Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Watertown, WI
Considering a move to Watertown, WI? With a population of about 23,257, Watertown offers affordable living, with median home prices at $235,000 and average rents around $950. Residents enjoy low commute times (22 minutes), access to quality public schools, and a lower-than-average cost of living. The city boasts a strong sense of community, relatively low crime rates, and four distinct seasons, making it a great choice for families and those seeking a balanced lifestyle in Wisconsin.
Demographics - Watertown, WI
Demographics - Watertown, WI
Watertown, WI is home to approximately 23,257 residents, with a median age of 38.2 and a population density of 2,100 per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with a small but growing diversity, and about 7.4% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The city offers a balanced gender ratio and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Population:
23,257
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.6%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
6.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Watertown, WI?
Watertown features an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $235,000 and average monthly rent around $950. The overall cost of living index is 87.1, making it more budget-friendly than many U.S. cities, especially for housing and transportation. Utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced, appealing to both renters and homeowners.
Median House Value:
$235,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.1
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
72.5
Utilities:
101.4
Transportation:
92.8
Health Care:
98.6
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Watertown, WI a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Watertown are relatively low, with a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,785 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 495 chance of experiencing violent crime, contributing to a sense of safety and community. Overall, the city is considered a secure place to live and raise a family.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
202
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,785
Crime Index:
1,987
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 495
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 56
Weather
What is the weather like in Watertown, WI year-round?
Watertown experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 13°F and warm summers reaching highs of 81°F. The city receives about 33.7 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly 49% of the year. This climate offers residents a variety of outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Median household income in Watertown stands at $63,800, with about 8.1% of residents living below the poverty line. The community is well-educated, with over 92% holding a high school diploma or higher, and enjoys a low unemployment rate of 3.6%. Most residents commute around 22 minutes to work, fostering a close-knit local environment.
Median Income:
$35,200
Household Income:
$63,800
Family Income:
$77,400
Per Capita Income:
$29,300
Income Male:
$49,100
Income Female:
$38,600
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
7.4%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
22.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
21.7%
Education
How are the schools in Watertown, WI?
Watertown offers a variety of educational options, including highly regarded public schools like Watertown High School, as well as private institutions such as Luther Preparatory School. The city is also home to Maranatha Baptist University and a local campus of Madison Area Technical College, supporting strong opportunities for both K-12 and higher education. Families benefit from reasonable student-teacher ratios and a community that values academic achievement.

Public Schools
Name:
Watertown High School
Street:
825 Endeavour Dr
Phone:
920-262-7500
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Name:
Douglas Elementary School
Street:
1101 Prospect St
Phone:
920-262-1495
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6

Private Schools
Name:
Luther Preparatory School
Street:
1300 Western Ave
Phone:
920-261-4352
Students:
400

Colleges
Name:
Maranatha Baptist University
City:
Watertown
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
950
Name:
Madison Area Technical College – Watertown Campus
City:
Watertown
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,600
Healthcare
Watertown is served by Watertown Regional Medical Center, providing comprehensive general and emergency care to the community. With 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and 91.5% health insurance coverage, access to healthcare is strong. The city’s healthcare index of 79.1 reflects quality and accessibility for locals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Watertown Regional Medical Center
Address:
125 Hospital Dr, Watertown, WI 53098
Phone:
(920) 261-4210
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
79.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Watertown, WI?
The local housing market in Watertown offers a median home price of $235,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $950. With a homeownership rate of 61.3% and a low foreclosure rate of 0.3%, the market is stable and appealing for both buyers and renters. Home values have appreciated by 7.1% over the past year, indicating a healthy real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$235,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Watertown can access DMV services through the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles, located at 810 W. Badger Road in Madison. The DMV provides essential vehicle and licensing services, with support available via phone and online. This ensures convenient access for all routine driving and registration needs.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
810 W. Badger Road, Madison, WI 53713
Phone:
608-264-7447
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.