, SDPop. 23,948 | #7 | 56.9 | $63,493 | $889/mo | 113 |
| Watertown, SDPop. 23,044 | #8 | 55.7 | $69,600 | $942/mo | 181 |
| Madison, SDPop. 6,094 | #9 | 55.7 | $65,593 | $981/mo | 99 |
| Spearfish, SDPop. 12,930 | #10 | 55.1 | $65,688 | $963/mo | 232 |
| Rapid Valley, SDPop. 6,975 | #11 | 54.8 | $83,208 | $1,174/mo | no data |
| Yankton, SDPop. 15,540 | #12 | 53.9 | $67,804 | $790/mo | 191 |
| Pierre, SDPop. 13,948 | #13 | 53.5 | $77,672 | $983/mo | 561 |
| Mitchell, SDPop. 15,649 | #14 | 52.8 | $58,620 | $851/mo | 288 |
| Box Elder, SDPop. 12,902 | #15 | 52.7 | $73,008 | $1,491/mo | 312 |
| Rapid City, SDPop. 77,946 | #16 | 52.1 | $70,870 | $1,109/mo | 767 |
| Huron, SDPop. 14,385 | #17 | 49.4 | $61,452 | $888/mo | 281 |
| Belle Fourche, SDPop. 5,804 | #18 | 49.1 | $65,071 | $983/mo | 254 |
| Vermillion, SDPop. 11,878 | #19 | 48.4 | $50,456 | $764/mo | 185 |
| Sturgis, SDPop. 7,086 | #20 | 47.6 | $54,404 | $780/mo | 329 |
All 20 South Dakota cities we track, by overall score. South Dakota statewide: median income $76,881, violent crime 307.5 per 100,000.
How is Watertown's score calculated?
Watertown scores 55.7 out of 100, #659 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with South 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 Watertown. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
30.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Watertown's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
90.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Watertown. Similar-size median 56.5.
54.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Watertown's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
51.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Watertown's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
84.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Watertown. Similar-size median 50.8.
53.9 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Watertown. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
44.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Watertown. Similar-size median 48.3.
46.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Watertown's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
41.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
57.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Watertown'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 Watertown 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 Watertown
Is Watertown, SD a good place to live?
Watertown ranks #659 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #107 of 234 towns and #8 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (12.6 min, #22 of 234) and low living costs (86.7, #25 of 230), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Watertown?
Watertown's cost of living index is 86.7, 13% below the US level of 100 and #87 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $942/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $315,177, 2% below the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
What is the crime rate in Watertown?
Watertown recorded 181 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 45% below the US rate of 328 and 41% below South Dakota's 308. That ranks #312 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #57 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Watertown Police Department. Property crime runs 734 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Watertown?
The median household in Watertown earns $69,600, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below South Dakota ($76,881). 9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Watertown?
Median rent in Watertown is $942/mo (Census), #143 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,115/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Watertown?
The typical home value in Watertown is $315,177, up 4.2% in a year, against $321,574 for South Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $229,400.
How are the public schools in Watertown?
Watertown's 8 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $10,402 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Watertown?
The average commute is 12.6 minutes, #24 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 18.5 minutes across South Dakota. 1.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Watertown?
Watertown averages 43°F over the year, 68.5°F in summer and 15.4°F in winter, with 22.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Watertown walkable?
Watertown scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 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 Watertown at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Codington County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, inland flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 54% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Watertown?
Codington County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Watertown?
Watertown has 23,044 residents. The median resident of Watertown is 39.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1119 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Watertown compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Watertown ranks #8 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 55.7 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 9% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 41% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2% below the typical South Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Watertown?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Watertown's population of 23,044 are Columbus, MS (#1158 overall), Rock Springs, WY (#816 overall), Duncan, OK (#1188 overall), Keene, NH (#231 overall), and Prairie Village, KS (#133 overall). Watertown is #659.