Watertown, SD

South Dakota · Codington County

Watertown is a small city in South Dakota with a population of 22,859. Residents earn $62,721 per year, which is 17% below the national average.

3.2 /5.0

B Good

22,859 Population 1,240/sq mi density

$62,721 Median Income $37,225 per capita

$212,300 Home Value $300,678 Zillow

$904 Median Rent 24.7% income on rent

43°F Avg Temperature 276 sunny days/yr

301 Violent Crime/100K 1,651 property/100K

Overall

3.2 / 5.0

Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education

Economy

4.2 / 5.0

$62,721 median income, 1.3% unemployment

A+

Affordability

4.8 / 5.0

$212,300 home value, $904/mo rent

Safety

1.0 / 5.0

301 violent crimes/100K (21% below avg)

C+

Education

2.7 / 5.0

21.2% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Watertown, SD

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile

Median Income $62,721

17% lower than US avg

Home Value $212,300

25% lower than US avg

Violent Crime 301/100K

21% lower than US avg

Bachelor's+ 21.2%

37% lower than US avg

Median Rent $904

22% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 36.3%

13% higher than US avg

Unemployment 1.3%

64% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 6.5%

48% lower than US avg

How Watertown Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population22,859

Median Age39.4 yrs

Density1,240/mi²

Male / Female51% / 49%

Largest GroupWhite 90%

Veterans8.2%

Economy

Median Income$62,721

Per Capita$37,225

Unemployment1.3%

Poverty6.5%

County GDP$2,111M

Commute14 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$212,300

Rent$904

Ownership62.7%

Zillow$300,678

Housing Units10,836

Rent Burden24.7%

Crime

Violent301/100K

Property1,651/100K

Murder4.5/100K

Assault193/100K

Burglary261/100K

Health

Obesity36.3%

Uninsured9.2%

Smoking17.1%

Depression22.7%

Heart Disease5.8%

Climate

Avg Temp43°F (6°C)

AQI35 (Good)

Rain22.7 in/yr

Sunny Days276/yr

Elevation1,751 ft (534 m)

Education

C+

Bachelor's+21.2%

High School+91.4%

Graduate+6.5%

School Score6.24

Community

2024 VoteR 69% / D 28%

Commute14 min

Broadband86.8%

EV Stations5

Libraries3

Is Watertown a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Watertown receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, 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 $62,721, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Watertown is $212,300, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $904 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

Violent crime in Watertown is below the national average at 301 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,651 per 100,000, near the national average.

Education

21.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.

Climate & Weather

Watertown has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.7 inches, including 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.

Watertown has a population of 22,859 with a density of 1,240 people per square mile, spread across 25.0 square miles. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%), with 4% Hispanic, 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.

Population

22,859

Total Population

1,240

People / sq mi

39.4yrs

Median Age

1% above US avg

25.0mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 51%

Female 49%

Race & Ethnicity

Watertown vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 97.2%

24% above US avg

Spanish 2.8%

79% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Watertown vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Watertown is $62,721, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,225. The average weekly wage is $1,003, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,431 business establishments, including 92 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Watertown vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$62,721
	17% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$37,225
Avg Weekly Wage	$1,003
IRS Avg AGI	$80,938
Gini Index	0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	1.3%
	64% below US avg
Poverty Rate	6.5%
	48% below US avg
Establishments (County)	1,431
County GDP	$2,111M

Business (County)

Restaurants	92
Healthcare	101
Retail	187
Manufacturing	82

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)	$5,165
	48% above US avg
Cost of Living	88.60 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate	2.43%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	13.7 min
Drive Alone	84.2%
Public Transit	0.6%
Work from Home	5.4%

Walkability

The median home value in Watertown is $212,300, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,678, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $904 (22% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 10,836 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $5,165 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$212,300
	25% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$300,678
Median List Price	$285,000

