Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Located in the state of South Dakota, Watertown is a medium-sized city with a population of 22,909 residents. At 93%, the majority of the Watertown population is White; this is followed by 3% American Indian and Alaskan and 1% Black. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Watertown is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 13 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Watertown, South Dakota. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Watertown and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, education, housing and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 78/100, Watertown is ranked #2,275 in the United States and #12 in South Dakota. Based on this score, Watertown would be considered a very livable city! Watertown has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Watertown has received high marks for crime (B), cost of living (A+), education (B) and housing (A+).
The unemployment rate in Watertown has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.1%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Watertown apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Watertown is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Watertown come in at $324,826, which is 24.7% higher than the South Dakota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Watertown, the home price to income ratio is 4.1, which is 24.2% higher than the South Dakota average.
| Statistic | Watertown | South Dakota | National |
| Average one way commute | 13min | 17min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 86.2% | 79.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.6% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.7% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.5% | 5.5% | 4.6% |
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