Is Watertown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Watertown
Is it Safe to Live in Watertown?
Watertown generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are lower than the national average. The overall crime rate in Watertown is estimated to be 48% below the national average as of 2026 (DoorProfit). Residents have approximately a 1 in 499 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year, and a 1 in 89 chance for property crime (DoorProfit).
When comparing Watertown to other cities of similar size, its crime rate is near the average, but it is higher than 84% of cities and towns in South Dakota (NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, such as robbery or aggravated assault, is about 3 per one thousand inhabitants (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime, including theft and burglary, has a rate of 10 per one thousand population (NeighborhoodScout).
Pros and Cons of Living in Watertown
Watertown offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the national average. The cost of living in Watertown is 5% lower than the U.S. national average and 32% lower than South Dakota’s state average (Salary.com). Housing costs are a significant factor, being 25.2% lower than the national average (Salary.com).
However, some sources indicate a higher cost of living relative to other cities globally and within the United States. One report states the average cost of living in Watertown is $2098, ranking it among the more expensive cities globally and within the U.S. (Livingcost.org). This discrepancy might be due to different methodologies in calculating the cost of living index.
Housing Market and Costs
The housing market in Watertown presents a mix of opportunities for both buyers and renters. As of March 2026, Watertown, SD is considered a buyer’s market, indicating that the supply of homes is greater than the demand (Realtor.com). The median listing price for a home in Watertown was approximately $200,000 as of 2013 (Wikipedia), and more recently, the median list price is around $349.9K (Realtor.com) or $348,633 (Zillow).
For renters, the average rent in Watertown, SD, is around $1,054 per month as of May 2026 (Apartments.com). This is 36% lower than the national average rent (Apartments.com). The average rent for a studio apartment is approximately $958, a one-bedroom is $1,054, and a two-bedroom is about $1,340 (Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Watertown’s economy is supported by a workforce of approximately 12,344 residents (Point2Homes). The employment rate is high, at 98.2% (Point2Homes). Major employers in the city include Prairie Lakes Health System, Terex Utilities, Hy-Vee, and Premier Bankcard (Wikipedia).
The most common employment sectors for residents are Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and Health Care & Social Assistance (Data USA). The average salary for jobs in Watertown, South Dakota, is approximately $57,306 per year, or $28 per hour (ERI SalaryExpert).
Climate and Weather
Watertown experiences a climate characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically varies from 5°F to 83°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below -15°F or exceeding 92°F (Weather Atlas). The warmest month is July, with average highs around 82°F and lows around 61°F (Weather Atlas).
Winters are freezing and windy, with average daily high temperatures falling below 34°F from late November to early March (Weather Atlas). The coldest month is January, with average lows around 6°F and highs around 23°F (Weather Atlas). The city receives an average of 23 inches of precipitation annually, with about 41 inches of snowfall (myPerfectWeather).
Education System
Watertown’s public school district is considered above average, serving approximately 3,690 students (Niche). The student-teacher ratio is 18 to 1 (Niche). Proficiency in math is at 50%, and in reading, it’s 56% (Niche).
Several schools in Watertown are well-regarded. Lincoln Elementary and McKinley Elementary are ranked among the top elementary schools in the state for math proficiency (SchoolDigger.com). Watertown Middle School is also recognized for its strong performance in English Language Arts and Mathematics (SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics and Population
As of the most recent census data, Watertown has a population of 22,655 (Wikipedia). The population is projected to reach 23,409 by 2026 (Data USA). The median age in Watertown is 38.1 years (Wikipedia), with 22.9% of residents under 18 and 18.6% aged 65 or older (Wikipedia).
The racial makeup of Watertown is predominantly White, accounting for 90.1% of residents (Point2Homes). Other racial groups include African American at 1.3% and those with Asian roots at 0.7% (Point2Homes). The median household income in Watertown was $69,600 in 2024 (Data USA).