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price	$285,000
$/Sq Ft	$126
Homes Sold	27
Sale-to-List Ratio	95.2%
Price Drops	11.6%
Inventory	69

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$904
	22% below US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)	$825
Rent Burden	24.7%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$691
1 Bedroom	$784
2 Bedrooms	$990
3 Bedrooms	$1,295
4 Bedrooms	$1,540

Ownership & Property

Homeownership	62.7%
Owner-Occupied	62.7%
Renter-Occupied	37.3%
Housing Units	10,836
Median Year Built	1982

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)	$5,165
	48% above US avg
Effective Rate	2.43%

In Watertown, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.0% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,053. The dentist ratio is 1:1,149. 84.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Watertown vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	36.3%
	13% above US avg
Diabetes	10.1%
Heart Disease	5.8%
High Blood Pressure	28.6%
Asthma	10.5%
COPD	6.2%
Cancer	7.9%
Stroke	3.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	17.1%
	22% above US avg
Binge Drinking	21.0%
Physical Inactivity	25.3%
Depression	22.7%
Mental Distress	16.6%
Physical Distress	12.2%
Short Sleep	31.6%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	92.2%
Uninsured	9.2%
	7% above US avg
Primary Care	1:1,053
Dentists	1:1,149
Mental Health	1:279
Checkup Rate	74.7%
Dental Visits	65.8%
Premature Death	6,602/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment	8.5/10
Exercise Access	84.3%
Healthcare Facilities	101

Watertown has a violent crime rate of 301 per 100,000 residents, 21% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 193.4 per 100,000, robbery at 13.5, rape at 90.0. The murder rate is 4.5 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,651 per 100,000, 16% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,313, burglary at 261, vehicle theft at 76 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 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	301.4/100K
	21% below US avg
Murder	4.5/100K
	29% below US avg
Rape	90.0/100K
Robbery	13.5/100K
Assault	193.4/100K

Property Crime

Total Property	1,650.7/100K
	16% below US avg
Burglary	260.9/100K
Theft	1,313.4/100K
Vehicle Theft	76.5/100K
Arson	0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)	3
Avg Accident Severity	0.0 / 4.0

Safety Score

Safety Grade	F
Safety Score	1.0 / 5.0

View full crime details →

Watertown has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 276 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 22.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,751 feet.

Temperature

12°F Jan (-11°C) 71°F Jul (22°C)

Annual Average	43.0°F
	20% below US avg
January Average	12°F (-11°C)
July Average	71°F (22°C)
Sunny Days	276 days/yr

Geography

Elevation	1,751 ft (534 m)
Area	25.0 sq mi (64.9 km²)
Population Density	1,240/sq mi
Coordinates	44.9092°N, 97.1557°W
Timezone	America/Chicago
County	Codington County County
Nearest Airport	Watertown Regional (ATY) 0 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 22.7"

40% below US avg

Snowfall 41.1"

Wettest Month (Jun) 3.86"

Driest Month (Dec) 0.39"

Air Quality

AQI Median	35.0
Rating	Good

Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)

Ozone (O₃)	0.0398 ppm
PM2.5 (Fine Particles)	9.6 μg/m³

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall Risk	Relatively Low
Risk Score	61.8 / 100
Social Vulnerability	26.2 / 100
Community Resilience	74.8 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado	Relatively Moderate
Earthquake	Very Low
Wildfire	Relatively Low
Flood	Relatively Low
Hail	Relatively Low
Strong Wind	Relatively Moderate
Heat Wave	Very Low
Winter Weather	Relatively High
Lightning	Very Low
Ice Storm	Relatively High
Drought	Relatively Low
Cold Wave	Relatively Moderate
Landslide	Very Low

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 26, 2002.

Jun 5, 1993	11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota	M4.1	109 km
Oct 20, 1995	8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota	M3.7	100 km
Jul 26, 2002	0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota	M3.1	104 km

Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tornado History

413 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950. Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 50 injuries.

