Median Income
$43,164
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,800
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,378/100K
263% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.2%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$837
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.5%
39% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.2%
156% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.3%
112% higher than US avg
How Watertown Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,797
Median Age47.1 yrs
Density1,132/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 55%
Veterans20.9%
Economy
D
Median Income$43,164
Per Capita$21,376
Unemployment9.2%
Poverty26.3%
County GDP$3,523M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,800
Rent$837
Ownership49.5%
Zillow$257,215
Housing Units1,575
Rent Burden30.1%
Crime
F
Violent1,378/100K
Property7,805/100K
Health
Obesity44.5%
Uninsured18.8%
Smoking23.2%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease8.2%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (20°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain54.0 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation190 ft (58 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.2%
High School+84.5%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score5.65
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 25%
Commute15 min
Broadband92.3%
EV Stations21
Libraries3
Is Watertown a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Watertown receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Watertown has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Watertown is $43,164, 43% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.2%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 26.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Watertown is $112,800, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $837 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,378 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,805 per 100,000, 298% above the national average.
Education
8.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Watertown enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 54.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Watertown has a population of 2,797 with a density of 1,132 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 47.1 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (55.4%), with 2.6% Hispanic, 25.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.9% of residents, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 20.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 32.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.1yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Watertown vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.9%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.1%
32% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Watertown vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Watertown is $43,164, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,376 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $986, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 26.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,818 business establishments, including 140 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Watertown vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,164 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,376 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $986 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,035 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.2% |
| 156% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% |
| 112% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,818 |
| County GDP | $3,523M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 140 |
| Healthcare | 203 |
| Retail | 254 |
| Manufacturing | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,902 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Watertown is $112,800, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,215, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $837 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 49.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,575 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $3,902. 30.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,800 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $257,215 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $837 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 49.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 49.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,575 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,902 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.46% |
In Watertown, 44.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.2% of residents, above the national average. 41.2% have high blood pressure. 23.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.0% report binge drinking. 36.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.8% report depression. 22.0% experience frequent mental distress. 18.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,955. The dentist ratio is 1:1,598. 64.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Watertown vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.6% |
| Heart Disease | 8.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.2% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 10.9% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 4.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.2% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.4% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 18.1% |
| Short Sleep | 43.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.0% |
| Uninsured | 18.8% |
| 119% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,955 |
| Dentists | 1:1,598 |
| Mental Health | 1:358 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 41.2% |
| Premature Death | 12,795/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 203 |
Watertown has a violent crime rate of 1,378 per 100,000 residents, 263% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,805 per 100,000, 298% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Watertown receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Watertown vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,377.8/100K |
| 263% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,804.6/100K |
| 298% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Watertown enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (20°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 306 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 54.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 190 feet.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 67.2°F |
| 24% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 190 ft (58 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,132/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.1859°N, 82.6024°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Columbia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gainesville Regional (GNV)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.0"
42% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
7.64"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 71.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 29.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
21 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
108 km |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 2 |
264 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
83 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
82 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 2 |
281 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
300 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
279 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
233 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 1 |
224 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
183 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
135 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 2 |
250 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
174 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
270 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
269 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
298 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
255 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
193 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
169 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
205 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
360 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 11 fatalities, 129 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
84 km |
4 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1960 |
EF3 |
3 km |
0 |
| Feb 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
EF2 |
5 km |
1 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Dec 5, 2005 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2004 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 2001 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1998 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 1996 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
81 km |
3 |
| Nov 5, 1988 |
EF2 |
75 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1988 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1986 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (328,827 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX |
328,827 |
51 km |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (FLOYDS ISLAND PRAIRIE) |
215,381 |
88 km |
| 2017 |
WEST MIMS |
166,737 |
60 km |
| 2011 |
HONEY PRAIRIE |
147,065 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
CRAVENS HAMMOCK |
142,688 |
74 km |
| 2002 |
BLACKJACK BAY COMPLEX |
107,076 |
62 km |
| 1999 |
FRIENDLY |
75,089 |
45 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
59,179 |
53 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY LINE |
35,440 |
39 km |
| 2004 |
IMPASSABLE ONE |
29,836 |
34 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
25,845 |
76 km |
| 1998 |
OAK |
21,478 |
18 km |
| 1990 |
SHORTS |
21,413 |
60 km |
| 2011 |
DURDIN PRAIRIE |
19,487 |
85 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
18,577 |
19 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
16,594 |
55 km |
| 1989 |
PIN HOOK |
16,471 |
39 km |
| 1999 |
HICKORY IS |
14,656 |
82 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
14,543 |
28 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
13,873 |
35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
56°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
62°F (16°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
6.5 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
6.9 in |
|
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
7.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| September |
78°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
69°F (21°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
62°F (16°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| December |
55°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Watertown has a seasonal temperature swing of 28°F / from 52°F in January to 81°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 53.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (7.6") and November the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Watertown. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $675 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $511 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Watertown
What is the population of Watertown?
Watertown has a population of 2,797 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 1,132 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.
Is Watertown expensive to live in?
Watertown has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $43,164, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,800 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $837 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Watertown safe?
Public safety is a concern in Watertown, with a violent crime rate of 1,378 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,805 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Watertown receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Watertown?
Watertown enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 54.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Watertown?
The job market in Watertown faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $986. There are 1,818 business establishments in the area, including 140 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Watertown?
The median home value in Watertown is $112,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $257,215. For renters, the median monthly rent is $837. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 49.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,902.
How are the schools in Watertown?
Schools in Watertown score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.2% of adults in Watertown hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.5% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Watertown?
The obesity rate in Watertown is 44.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.2% of adults are smokers. 36.4% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 18.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 64.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,955.
What is transportation like in Watertown?
The average commute in Watertown is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Watertown?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Watertown is 55.4% White, 25.5% Black or African American, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 90.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 20.9% of the population are military veterans. 32.7% of residents have a disability. 87.0% have health insurance coverage.
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