South Dakota / Codington County

Moving to Watertown, SD

Thinking of making a move to Watertown, SD? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Watertown, SD

Considering a move to Watertown, SD? This welcoming community of 22,100 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $245,000 and average rents near $920. Commute times average 15 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Watertown's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Watertown, SD

Watertown has a population of 22,100 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 90% White, 2% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
22,100
Density
1,750 per sq mi
Median Age
38.7
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
6.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
89.5%
Black
1.8%
Asian
1.3%
Others
7.4%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Watertown, SD?

The cost of living in Watertown is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.4. Median home values are around $245,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $920. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$245,000
Gross Rent
$920
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$570
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 10.0%
Cost Of Living Index
87.4
Grocery
92.1
Housing
76.8
Utilities
101.3
Transportation
93.5
Health Care
96.2
Miscellaneous
90.4

Crime

Is Watertown, SD a safe place to live?

Watertown is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 312 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 46. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in South Dakota.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
312
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,180
Crime Index
2,492
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 321
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 46

Weather

What is the weather like in Watertown, SD year-round?

Watertown experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 5°F. The area receives about 24 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
5°F
Max
27°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
34°F
Max
61°F

Fall

Min
37°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
24.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $64,800 and a low poverty rate of 11.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 25% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 15 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$33,500
Household Income
$64,800
Family Income
$82,300
Per Capita Income
$32,700
Income Male
$41,500
Income Female
$31,800
Poverty Rate
11.8%
Non English Speakers
9.2%
Rent
$920
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
Public Transport Usage
1.5%
Commute Time
14.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.1%
Bachelors or More
24.8%

Education

How are the schools in Watertown, SD?

Watertown offers quality education options, with public schools like Watertown High School and Watertown Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Lake Area Technical College and Northern State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Watertown High School
Street
200 9th St NE
Phone
605-882-6351
Students
700
Student Teacher Ratio
14.3
Name
Watertown Middle School
Street
2000 9th Ave NE
Phone
605-882-6390
Students
760
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1

Private Schools

Name
Holy Name School
Street
530 8th Ave SE
Phone
605-886-5843
Students
160

Colleges

Name
Lake Area Technical College
City
Watertown
State
SD
Distance
2 miles
Students
2,100
Name
Northern State University
City
Aberdeen
State
SD
Distance
72 miles
Students
3,600

Healthcare

Watertown residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Avera St. Luke's Hospital and Lake Area Clinic & Surgery Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 93.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Avera St. Luke's Hospital
Address
305 S State St, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone
(605) 622-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Lake Area Clinic & Surgery Center
Address
700 4th St NE, Watertown, SD 57201
Phone
(605) 882-4700
Type
Clinic & Outpatient
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
93.5%
Health Care Index
69.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Watertown, SD?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $245,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 67%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Watertown offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$245,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$920
Owner Occupied Rate
67.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Watertown handle vehicle services through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing, conveniently located in Pierre. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
South Dakota
Department
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address
118 W Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone
(605) 773-6883

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.

FAQs About Moving to Watertown, SD

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Watertown, review the core fields on this page: population 22,100, median home value $245,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $920, commute time 14.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

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