Date	Rating	Distance	Fatalities
Jun 24, 2003	EF4	85 km	0
Jul 7, 1955	EF4	89 km	1
May 30, 2022	EF3	29 km	0
Jun 24, 2003	EF3	92 km	0
May 17, 1996	EF3	54 km	0
Jun 16, 1992	EF3	97 km	0
Jun 16, 1992	EF3	62 km	0
May 12, 1984	EF3	45 km	0
Jul 18, 1983	EF3	2 km	0
Jun 15, 1970	EF3	86 km	0
Jun 25, 1969	EF3	94 km	0
May 30, 2022	EF2	36 km	0
May 12, 2022	EF2	57 km	0
May 12, 2022	EF2	24 km	0
May 12, 2022	EF2	45 km	0
May 5, 2007	EF2	100 km	0
Sep 23, 2004	EF2	94 km	0
Jun 24, 2003	EF2	67 km	0
Jun 24, 2003	EF2	79 km	0
Jul 17, 1996	EF2	84 km	0

Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)

Wildfire History

20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).

Year	Name	Acres	Distance
2004	LOUISBURGRADE	6,487	80 km
2003	CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE	2,067	94 km
2004	FISH FIRE	1,799	75 km
2005	GRAND MEWS	1,245	73 km
2000	PHEASANT OPENER	1,206	73 km
1998	LEE	1,137	71 km
1995	UNNAMED	1,115	72 km
2003	ANDERSON	1,082	74 km
1998	ANDREASEN	1,001	75 km
1992	SPRING LK	1,001	58 km
1990	ANDERSON	988	73 km
2007	ANDERSON	797	74 km
2006	ANDERSON	764	73 km
1986	ANDERSON	746	74 km
2000	FISH	720	75 km
2007	LEE	689	71 km
2006	MOSQUITO RANCH	656	86 km
2003	LEE	560	70 km
1994	ARTICHOKE	556	95 km
2002	ARTICHOKE	548	95 km

Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	12°F (-11°C)	0.6 in	Coldest
February	17°F (-8°C)	0.5 in
March	29°F (-1°C)	1.3 in
April	44°F (7°C)	2.0 in
May	57°F (14°C)	2.8 in
June	67°F (19°C)	3.9 in	Wettest
July	71°F (22°C)	3.0 in	Warmest
August	69°F (21°C)	2.8 in
September	59°F (15°C)	2.1 in
October	46°F (8°C)	1.9 in
November	29°F (-2°C)	0.9 in
December	16°F (-9°C)	0.4 in	Driest

Watertown has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and December the driest (0.4").

View full weather details →

Watertown is located in Codington County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Urban 20K+, a smaller urban community. 21.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 37% below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 6.2 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 69.2% of the vote, a 40.8-point margin. 86.8% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 5 EV charging stations. There are 3 public libraries serving the community. 101 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 84.2% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 69.2%

D 28.4%

Winner: Republican by 40.8 points

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)	3
Avg Accident Severity	0.0 / 4.0

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	21.2%
	37% below US avg
High School+	91.4%
Graduate Degree+	6.5%
School Test Score	6.24

C+ Education Grade (2.7/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 5	Nonmetro / Urban 20K+
Population Density	1,240/sq mi
Total Area	25.0 sq mi
County	Codington County County

Services

Broadband Access	86.8%
Avg Download Speed	122.0 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed	7.9 Mbps
Max Download Speed	1,000 Mbps
EV Charging Stations	5
Alt Fuel Stations	15
Public Libraries	3
Healthcare Facilities	101
Restaurants	92
Retail Stores	187

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	13.7 min
Drive Alone	84.2%
Public Transit	0.6%
Work from Home	5.4%

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)	$222 ($133–$354)
Specialist Visit	$310 ($177–$487)
Urgent Care Visit	$177 ($89–$310)
Emergency Room Visit	$1,949 ($709–$4,430)
Dental Cleaning	$115 ($66–$177)
Dental Filling	$222 ($133–$354)

