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.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Watertown and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Watertown before you move.

Moving Help for Your Watertown, SD Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Watertown move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Watertown, SD Piano Movers Watertown, SD Cheap Movers Watertown, SD Small Movers Watertown, SD Apartment Movers Watertown, SD Long Distance Movers Watertown, SD

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Watertown, SD

Considering a move to Watertown, SD? This welcoming community of 22,655 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $247,500 and average rents near $910. Commute times average 13 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (60% 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 22,655 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 92% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
22,655
Density
1,230 per sq mi
Median Age
38.0
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
4.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
92.1%
Black
0.6%
Asian
0.6%
Others
6.7%

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 84.5. Median home values are around $247,500 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $910. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$247,500
Gross Rent
$910
Monthly Electricity Charges
$110
Auto Insurance
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,435
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$435
State Taxes
Low: 0%| High: 0%
Cost Of Living Index
84.5
Grocery
96.1
Housing
76.3
Utilities
93.8
Transportation
89.4
Health Care
97.2
Miscellaneous
90.3

Crime

Is Watertown, SD a safe place to live?

Watertown is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 390 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 49. 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
390
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,040
Crime Index
2,430
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 256
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 49

Weather

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

Watertown experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 4°F. The area receives about 24 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 60% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
4°F
Max
25°F

Summer

Min
58°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
33°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
35°F
Max
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches
23.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
60%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $63,800 and a low poverty rate of 10.1%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 24% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 13 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,900
Household Income
$63,800
Family Income
$81,900
Per Capita Income
$33,200
Income Male
$45,100
Income Female
$38,200
Poverty Rate
10.1%
Non English Speakers
4.8%
Rent
$910
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
Public Transport Usage
0.5%
Commute Time
13.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
93.8%
Bachelors or More
24.3%

Education

How are the schools in Watertown, SD?

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

Public Schools

Name
Watertown High School
Street
200 9th St NE
Phone
605-882-6316
Students
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio
16.3
Name
McKinley Elementary School
Street
1212 14th St NE
Phone
605-882-6340
Students
410
Student Teacher Ratio
14.7

Private Schools

Name
Great Plains Lutheran High School
Street
1200 Luther Ln NE
Phone
605-886-0672
Students
120

Colleges

Name
Lake Area Technical College
City
Watertown
State
SD
Distance
0 miles
Students
2,200

Healthcare

Watertown residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Prairie Lakes Healthcare System nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 92.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
Address
401 9th Ave NW, Watertown, SD 57201
Phone
(605) 882-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage
92.5%
Health Care Index
77.0

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Watertown, SD?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $247,500 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 66%. The market has seen a 5.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.8%. Watertown offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$247,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$910
Owner Occupied Rate
65.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
5.2%
New Construction Rate
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Watertown handle vehicle services through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, 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
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 22,655, median home value $247,500, average rent for 2 bedroom $910, commute time 13.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 60%.

Ready to Move to Watertown, SD?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes