Watertown, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
35,543
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$126,265/yr
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
17,206
1.8% year-over-year change

Watertown population

How many people live in Watertown

Watertown is home to 35,543 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.5% of Watertown locals are male, and 54.5% are female.

Total population
35,543
1.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.5%
16,179
Female
54.5%
19,364
Value Percent YoY change
Male 16,179 45.5% -1.2%
Female 19,364 54.5% 4.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Watertown is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.3% are children under 15, then 7.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 37.8% of the population, while another 23.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.3%
15 to 24
7.6%
25 to 44
37.8%
45 to 64
23.9%
Over 65
18.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,382 12.3% 0.2%
15 to 24 2,716 7.6% -5.2%
25 to 44 13,445 37.8% 2.5%
45 to 64 8,494 23.9% 1.5%
Over 65 6,506 18.3% 3.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Watertown, 72.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 16.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 71.3% of locals are Caucasian, 3.8% are African American and 11.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
72.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
16.5%
Non-citizens
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 25,682 72.3% 2.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,860 16.5% 9.3%
Non-citizens 4,001 11.3% -12.6%
Racial breakdown
White
71.3%
Black or African American
3.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
11.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.2%
Other
3.9%
Value Percent
White 25,339 71.3%
Black or African American 1,344 3.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 52 0.2%
Asian 4,150 11.7%
Two or more races 3,259 9.2%
Other 1,399 3.9%

Households in Watertown

A peek inside Watertown households

Watertown has 16,371 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.8% are families, while the remaining 46.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,371
1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
7,568
Family households
8,803
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 7,568 46.2% 0.5%
Family households 8,803 53.8% 3.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Watertown

The housing landscape of Watertown

Watertown's housing consists of 17,206 units, with 17.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
17,206
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,960 17.2%
1 unit, attached 1,764 10.2%
2 units 5,969 34.7%
3 or 4 units 1,366 7.9%
5 to 9 units 494 2.9%
10 to 19 units 898 5.2%
20 to 49 units 1,227 7.1%
50 or more units 2,528 14.7%
Homes built since 2020
219
63.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Watertown

In Watertown, the median construction year is 1947. About 44.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,636 44.4% -1.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,486 8.6% 4.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,773 10.3% -2.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,460 8.5% -0.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,013 5.9% 10.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,302 7.6% 22.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 296 1.7% -23.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 938 5.4% -0.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,083 6.3% 4.4%
Built in 2020 or later 219 1.3% 63.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Watertown occupancy rates

Out of the 16,371 occupied housing units in Watertown, 47.7% are owner-occupied, while 52.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,371
1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,557
Owner occupied
7,814
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,557 52.3% 4.0%
Owner occupied 7,814 47.7% -0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
4.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Watertown housing costs

Housing costs in Watertown come to a median of $2,526 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,502.

Median housing costs per month
$2,526/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Watertown
$2,502/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Watertown

Watertown education at a glance

About 17.2% of the population in Watertown went to high school, while 10% pursued college studies. Another 5.3% earned an associate degree and 30.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 33.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,031 3.4% -0.1%
High school diploma 5,235 17.2% 3.5%
College diploma 3,056 10% 1.6%
Associate degree 1,606 5.3% 7.1%
Bachelor's degree 9,257 30.4% -0.1%
Graduate degree 10,292 33.8% 3.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Watertown

How much people earn in Watertown

The average annual household income in Watertown was $160,326 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $126,265, reflecting a +2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Watertown
$160,326/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Watertown
$126,265/year
2.3% year-over-year change

Watertown income by age

In Watertown, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $162,328. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $125,818 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $76,161, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $77,060 in earnings. Overall, 92.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $76,161 70.7%
25 - 44 $162,328 5.7%
45 - 64 $125,818 2.6%
Over 65 $77,060 -2.5%
Above poverty level
32,414
Below poverty level
2,633
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 32,414 92.5% 0.1%
Below poverty level 2,633 7.5% 25.3%

Employment in Watertown

Workforce and job types in Watertown

The job market in Watertown is powered by 21,247 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 92.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 7.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 60.7% are employed by private companies, and 8.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
21,247
White collar
19,690
Blue collar
1,557
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 19,690 92.7% 2.2%
Blue collar 1,557 7.3% -5.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
60.7%
Governmental workers
8.4%
Not for profit companies
22.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,702 8% 2.2%
Private companies 12,892 60.7% 1.5%
Governmental workers 1,782 8.4% -8.3%
Not for profit companies 4,871 22.9% 6.0%
Unemployment rate
5.3%

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Watertown stands at 5.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Watertown

How people get around in Watertown

In Watertown, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 56.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
6.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 11,738 56.3% 2.0%
Taxicab 57 0.3% -14.9%
Bus or trolleybus 879 4.2% -33.4%
Subway or elevated 434 2.1% N/A
Railroad 55 0.3% -36.8%
Bicycle 454 2.2% -10.6%
Walk 917 4.4% -10.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Watertown by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
02472 35,620 16,399 $126,336 $160,262

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FAQs about Watertown demographics 

What is the total population of Watertown?

Watertown has a total population of 35,543 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Watertown?

The gender ratio in Watertown is as follows:
  • 45.5% males (16,179 residents)
  • 54.5% females (19,364 residents)

What is the median age in Watertown?

The median age in Watertown is 39.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Watertown?

The age distribution in Watertown is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.3% (4,382 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.6% (2,716 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 37.8% (13,445 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.9% (8,494 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.3% (6,506 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Watertown?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Watertown is as follows:
  • White: 71.3% (25,339 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.8% (1,344 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (52 residents)
  • Asian: 11.7% (4,150 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.2% (3,259 residents)
  • Other: 3.9% (1,399 residents)

What percentage of the population in Watertown are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 72.3% of the population in Watertown.

How many housing units are there in Watertown?

There are 17,206 housing units in Watertown, reflecting a +1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Watertown and what is the average household size?

Watertown has a total of 16,371 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Watertown?

Watertown has a median household income of $126,265, representing a +2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Watertown?

The employment rate is 94.7% in Watertown, with a workforce of 21,247 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 92.7% (19,690 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 7.3% (1,557 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (1,702 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.7% (12,892 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.4% (1,782 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 22.9% (4,871 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025