View all 40 services

Auto Repair

Oil Change (Conventional)	$40 ($22–$66)
Oil Change (Synthetic)	$66 ($44–$106)
Brake Pad Replacement	$266 ($133–$443)
Tire Rotation	$35 ($18–$66)
New Tires (Set of 4)	$532 ($354–$886)
Battery Replacement	$177 ($89–$310)

View all 18 services

Home Services

Plumber (Per Hour)	$89 ($53–$133)
Electrician (Per Hour)	$80 ($44–$124)
HVAC Repair	$354 ($133–$709)
HVAC System Install	$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632)
Roof Repair	$886 ($354–$1,772)
Roof Replacement	$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290)

View all 25 services

Legal

Divorce (Uncontested)	$1,329 ($443–$3,101)
Divorce (Contested)	$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580)
DUI Defense	$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860)
Bankruptcy (Chapter 7)	$1,329 ($709–$2,658)
Will Preparation	$443 ($177–$886)
Trust Preparation	$2,215 ($886–$4,430)

View all 12 services

Personal Care

Men's Haircut	$22 ($13–$40)
Women's Haircut	$49 ($27–$89)
Hair Coloring (Full)	$133 ($66–$222)
Manicure	$22 ($13–$40)
Pedicure	$35 ($22–$58)
Massage (1 Hour)	$71 ($44–$115)

View all 12 services

Food & Grocery

Gallon of Milk (per gallon)	$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87)
Dozen Eggs (per dozen)	$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43)
Loaf of Bread	$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87)
Chicken Breast (per lb)	$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76)
Ground Beef (per lb)	$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65)
Rice (per lb)	$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59)

View all 20 services

Utilities

Electricity (Monthly)	$124 ($71–$222)
Natural Gas (Monthly)	$62 ($27–$133)
Water/Sewer (Monthly)	$62 ($35–$106)
Internet (Monthly)	$62 ($35–$89)
Cell Phone Plan (Monthly)	$58 ($27–$89)
Cable TV (Monthly)	$75 ($44–$133)

View all 8 services

Transportation

Monthly Parking (Downtown)	$177 ($66–$443)
Car Insurance (Annual)	$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101)
Bus Pass (Monthly)	$62 ($27–$115)
Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride)	$13 ($7.09–$22)
Car Registration (Annual)	$89 ($27–$222)
Driver's License Renewal	$27 ($13–$66)

View all 8 services

Education & Childcare

Daycare (Infant, Monthly)	$1,063 ($532–$2,215)
Daycare (Toddler, Monthly)	$886 ($443–$1,772)
After-School Care (Monthly)	$354 ($177–$620)
Tutoring (Per Hour)	$44 ($22–$89)
SAT/ACT Prep Course	$886 ($354–$2,215)
Private School (K-12, Annual)	$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580)

View all 8 services

Pets

Vet Visit (Routine Checkup)	$53 ($27–$89)
Dog Vaccination (Annual)	$89 ($44–$177)
Dog Grooming	$53 ($27–$89)
Pet Boarding (Per Night)	$35 ($18–$66)
Dog Spay/Neuter	$266 ($133–$443)
Cat Spay/Neuter	$177 ($89–$354)

View all 9 services

Childcare

Center-Based (monthly)
Infant	$650
Toddler	$650
Preschool	$591
Family Childcare (monthly)
Infant	$443
Toddler	$443
Preschool	$433

Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)

Top Industries in Codington County

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry	Jobs	Establishments	Avg Annual Pay	Location Quotient
Manufacturing	3,374	77	$61,581	2.38
Retail Trade	2,582	174	$36,543	1.50
Health Care & Social Assistance	1,986	95	$63,448	0.80
Accommodation & Food Services	1,650	85	$19,792	1.05
Construction	1,008	159	$65,013	1.11
Wholesale Trade	959	109	$70,099	1.41
Finance & Insurance	692	85	$72,822	0.99
Transportation & Warehousing	528	57	$48,313	0.72
Other Services	510	99	$38,811	0.98
Professional & Technical Services	396	159	$68,519	0.33
Arts & Entertainment	188	45	$21,202	0.65
Real Estate	113	65	$38,923	0.42
Information & Technology	93	24	$51,478	0.29
Educational Services	69	9	$20,937	0.19
Utilities	30	5	$87,685	0.46

