Watertown, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,790
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$99,671/yr
7.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,815
-3.3% year-over-year change

Watertown population

How many people live in Watertown

Watertown is home to 4,790 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Watertown locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
4,790
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
2,376
Female
50.4%
2,414
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,376 49.6% -1.3%
Female 2,414 50.4% 3.2%
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 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.3% are children under 15, then 14.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26% of the population, while another 26.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.3%
15 to 24
14.9%
25 to 44
26%
45 to 64
26.5%
Over 65
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,019 21.3% 10.9%
15 to 24 715 14.9% -10.1%
25 to 44 1,244 26% 4.5%
45 to 64 1,271 26.5% -1.4%
Over 65 541 11.3% -2.4%
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, 98.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 92.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.1% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.7%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,710 98.3% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 80 1.7% 25.0%
Racial breakdown
White
92.6%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.1%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 4,434 92.6%
Black or African American 3 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0.1%
Asian 16 0.3%
Two or more races 294 6.1%
Other 40 0.8%

Households in Watertown

A peek inside Watertown households

Watertown has 1,741 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 73.2% are families, while the remaining 26.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,741
-3.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
466
Family households
1,275
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 466 26.8% -15.7%
Family households 1,275 73.2% 1.5%
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 1,815 units, with 72.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,815
-3.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,322 72.8%
1 unit, attached 173 9.5%
2 units 30 1.6%
3 or 4 units 12 0.7%
5 to 9 units 88 4.8%
10 to 19 units 30 1.6%
20 to 49 units 22 1.2%
50 or more units 43 2.4%
Mobile home 95 5.2%
Homes built since 2020
35
16.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Watertown

In Watertown, the median construction year is 1996. About 13.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 29.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 239 13.2% 3.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 37 2% -9.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 163 9% 20.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 63 3.5% 3.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 111 6.1% -27.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 121 6.7% -7.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 277 15.3% -22.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 530 29.2% -1.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 239 13.2% 18.3%
Built in 2020 or later 35 1.9% 16.7%
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 1,741 occupied housing units in Watertown, 82.9% are owner-occupied, while 17.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,741
-3.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
298
Owner occupied
1,443
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 298 17.1% -20.3%
Owner occupied 1,443 82.9% 0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
4.1%
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 $1,564 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $927.

Median housing costs per month
$1,564/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
$927/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 32% of the population in Watertown went to high school, while 22.6% pursued college studies. Another 20.6% earned an associate degree and 18.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 44 1.2% 37.5%
High school diploma 1,163 32% -3.2%
College diploma 820 22.6% -2.3%
Associate degree 747 20.6% -5.7%
Bachelor's degree 666 18.3% -4.0%
Graduate degree 192 5.3% 26.3%
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 $114,968 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $99,671, reflecting a +7.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Watertown
$114,968/year
7.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Watertown
$99,671/year
7.2% 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 $100,208. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $162,974 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $77,608, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $52,303 in earnings. Overall, 92.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $77,608 5.8%
25 - 44 $100,208 3.4%
45 - 64 $162,974 4.8%
Over 65 $52,303 4.9%
Above poverty level
4,324
Below poverty level
367
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,324 92.2% 3.9%
Below poverty level 367 7.8% -22.9%

Average renter income in Watertown

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Watertown, their median household income was $50,833 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$50,833
Rent-to-income ratio
21.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Watertown

Workforce and job types in Watertown

The job market in Watertown is powered by 2,798 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.3% run their own businesses, 74.4% are employed by private companies, and 9.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,798
-3.8% year-over-year change
White collar
2,033
Blue collar
765
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,033 72.7% -2.6%
Blue collar 765 27.3% -6.9%
Employer type
Self employees
8.3%
Private companies
74.4%
Governmental workers
9.9%
Not for profit companies
7.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 231 8.3% 6.5%
Private companies 2,081 74.4% -1.8%
Governmental workers 277 9.9% -0.4%
Not for profit companies 209 7.5% -28.9%

Transportation in Watertown

How people get around in Watertown

Commuting methods vary: 77.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,144 77.1% -3.1%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0.1% -33.3%
Walk 107 3.8% 0.0%
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
55375 4,326 1,451 $130,893 $170,779
55388 5,893 2,184 $99,375 $114,677

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FAQs about Watertown demographics 

What is the total population of Watertown?

Watertown has a total population of 4,790 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Watertown?

The gender ratio in Watertown is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (2,376 residents)
  • 50.4% females (2,414 residents)

What is the median age in Watertown?

The median age in Watertown is 33.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Watertown?

The age distribution in Watertown is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.3% (1,019 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.9% (715 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26% (1,244 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.5% (1,271 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.3% (541 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Watertown?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Watertown is as follows:
  • White: 92.6% (4,434 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (16 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.1% (294 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (40 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.3% of the population in Watertown.

How many housing units are there in Watertown?

There are 1,815 housing units in Watertown, reflecting a -3.3% 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 1,741 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Watertown?

Watertown has a median household income of $99,671, representing a +7.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Watertown?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.7% (2,033 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.3% (765 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.3% (231 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.4% (2,081 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.9% (277 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.5% (209 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