Watertown
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B+
Quality of Life Score
Watertown Information
23,631
Total Population
45%
Married Persons
55%
Single Persons

7/10
City Rating
City ratings are often based on a variety of factors including quality of life, economic opportunities, safety, education, and more. A rating of 7 or higher might suggest a city with a relatively high quality of life and desirable living conditions. A rating below 5 might indicate challenges or lower overall satisfaction.
7/10
Overall Value
This is a broader rating that takes into account multiple factors affecting the overall appeal of a city. Ratings above 7 might indicate a highly attractive city, while those below 5 might suggest areas for improvement.
10/10
Density (Population per mile²)
City density refers to the concentration of people living within a city's geographic area. It is typically expressed as the number of residents per square mile or square kilometer. Higher density indicates that more people live in a given area, leading to potentially busier streets, more crowded living conditions, and increased access to amenities and services.
1233
Watertown
260,000
Reno
City Info
Watertown, South Dakota, is the fifth-largest city in the state and serves as the county seat of Codington County. Located in the Glacial Lakes region between Lake Kampeska and Lake Pelican, Watertown is a regional economic and cultural hub. The city is known for attractions like the Redlin Art Center and Bramble Park Zoo, and features a strong sense of community and family-oriented living. Watertown’s real estate market is among the most expensive for its size in South Dakota, with recent median home prices around $255,000–$330,000 depending on the neighborhood, and a steady appreciation trend
Residence
32% (Homes Rented)

50 Years
Median Home Age
$255,000
Median Home Price
4%
Home Aappreciation Rate
1.2%
Annual Property Tax
Weather
60%
Sun
30%
Rain
10%
snow
Residence
Watertown’s housing market features a mix of older and newer homes with a steady appreciation rate. The city offers affordable living with median household incomes above $62,000 and a strong rate of homeownership. The area is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods and access to lakes and parks.
Community
7
Crime Rate (per 100,000)
Democratic
Political Majority
39
Average Age
Community
Watertown is recognized for its honest, family-oriented residents and strong sense of community. The city offers a variety of cultural and recreational amenities, with a diverse but predominantly White population
Locale

Occupation
25%
Management, Business, Art & Sciences
20%
Sales & Office Occupations
15%
Service Occupations
15%
Production, Transportation & Material Moving
5%
Natural Resources, Construction & Maintenance
Education
1:15
Student Teacher Ratio
37%
High School Diploma
33%
Some College or Associates Degree
20%
Bachelors Degree
6%
Graduate or Professional Degree
Locale
Watertown offers a blend of small-city charm and regional amenities, with access to lakes, parks, and cultural venues. The city is a hub for education, healthcare, and retail for northeast South Dakota.
Transit
26%
Public Transportation
70%
Car
10%
Carpool
10%
Work At Home
Transit
Watertown is primarily car-dependent, but also offers accessible public transportation options for residents, contributing to manageable commute times and accessibility for all