Colleges & Universities in Watertown

Institution	Type	Enrollment	Acceptance	In-State Tuition	Out-of-State
Lake Area Technical College	Public · Associate	2,655	—	$6,718	$6,718

Hospitals in Watertown

Hospital	Type	CMS Rating	Emergency	Phone
PRAIRIE LAKES HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, INC	Acute Care Hospitals	4/5	Yes	(605) 882-7000

Schools in Watertown

9 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School	Level	Enrollment	Teachers	Student/Teacher
Watertown High School - 01 (Charter)	High	1,220	73	16.7:1
Watertown Middle School - 02 (Charter)	Middle	600	36	16.7:1
Watertown Intermediate School - 13 (Charter)	Middle	548	41	13.4:1
Jefferson Elementary - 09 (Charter)	Elementary	361	20	18.1:1
Lincoln Elementary - 05 (Charter)	Elementary	338	21	16.1:1
McKinley Elementary - 06 (Charter)	Elementary	234	18	13.0:1
Roosevelt Elementary - 08 (Charter)	Elementary	228	18	12.7:1
Mellette Elementary - 07 (Charter)	Elementary	212	16	13.3:1
Garfield Education Center - 14 (Charter)	—	50	4	12.5:1

View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Watertown

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station	Genre	Quality
k-dave	classic rock music	MP3 128 kbps

National Parks Near Watertown

4 national parks and monuments found near Watertown.

Park	Type	Fee
Big Stone Lake State Park	State Park	Free
Hartford Beach	State Park	Free
Pipestone National Monument	National Monument	Free
Saaranen Beach	State Park	Free

Museums in Watertown

Name	Type	Phone	Annual Revenue
REDLIN ART CENTER	ART MUSEUM	6058823877	$728,061
LAKE AREA ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY	ZOO, AQUARIUM, OR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION	6058826269	$328,960
CODINGTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY	HISTORIC PRESERVATION	6058867335	$85,292
BRAMBLE PARK ZOO	ZOO, AQUARIUM, OR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION	6058826269
CASTLEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY	HISTORIC PRESERVATION
HAYTI HISTORICAL SOCIETY	HISTORIC PRESERVATION
MELLETTE HOUSE MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION	HISTORIC PRESERVATION	6058864730
WATERTOWN WORLD WILDLIFE MUSEUM	ZOO, AQUARIUM, OR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Libraries in Watertown

Name	Address	Staff	Annual Visits	Circulation	Collection	Programs
WATERTOWN REGIONAL LIBRARY	160 6TH ST NE	0.0	126,752
HAMLIN-CODINGTON REGIONAL LIBRARY	3 8TH AVE. SE	0.0	19,285

Farmers Markets in Watertown

Name	Address	Season	Hours	Organic	Website
Uptown Farmers Market	East Camp Ave.				Visit
Watertown Farmers market	Runnings Parking Lot				Visit

Breweries in Watertown

Name	Type	Address	Phone	Website
Dempsey's Brewery Pub & Restaurant	Bar and Brewery, Restaurant, Food and Beverage, Brewery, food catering, Bar, Pizza	127 N Broadway	(605) 882-9760, 16058829760, 605 882-9760, 6058829	Visit

Nursing Homes in Watertown

2 nursing homes and rehabilitation centers (CMS data).

