Watertown, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
23,044
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$69,600/yr
11.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,110
1.1% year-over-year change

Watertown population

How many people live in Watertown

Watertown is home to 23,044 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.5% of Watertown locals are male, and 48.5% are female.

Total population
23,044
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.5%
11,874
Female
48.5%
11,170
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,874 51.5% 1.8%
Female 11,170 48.5% -0.3%
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 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 14.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.1% of the population, while another 22.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
14.1%
25 to 44
26.1%
45 to 64
22.4%
Over 65
19.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,065 17.6% -1.8%
15 to 24 3,247 14.1% 4.9%
25 to 44 6,022 26.1% 1.4%
45 to 64 5,157 22.4% -1.3%
Over 65 4,553 19.8% 2.1%
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, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90.1% of locals are Caucasian, 1.3% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 22,538 97.8% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 380 1.6% 10.5%
Non-citizens 126 0.6% -41.1%
Racial breakdown
White
90.1%
Black or African American
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.3%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.8%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 20,758 90.1%
Black or African American 295 1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 532 2.3%
Asian 154 0.7%
Two or more races 1,113 4.8%
Other 192 0.8%

Households in Watertown

A peek inside Watertown households

Watertown has 10,394 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.3% are families, while the remaining 44.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,394
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,645
Family households
5,749
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,645 44.7% -0.4%
Family households 5,749 55.3% 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 11,110 units, with 66.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% 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 6.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
11,110
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,370 66.3%
1 unit, attached 576 5.2%
2 units 252 2.3%
3 or 4 units 630 5.7%
5 to 9 units 423 3.8%
10 to 19 units 441 4%
20 to 49 units 425 3.8%
50 or more units 262 2.4%
Mobile home 731 6.6%
Homes built since 2020
316
101.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Watertown

In Watertown, the median construction year is 1979. About 17.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,941 17.5% 0.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 419 3.8% -10.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,051 9.5% 17.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 608 5.5% 10.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,707 15.4% 2.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,091 9.8% -7.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,165 10.5% -16.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,542 13.9% -4.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,270 11.4% 12.4%
Built in 2020 or later 316 2.8% 101.3%
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 10,394 occupied housing units in Watertown, 65.3% are owner-occupied, while 34.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,394
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,611
Owner occupied
6,783
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,611 34.7% -5.5%
Owner occupied 6,783 65.3% 5.7%
Unoccupied housing units
6.4%
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 $962 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $942.

Median housing costs per month
$962/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
$942/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 41.8% of the population in Watertown went to high school, while 21.4% pursued college studies. Another 15.7% earned an associate degree and 14.4% 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 237 1.3% -42.2%
High school diploma 7,533 41.8% -0.9%
College diploma 3,862 21.4% 5.8%
Associate degree 2,827 15.7% 8.1%
Bachelor's degree 2,584 14.4% 4.6%
Graduate degree 962 5.3% -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 $87,533 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $69,600, reflecting a +11% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Watertown
$87,533/year
7.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Watertown
$69,600/year
11.0% 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 $90,819. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $85,865 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,667, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,378 in earnings. Overall, 91.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,667 16.2%
25 - 44 $90,819 13.6%
45 - 64 $85,865 9.2%
Over 65 $48,378 3.8%
Above poverty level
20,493
Below poverty level
2,009
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 20,493 91.1% 2.7%
Below poverty level 2,009 8.9% -15.1%

Average renter income in Watertown

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Watertown, their median household income was $40,434 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$40,434
Rent-to-income ratio
28%
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 12,344 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 67.4% are employed by private companies, and 12.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
12,344
1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
8,575
Blue collar
3,769
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,575 69.5% 1.0%
Blue collar 3,769 30.5% 3.1%
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
67.4%
Governmental workers
12.8%
Not for profit companies
10%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,208 9.8% -11.2%
Private companies 8,325 67.4% -0.7%
Governmental workers 1,574 12.8% 13.7%
Not for profit companies 1,237 10% 21.6%
Unemployment rate
1.8%
-8.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Watertown stands at 1.8%, 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 13 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 92.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
13 min
-8.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 11,440 92.9% 3.9%
Bus or trolleybus 75 0.6% -2.6%
Motorcycle 14 0.1% -75.9%
Bicycle 39 0.3% -46.6%
Walk 132 1.1% 4.8%
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
57201 26,781 11,642 $72,878 $90,788

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FAQs about Watertown demographics 

What is the total population of Watertown?

Watertown has a total population of 23,044 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Watertown?

The gender ratio in Watertown is as follows:
  • 51.5% males (11,874 residents)
  • 48.5% females (11,170 residents)

What is the median age in Watertown?

The median age in Watertown is 39.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Watertown?

The age distribution in Watertown is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (4,065 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.1% (3,247 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.1% (6,022 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.4% (5,157 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.8% (4,553 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Watertown?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Watertown is as follows:
  • White: 90.1% (20,758 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.3% (295 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.3% (532 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (154 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.8% (1,113 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (192 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in Watertown.

How many housing units are there in Watertown?

There are 11,110 housing units in Watertown, reflecting a +1.1% 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 10,394 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Watertown?

Watertown has a median household income of $69,600, representing a +11.0% 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 98.2% in Watertown, with a workforce of 12,344 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.5% (8,575 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.5% (3,769 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (1,208 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.4% (8,325 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.8% (1,574 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10% (1,237 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