Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Watertown, NY
Considering a move to Watertown, NY? This friendly city of 24,685 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $146,000 and average rents near $950. Commutes are a breeze at just 17 minutes, and residents enjoy four distinct seasons and proximity to the scenic Thousand Islands. While crime rates are above the national average, Watertown boasts quality healthcare and accessible education options, including Jefferson Community College. Discover small-city charm, budget-friendly homes, and an easygoing pace of life in Watertown.
Demographics - Watertown, NY
Demographics - Watertown, NY
Watertown, NY is home to about 24,685 people, with a youthful median age of 32.1 and a population density of 2,820 per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with growing diversity reflected in its 7.8% Black and 2.5% Asian populations, and approximately 7.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
24,685
Density:
2,820 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.5%
Black:
7.8%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
8.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Watertown, NY?
Watertown offers a cost of living well below the national average, with median home values at $146,000 and average rents around $950 per month. Residents benefit from affordable housing and moderate utility costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$146,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,235
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$530
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.6
Grocery:
98.9
Housing:
53.2
Utilities:
108.7
Transportation:
97.1
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
93.2
Crime
Is Watertown, NY a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Watertown are higher than average, with residents facing a 1 in 215 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 44 chance of property crime. While the city offers a welcoming atmosphere, it's important for newcomers to stay aware of neighborhood safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
466
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,250
Crime Index:
2,716
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 215
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 44
Weather
What is the weather like in Watertown, NY year-round?
Watertown experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters that dip to 10°F and warm, comfortable summers reaching highs of 78°F. The area receives about 41 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 48% of the year, offering a classic Upstate New York climate.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
30°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Households in Watertown typically earn a median income of $48,530, though the area has a relatively high poverty rate of 21.5%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commutes are short, averaging just under 17 minutes.
Median Income:
$30,780
Household Income:
$48,530
Family Income:
$58,200
Per Capita Income:
$25,900
Income Male:
$35,200
Income Female:
$28,100
Poverty Rate:
21.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
16.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
20.6%
Education
How are the schools in Watertown, NY?
Education in Watertown includes several public and private school options, as well as nearby Jefferson Community College serving around 3,000 students. Local schools feature favorable student-teacher ratios, supporting a supportive learning environment for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Case Middle School
Street:
1237 Washington St
Phone:
315-785-3870
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2
Name:
Watertown High School
Street:
1335 Washington St
Phone:
315-785-3800
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Private Schools
Name:
Immaculate Heart Central School
Street:
1316 Ives St
Phone:
315-788-4670
Students:
500
Colleges
Name:
Jefferson Community College
City:
Watertown
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,000
Name:
SUNY Canton
City:
Canton
State:
NY
Distance:
60 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Watertown provides solid healthcare access, with major facilities like Samaritan Medical Center and a high rate of insured residents at 93.5%. There are about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people, supporting the community’s health needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Samaritan Medical Center
Address:
830 Washington St, Watertown, NY 13601
Phone:
(315) 785-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
River Hospital
Address:
4 Fuller St, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Phone:
(315) 482-2511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
75.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Watertown, NY?
The housing market in Watertown is affordable, with a median home price of $146,000 and typical two-bedroom rents at $950. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a moderate home appreciation rate of 4% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$146,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Watertown residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, located on Washington Street in the city center. The local DMV office offers convenient access for licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle needs.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
317 Washington St, Watertown, NY 13601
Phone:
1-718-477-4820
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.