Facility	Ownership	Beds	Residents	Overall	Health	Staffing	Quality	Phone
GOLDEN LIVINGCENTER - WATERTOWN 415 FOURTH AVE NE	For profit - Corporation	51	46	5/5	—	4/5	4/5	6058868431
JENKINS LIVING CENTER 215 SOUTH MAPLE STREET	Non profit - Corporation	162	151	3/5	—	4/5	2/5	6058865777

Pharmacies in Watertown

8 pharmacies and drugstores.

Pharmacy	Address	Phone
BROWN CLINIC PHARMACY	506 1ST AVENUE SOUTHEAST	605-884-4234
GENOA HEALTHCARE	123 19TH STREET NORTHEAST	605-882-9400
HY-VEE	1320 9TH AVENUE SOUTHEAST	605-886-0661
PRAIRIE LAKES CAMPUS PHARMACY	401 9TH AVENUE NORTHWEST	605-882-7790
SHOPKO	700 9TH AVENUE SOUTHEAST	605-882-2011
VALUE CARE PHARMACY	122 EAST KEMP AVENUE	605-882-4809
WAL-MART SUPERCENTER - 1500	1201 29TH STREET SOUTHEAST	605-886-8419
WALGREENS - 10007	421 9TH AVENUE SOUTHEAST	605-882-3788

EV Charging Stations in Watertown

Name	Address	Network	Level 2	DC Fast	Connectors	Access
Hy-Vee - Tesla Supercharger	1320 9th Avenue Southeast	Tesla		8	TESLA	public

Cell Towers in Watertown

Address	Structure Type	Height (ft)
9.7 km west of	TOWER	99

Fire Stations in Watertown

Name	Address	Type	Active Firefighters	Volunteers	Phone
Watertown Fire Rescue	129 NW 1ST AVE	Career			605-882-5030

Power Plants Near Watertown

Name	Type	Primary Fuel	Capacity (MW)	Status
CATTLE RIDGE WIND FARM 1	ONSHORE WIND TURBINE	221115	-96.9	OP
CROWNED RIDGE WIND II ENERGY CENTER	ONSHORE WIND TURBINE	221115	-96.9	OP
WATERTOWN POWER PLANT	PETROLEUM LIQUIDS	221112	-97.1	OP

Bridges in Watertown

Type	Kind	Year Built	Length (ft)	Daily Traffic	Condition
Slab	Concrete continuous	2019	155	14,449	G
Culvert	Concrete continuous	1970	23	12,968	F
Slab	Concrete continuous	1970	126	10,754	F
Slab	Concrete continuous	1966	119	7,500	F
Culvert	Steel	1935	108	5,053	F
Tee Beam	Prestressed concrete	1974	100	4,970	P
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel continuous	1972	175	4,305	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel continuous	1972	175	4,305	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel continuous	1971	308	4,260	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel continuous	1973	223	4,260	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel continuous	1973	223	4,260	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel continuous	1970	308	4,260	F
Slab	Concrete continuous	2022	116	4,035	G
Slab	Concrete continuous	1958	186	3,646	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Prestressed concrete continuous	2010	370	3,464	F
Culvert	Concrete continuous	1990	41	3,089	G
Slab	Concrete continuous	1977	144	1,831	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel continuous	1973	290	1,773	F
Culvert	Concrete continuous	1985	24	1,758	G
Tee Beam	Prestressed concrete	1940	80	1,499	P
Box Beam (Multiple)	Prestressed concrete	1982	50	1,425	F
Tee Beam	Prestressed concrete	1979	60	1,167	F
Culvert	Concrete continuous	1931	31	640	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel continuous	1966	182	397	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Prestressed concrete	2008	111	200	F
Tee Beam	Prestressed concrete	1962	94	169	F
Culvert	Concrete	2012	73	100	G
Culvert	Concrete continuous	2012	53	100	G
Slab	Concrete continuous	2020	103	73	G
Slab	Concrete continuous	1987	106	73	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Prestressed concrete	2010	100	60	F
Culvert	Concrete continuous	1931	31	56	P
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel	1986	101	41	F
Tee Beam	Prestressed concrete	1985	90	40	P

Correctional Facilities in Watertown

Name	Address	Type	Population	Capacity	Status
CODINGTON COUNTY REGIONAL DETENTION CENTER	14 1ST AVENUE SOUTHEAST	COUNTY	-999	96	OPEN

Airports Near Watertown

21 airports within the area.

