Watertown, NY
Population 24,574 · New York
About Watertown, NY
Watertown is a mid-sized city in New York with a population of 24,574 residents. The median household income is $49,692 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Watertown is 35.6 years.
Housing in Watertown has a median home value of $149,800 and median monthly rent of $933. Of the 13,234 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 4,787 owner-occupied and 6,707 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Watertown is 6.4% and the poverty rate is 20.8%. 25.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 16.1 minutes.
Cost of Living in Watertown, NY
Compared to national averages, Watertown has a median household income of $49,692 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $149,800, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $933 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Watertown's income is 49% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 61% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Watertown, NY?
Watertown offers affordable housing with a median home value of $149,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $933/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,692) that falls below the national average. However, Watertown’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Watertown has a population of 24,574 with a median age of 35.6 years. Compare Watertown with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Watertown
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithtown | 24,940 | $148,852 | $661,400 | Compare |
| Dix Hills | 25,042 | $219,636 | $891,400 | Compare |
| Kingston | 23,942 | $65,413 | $277,900 | Compare |
| Peekskill | 25,484 | $91,042 | $376,800 | Compare |
| Medford | 25,681 | $128,631 | $444,500 | Compare |
| Rockville Centre | 25,770 | $144,516 | $796,100 | Compare |
| Copiague | 23,332 | $121,098 | $463,300 | Compare |
| Plainview | 26,251 | $185,531 | $729,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Watertown
What is the population of Watertown, NY?
The population of Watertown, NY is 24,574 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Watertown?
The median household income in Watertown, NY is $49,692 per year.
What is the median home value in Watertown?
The median home value in Watertown, NY is $149,800.
What is the average rent in Watertown?
The median monthly rent in Watertown, NY is $933.
What is the unemployment rate in Watertown?
The unemployment rate in Watertown, NY is 6.4%.