Watertown, NY
Population 24,574 · New York
About Watertown, NY
Watertown is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 24,574 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,692 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Watertown features a median home value of $149,800, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Watertown in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $933, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,234 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (4,787 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (6,707 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 shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Watertown have an average one-way commute time of 16.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.9% of Watertown residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.6% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.6% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Watertown With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Watertown
What is the population of Watertown, NY?
The population of Watertown, NY is 24,574 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New York.
What is the median household income in Watertown?
The median household income in Watertown, NY is $49,692 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Watertown?
The median home value in Watertown, NY is $149,800, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Watertown?
The median monthly rent in Watertown, NY is $933, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Watertown?
The unemployment rate in Watertown, NY is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Watertown, NY a good place to live?
Watertown offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 24,574 and a median age of 35.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Watertown, NY?
25.9% of residents in Watertown aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Watertown?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Watertown, NY: median home value is $149,800 (39% below national), median rent is $933/month, and median household income is $49,692. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Watertown?
The poverty rate in Watertown, NY is 20.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Watertown, NY?
Watertown's population is 1.6% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.6% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 4.5% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.