Airport	IATA	Type
Watertown Regional Airport	ATY	Medium Airport
Andersen Farms Airport	—	Small Airport
Arlington Municipal Airport	—	Small Airport
Brookings Regional Airport	BKX	Small Airport
Clark County Airport	—	Small Airport
Clear Lake Municipal Airport	—	Small Airport
Homan Field	—	Small Airport
Kapaun-Wilson Field	—	Small Airport
Lake Preston Municipal Airport	—	Small Airport
Lee Airport	—	Small Airport
Lone Tree Airport	—	Small Airport
Lundin Airport	—	Small Airport
Lutgen Airport	—	Small Airport
Milbank Municipal Airport	—	Small Airport
Ortonville Municipal Airport/Martinson Field	—	Small Airport
South Shore Airport	—	Small Airport
Stone's Conservation Airport	—	Small Airport
The Sigurd Anderson Airport	—	Small Airport
Tribitt Airport	—	Small Airport
Whipple Ranch Airport	—	Small Airport
Wilder Airport	—	Small Airport

Grocery Stores in Watertown

20 grocery stores.

Store	Type	Address
ALDI 72111	Supermarket	2822 8th Ave SE
CASEY'S 2089	Convenience Store	185 4th St NE
CASEY'S 2445	Convenience Store	20 19th St NE
CASEY'S 2455	Convenience Store	405 10th St SW
County Fair Foods Of Watertown	Super Store	14 2nd St NE
Dakota Butcher Watertown East Inc.	Convenience Store	1923 Willow Creek Dr
Dakota Butcher- Watertown Inc	Other	1330 9th Ave SW
Dollar General 21569	Other	1010 4th St NE
Dollar General 21951	Other	3224 9th Ave SW
Dollar General 25615	Other	1013 10th Avenue NW
Dollar Tree 3208	Other	911 29th St SE
Freedom Watertown	Convenience Store	225 Kemp Ave
Hy-Vee Food Store 1871	Super Store	1320 9th Ave SE
Papa Murphys of Watertown SD004	Specialty Store	917 9th Ave SE
Prairie Stop	Convenience Store	1007 9th Ave Sw
Sioux Valley Coop 20	Convenience Store	220 10th Ave NW
Sioux Valley Coop 28	Convenience Store	1601 9th Ave SE
Target Stores T- 0859	Super Store	2000 9th Ave SE
Walgreens 10007	Other	421 9th Ave SE
Walmart SC 1500	Super Store	1201 29th St SE

Churches & Religious Organizations in Watertown

27 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

Name	Address
ACCESS MINISTRY	25 W KEMP AVE
BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH	1144 N MAPLE
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS	1336 2ND ST NW
CHRISTIAN LIFE ASSEMBLY OF GOD	PO BOX 214
CONSTANT CHURCH OF GOD INC	2010 ASH AVE NE APT 3
DAVIDS SWORD MINISTRIES	1808 10TH ST NE
EMMANUEL HOLINESS CHURCH	R D 4
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH	111 14TH AVE NE
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH	202 2ND ST SE
GREAT PLAINS LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL	1200 LUTHER LN NE
HARVEST COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH OF WATERTOWN SOUTH DAKOTA	PO BOX 83
HOPE FOR LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH	1009 20TH ST NE
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF OUR REDEEMER	2001 2ND ST NW
MIDWEST EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION	PO BOX 545
MILITARY VISION	PO BOX 1904
MOBRIDGE ASSEMBLY OF GOD	PO BOX 214
MOUNT OLIVE LUTHERAN CHURCH	715 2ND ST NE
NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH	10 2ND ST SE
NEW LIFE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH WATERTOWN	1530 N HIGHWAY 20
NEXT TOWN MINISTRIES	18 4TH ST SE
SAINT MICHAEL PARISH OF CLARK COUNTY	302 2ND AVE SE
ST MARTINS LUTHERAN CHURCH	1200 2ND ST NE
ST PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH	105 12TH AVE NE
ST PETER LUTHERAN CHURCH	1112 20TH ST NE
WATERTOWN FOURSQUARE CHURCH	1120 4TH ST NE
WATERTOWN SOUTH DAKOTA CONGREGATION OF JEHOVAHS WITNESSES	3000 9TH AVE SE
WATERTOWN WESLEYAN CHURCH	1616 3RD AVE NE

