Watertown Town, MA
Population 35,270 · Massachusetts
About Watertown Town, MA
Watertown Town is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 35,270 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $123,422 per year, which is 64% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Watertown Town features a median home value of $737,600, which is 201% above the national median of $244,900. This places Watertown Town in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,357, 103% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,059 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (7,913 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (8,297 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Watertown Town shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 6.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Watertown Town have an average one-way commute time of 26.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
67.2% of Watertown Town residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.8% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 4.6% Asian residents, with 26.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Watertown Town Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Watertown Town, MA
Compared to national averages, Watertown Town has a median household income of $123,422 (64% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $737,600, which is 201% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,357 is 103% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Watertown Town's income is 17% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 31% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Watertown Town, MA?
Watertown Town offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $123,422, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 67.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $737,600. However, Watertown Town’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Watertown Town has a population of 35,270 with a median age of 38.8 years. Compare Watertown Town with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Watertown Town
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst Town | 35,472 | $65,938 | $454,000 | Compare |
| Randolph Town | 34,683 | $103,129 | $463,500 | Compare |
| Lexington | 34,085 | $219,402 | $1,147,900 | Compare |
| Franklin Town | 33,067 | $142,788 | $567,100 | Compare |
| Holyoke | 37,949 | $51,892 | $255,300 | Compare |
| Needham | 32,059 | $212,241 | $1,146,000 | Compare |
| Braintree Town | 38,762 | $125,305 | $623,200 | Compare |
| Norwood | 31,380 | $97,110 | $613,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Watertown Town With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Watertown Town
What is the population of Watertown Town, MA?
The population of Watertown Town, MA is 35,270 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Watertown Town?
The median household income in Watertown Town, MA is $123,422 per year, which is 64% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Watertown Town?
The median home value in Watertown Town, MA is $737,600, which is 201% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Watertown Town?
The median monthly rent in Watertown Town, MA is $2,357, which is 103% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Watertown Town?
The unemployment rate in Watertown Town, MA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Watertown Town, MA a good place to live?
Watertown Town offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 35,270 and a median age of 38.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Watertown Town, MA?
67.2% of residents in Watertown Town aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Watertown Town?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Watertown Town, MA: median home value is $737,600 (201% above national), median rent is $2,357/month, and median household income is $123,422. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Watertown Town?
The poverty rate in Watertown Town, MA is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Watertown Town, MA?
Watertown Town's population is 0.8% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 4.6% Asian, and 4.1% two or more races. 26.5% of residents are foreign-born.