Watford City, ND
Population 6,016 · North Dakota
About Watford City, ND
Watford City is a small town located in North Dakota with a population of 6,016 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $88,351 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.5 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 Watford City features a median home value of $385,100, which is 57% above the national median of $244,900. This places Watford City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,210, 4% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,683 total housing units, 35% are owner-occupied (987 units) and 65% are renter-occupied (1,810 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 Watford City shows an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Watford City have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.8% of Watford City 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 14.8% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 6.6% Asian residents, with 6.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Watford City Ranks in North Dakota
Cost of Living in Watford City, ND
Compared to national averages, Watford City has a median household income of $88,351 (18% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $385,100, which is 57% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,210 is 4% above the US average of $1,163. Within North Dakota, Watford City's income is 22% above the state average of $72,691, and home values are 176% above the state median of $139,496.
Why Live in Watford City, ND?
Watford City offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $88,351, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%, and a low poverty rate of 7.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $385,100. However, Watford City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Watford City has a population of 6,016 with a median age of 28.5 years. Compare Watford City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Watford City
Cities in North Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valley City | 6,554 | $56,471 | $152,800 | Compare |
| Minot AFB | 4,904 | $65,571 | $0 | Compare |
| Devils Lake | 7,170 | $42,755 | $171,000 | Compare |
| Lincoln | 4,309 | $83,387 | $259,400 | Compare |
| Grafton | 4,128 | $60,184 | $153,800 | Compare |
| Wahpeton | 7,996 | $57,417 | $164,600 | Compare |
| Horace | 3,964 | $145,801 | $444,600 | Compare |
| Beulah | 3,058 | $84,417 | $194,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Watford City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Watford City
What is the population of Watford City, ND?
The population of Watford City, ND is 6,016 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Dakota.
What is the median household income in Watford City?
The median household income in Watford City, ND is $88,351 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Watford City?
The median home value in Watford City, ND is $385,100, which is 57% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Watford City?
The median monthly rent in Watford City, ND is $1,210, which is 4% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Watford City?
The unemployment rate in Watford City, ND is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Watford City, ND a good place to live?
Watford City offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 6,016 and a median age of 28.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Watford City, ND?
25.8% of residents in Watford City 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 Watford City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Watford City, ND: median home value is $385,100 (57% above national), median rent is $1,210/month, and median household income is $88,351. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Watford City?
The poverty rate in Watford City, ND is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Watford City, ND?
Watford City's population is 14.8% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 6.6% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 6.2% of residents are foreign-born.