Explore Near Watertown

Historic Markers

Officially designated historical markers from the Historical Marker Database

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Mines

Active and inactive mining sites tracked by the Mine Safety and Health Administration

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UFO Sightings

Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database

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Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Watertown.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Watertown

What is the population of Watertown?

Watertown has a population of 22,859 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,240 people per square mile, spread across 25.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.4 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.

Is Watertown expensive to live in?

Watertown is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,721, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $212,300 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $904 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 safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 301 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,651 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 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.7 inches, with 41.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.

How is the job market in Watertown?

The job market in Watertown is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,003. There are 1,431 business establishments in the area, including 92 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 5.4% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Watertown?

The median home value in Watertown is $212,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,678. For renters, the median monthly rent is $904. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,165.

How are the schools in Watertown?

Schools in Watertown score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.2% of adults in Watertown hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Watertown?

The obesity rate in Watertown is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 84.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,053.

What is transportation like in Watertown?

The average commute in Watertown is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.4% work from home.

What are the demographics of Watertown?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Watertown is 90.3% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 4% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Clark, SD 1,181 pop · 28.4 mi Milbank, SD 3,513 pop · 33.3 mi Webster, SD 1,823 pop · 34.5 mi Volga, SD 2,246 pop · 42.2 mi Ortonville, MN 1,968 pop · 44.1 mi Canby, MN 1,563 pop · 45.4 mi Brookings, SD 23,710 pop · 45.6 mi Madison, MN 1,507 pop · 47.8 mi Aurora, SD 1,407 pop · 49.1 mi Sisseton, SD 2,593 pop · 52.3 mi Dawson, MN 1,441 pop · 54.1 mi Appleton, MN 1,360 pop · 58.9 mi Groton, SD 1,794 pop · 59.3 mi Minneota, MN 1,531 pop · 62.4 mi

Compare Watertown with another city:

Watertown, SD

Discover Watertown, SD

City Guide — Watertown

Overview 11/11

People 10/10

Economy 13/13

Housing 14/17

Health 25/26

Crime & Safety 11/12

Climate & Environment 16/19

Community 14/14

Cost of Services 3/3

Historical Trends 0/3

Geography 6/6

Places & Facilities 21/32

Explore (Map Features) 3/3

How Watertown Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Economy

Housing

Crime

Health

Climate

Education

Community

Is Watertown a Good Place to Live?

Economy & Jobs

Cost of Living & Housing

Safety & Crime

Education

Climate & Weather

Population

Gender Distribution

Race & Ethnicity

Watertown vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Social Characteristics

Watertown vs U.S. Average

Income: Watertown vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Employment & Poverty

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

HUD Fair Market Rent

Ownership & Property

Property Tax

Health Metrics: Watertown vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Behaviors & Mental Health

Healthcare Access

Food & Exercise

Crime Rates: Watertown vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Temperature

Geography

Precipitation & Snow

Air Quality

Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)

Natural Hazard Risk

Hazard Breakdown

Earthquake History

Tornado History

Wildfire History

Monthly Weather

2024 Presidential Election (County)

Safety & Disasters

Education

Area & Infrastructure

Services