Median Income
$93,008
24% higher than US avg
Home Value
$315,200
12% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
22/100K
94% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.2%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$967
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.2%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Watertown Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,747
Median Age34.5 yrs
Density1,805/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$93,008
Per Capita$41,419
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$7,614M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$315,200
Rent$967
Ownership79.3%
Zillow$370,563
Housing Units1,840
Rent Burden23.1%
Crime
F
Violent22/100K
Property736/100K
Health
Obesity34.2%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking14.6%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain34.1 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation956 ft (291 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.2%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+8.0%
School Score7.18
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 46%
Commute27 min
Broadband95.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Watertown a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Watertown receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Watertown offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Watertown is $93,008, 24% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Watertown is $315,200, 12% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $967 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Watertown is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 22 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 736 per 100,000, 62% below the national average.
Education
22.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 7.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Watertown has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.1 inches, including 51.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Watertown has a population of 4,747 with a density of 1,805 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 34.5 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%), with 2.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.5yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Watertown vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Watertown vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Watertown is $93,008, which is 24% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,419. The average weekly wage is $1,297. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,874 business establishments, including 188 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 19.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Watertown vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $93,008 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,419 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,297 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $131,468 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,874 |
| County GDP | $7,614M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 188 |
| Healthcare | 268 |
| Retail | 232 |
| Manufacturing | 153 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,648 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 19.1% |
The median home value in Watertown is $315,200, 12% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $370,563, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 101% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $967 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,840 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $6,648 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $315,200 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $370,563 |
| Median List Price | $449,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $449,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $160 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.0% |
| Price Drops | 37.5% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $967 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,840 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,648 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.11% |
In Watertown, 34.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 25.7% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 21.6% are physically inactive. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,181. The dentist ratio is 1:1,930. 96.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Watertown vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.7% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.6% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 28.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,181 |
| Dentists | 1:1,930 |
| Mental Health | 1:434 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 70.4% |
| Premature Death | 3,990/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 96.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 268 |
Watertown has a violent crime rate of 22 per 100,000 residents, 94% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 736 per 100,000, 62% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 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 | 21.7/100K |
| 94% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 736.3/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 51 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Watertown has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 270 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 34.1 inches. The area receives 51.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 956 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.1°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 956 ft (291 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,805/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9602°N, 93.8439°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Carver County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain (MSP)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.1"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
87 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
540 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 37 fatalities, 1,188 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
37 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
45 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
21 km |
3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
27 km |
5 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
61 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
58 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
63 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
62 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
62 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
57 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
59 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
59 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
67 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
57 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
60 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
56 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
100 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
56 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
62 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
59 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
56 km |
| 2004 |
WUI UNIT 16 |
1,592 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Watertown has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.7").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,689 |
| Toddler | $1,505 |
| Preschool | $1,338 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $888 |
| Toddler | $787 |
| Preschool | $801 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Watertown
What is the population of Watertown?
Watertown has a population of 4,747 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,805 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Watertown expensive to live in?
Watertown has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $93,008, 24% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $315,200 (12% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $967 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Watertown safe?
Watertown is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 22 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 736 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Watertown receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Watertown?
Watertown has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.1 inches, with 51.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Watertown?
The job market in Watertown is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,297. There are 2,874 business establishments in the area, including 188 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 19.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Watertown?
The median home value in Watertown is $315,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $370,563. For renters, the median monthly rent is $967. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,648.
How are the schools in Watertown?
Schools in Watertown perform well, with an average test score of 7.2 out of 10 / above the national benchmark. 22.2% of adults in Watertown hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Watertown?
The obesity rate in Watertown is 34.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 21.6% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 96.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,181.
What is transportation like in Watertown?
The average commute in Watertown is 27 minutes. 73.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 19.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Watertown?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Watertown is 94.2% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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