Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Watford City, ND
Thinking of moving to Watford City, ND? With a friendly small-town population of 7,685, Watford City offers affordable living—median home prices are around $275,000 and rents average $1,130. Enjoy short commute times averaging 17 minutes, low unemployment, and a safe community with below-average violent crime rates. The city is family-oriented, boasts new schools and healthcare facilities, and gets plenty of sunny days—perfect for exploring North Dakota’s beautiful outdoors.
Demographics - Watford City, ND
Demographics - Watford City, ND
Watford City is a growing community of about 7,700 residents, notable for its youthful median age of 30 and a higher ratio of males to females. The city is predominantly White, with small but significant Native American and other minority populations, and nearly 6% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
7,685
Density:
300 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.4
Gender Ratio:
123 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Watford City, ND?
Living costs in Watford City are reasonable, with the median home value at $275,000 and average rent around $1,130, both below the national average. The cost of living index sits just under the U.S. average, allowing for affordable housing and everyday expenses, though utility costs run slightly higher than average.
Median House Value:
$275,000
Gross Rent:
$1,130
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,670
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
1.1%
|
High:
2.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.4
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
88.5
Utilities:
107.3
Transportation:
95.5
Health Care:
101.2
Miscellaneous:
99.4
Crime
Is Watford City, ND a safe place to live?
Watford City maintains a relatively safe environment, with violent crime rates below the national average—your chance of being a victim is about 1 in 322. Property crime is more common but still manageable, making the city a secure choice for families and new residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
311
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,620
Crime Index:
1,931
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 322
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 62
Weather
What is the weather like in Watford City, ND year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters dipping as low as 2°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The area receives about 16.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 59% of the year, making it well-suited for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
2°F
Max:
23°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
28°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Households in Watford City are financially stable, with a median income of $89,700 and a low unemployment rate of 2.8%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, commute times are short at 17 minutes, and poverty levels remain below the national average.
Median Income:
$41,000
Household Income:
$89,700
Family Income:
$104,500
Per Capita Income:
$35,600
Income Male:
$61,000
Income Female:
$38,400
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
5.8%
Rent:
$1,130
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.7%
Bachelors or More:
23.6%
Education
How are the schools in Watford City, ND?
Education options include modern public schools like Watford City High School and Fox Hills Elementary, both offering low student-teacher ratios. Private schooling and nearby college opportunities, such as Williston State College just 47 miles away, make the city attractive for families seeking diverse educational choices.
Public Schools
Name:
Watford City High School
Street:
2313 Wolves Den Pkwy
Phone:
701-444-3624
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Name:
Fox Hills Elementary School
Street:
310 29th St NE
Phone:
701-444-3626
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.6
Private Schools
Name:
Johnson Corners Christian Academy
Street:
11012 ND-23, Watford City, ND 58854
Phone:
701-675-2354
Students:
55
Colleges
Name:
Williston State College
City:
Williston
State:
ND
Distance:
47 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Healthcare in Watford City is anchored by McKenzie County Healthcare Systems, offering emergency and general care services. The city has a favorable physician-to-population ratio and nearly 90% of residents have health insurance coverage, ensuring accessible medical support.
Major Hospitals
Name:
McKenzie County Healthcare Systems
Address:
709 4th Ave NE, Watford City, ND 58854
Phone:
(701) 842-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Watford City, ND?
The housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $275,000 and most homes owner-occupied. Rental vacancies are higher than average, giving renters more options, while home values have appreciated modestly in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$275,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,130
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
14.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.8%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Watford City residents are served by the North Dakota Department of Transportation, located conveniently on 2nd Ave SW. The local DMV provides essential vehicle and licensing services, with information available both in person and online.
State:
North Dakota
Department:
North Dakota Department of Transportation
Address:
608 2nd Ave SW, Watford City, ND 58854
Phone:
1-701-444-3458
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.