Watertown, SD
Population 22,859 · South Dakota
About Watertown, SD
Watertown is a mid-sized city in South Dakota with a population of 22,859 residents. The median household income is $62,721 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Watertown is 39.4 years.
Housing in Watertown has a median home value of $212,300 and median monthly rent of $904. Of the 10,984 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 6,416 owner-occupied and 3,821 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Watertown is 2.0% and the poverty rate is 10.7%. 21.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 13.7 minutes.
How Watertown Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Watertown, SD
Compared to national averages, Watertown has a median household income of $62,721 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $212,300, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $904 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Watertown's income is 3% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 48% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Watertown, SD?
Watertown offers affordable housing with a median home value of $212,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $904/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 13.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,721) 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 22,859 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Watertown with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Watertown
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings | 23,710 | $61,979 | $243,600 | Compare |
| Aberdeen | 28,297 | $63,715 | $205,500 | Compare |
| Mitchell | 15,637 | $56,374 | $182,000 | Compare |
| Yankton | 15,501 | $69,071 | $202,300 | Compare |
| Huron | 14,347 | $51,556 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Pierre | 14,008 | $74,053 | $219,500 | Compare |
| Spearfish | 12,551 | $59,731 | $309,200 | Compare |
| Box Elder | 12,457 | $73,698 | $271,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Dakota
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, SD?
The population of Watertown, SD is 22,859 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Watertown?
The median household income in Watertown, SD is $62,721 per year.
What is the median home value in Watertown?
The median home value in Watertown, SD is $212,300.
What is the average rent in Watertown?
The median monthly rent in Watertown, SD is $904.
What is the unemployment rate in Watertown?
The unemployment rate in Watertown, SD is 2.0%.