Median Income
$88,351
18% higher than US avg
Home Value
$385,100
37% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.8%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,210
4% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.9%
28% lower than US avg
How Watford City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,016
Median Age28.5 yrs
Density674/mi²
Male / Female55% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$88,351
Per Capita$51,501
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty8.9%
County GDP$4,355M
Commute19 min
Housing
A
Home Value$385,100
Rent$1,210
Ownership35.3%
Zillow$382,846
Housing Units3,657
Rent Burden22.1%
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking13.8%
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain15.7 in/yr
Elevation2,057 ft (627 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.8%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score4.89
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute19 min
Broadband88.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Watford City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Watford City receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Watford City stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Watford City is $88,351, 18% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. 8.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Watford City is $385,100, 37% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,210 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
25.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Watford City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.7 inches, including 50.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Watford City has a population of 6,016 with a density of 674 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 28.5 years, 27% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.5% female and 54.5% male. The city is predominantly White (80.8%), with 22.8% Hispanic, 2.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.7% of residents, while 12.8% speak Spanish. 3.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 7.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
6,016
Total Population
2023 Census
28.5yrs
Median Age
27% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Watford City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.7%
13% above US avg
Spanish
12.8%
4% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Watford City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Watford City is $88,351, which is 18% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $51,501 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,750, 22% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 819 business establishments, including 47 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Watford City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,351 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $51,501 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,750 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $143,007 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.9% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 819 |
| County GDP | $4,355M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 47 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,576 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Watford City is $385,100, 37% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $382,846. Monthly rent averages $1,210 (4% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 35.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,657 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2012. The average annual property tax is $3,576. 22.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $385,100 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $382,846 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,210 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,225 |
| Rent Burden | 22.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 35.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 35.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 64.7% |
| Housing Units | 3,657 |
| Median Year Built | 2012 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,576 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.93% |
In Watford City, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 22.6% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 19.5% report depression. 14.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,909. The dentist ratio is 1:3,477. 40.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Watford City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 19.5% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,909 |
| Dentists | 1:3,477 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,563 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.7% |
| Premature Death | 13,744/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Watford City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 50.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. 82% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 2,057 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.1°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,057 ft (627 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 674/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.8015°N, 103.2667°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McKenzie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Williston Basin International (XWA)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.7"
59% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.44"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 82.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 8 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0473 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 2.5 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.08 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on May 6, 2014.
| Feb 25, 2014 |
23 km N of Brockton, Montana |
M3.8 |
135 km |
| Jul 29, 1998 |
16 km WNW of Froid, Montana |
M3.8 |
124 km |
| Nov 11, 1998 |
10 km SW of Grenora, North Dakota |
M3.5 |
101 km |
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
28 km |
| May 6, 2014 |
12 km NNW of Knife River, Montana |
M2.6 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
114 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 41 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1955 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2018 |
EF2 |
3 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 2018 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2014 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1982 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1978 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1976 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1976 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1962 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1958 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1953 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2024 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2018 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1999 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1990 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE (67,150 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE |
67,150 |
67 km |
| 1999 |
GAP/ROUGH CREEK |
53,708 |
48 km |
| 1988 |
BAINVILLE |
12,790 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
LITTLE SWALLOW |
9,886 |
58 km |
| 1988 |
MURPHY |
8,918 |
51 km |
| 1999 |
ROUGH CRK |
7,887 |
18 km |
| 2018 |
18 DONUT HOLE |
7,838 |
95 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE SWALLOW |
6,304 |
54 km |
| 1988 |
MIKES CREEK |
5,309 |
74 km |
| 2017 |
MAGPIE FIRE |
5,056 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
ROOSEVELT CREEK |
4,608 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
HORSE PASTURE |
4,431 |
19 km |
| 2015 |
RIDGE ROAD |
3,390 |
34 km |
| 1988 |
MONTANA LINE |
3,307 |
59 km |
| 1988 |
CINNAMON CREEK |
3,204 |
56 km |
| 2024 |
CHARLSON |
3,055 |
39 km |
| 2021 |
ELKHORN |
2,784 |
66 km |
| 2021 |
13 MILE FIRE |
2,585 |
65 km |
| 2014 |
14 BEEF CORRAL WASH |
2,471 |
93 km |
| 1988 |
DANKS |
2,425 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Watford City has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 13°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Watford City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,038 |
| Toddler | $947 |
| Preschool | $879 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $764 |
| Toddler | $720 |
| Preschool | $725 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Watford City
What is the population of Watford City?
Watford City has a population of 6,016 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 674 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.5% female and 54.5% male.
Is Watford City expensive to live in?
Watford City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $88,351, 18% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $385,100 (37% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,210 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Watford City?
Watford City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 15.7 inches, with 50.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Watford City?
The job market in Watford City is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,750. There are 819 business establishments in the area, including 47 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Watford City?
The median home value in Watford City is $385,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $382,846. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,210. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 35.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,576.
How are the schools in Watford City?
Schools in Watford City have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 25.8% of adults in Watford City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Watford City?
The obesity rate in Watford City is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 19.5% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 40.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,909.
What is transportation like in Watford City?
The average commute in Watford City is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Watford City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Watford City is 80.8% White, 2.4% Black or African American, 22.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Asian. 88.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.8% speak Spanish. 3.9% of the population are military veterans. 7.1% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.