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.
Watertown is a moderately-sized city located in the state of South Dakota. The city has a population of 22,249 people. The majority of Watertown residents report their race to be White; this is followed by American Indian and Alaskan and Black. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Watertown will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 13 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Watertown could be a positive experience compared to other cities in South Dakota if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. With useful information like amenities, education, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Watertown and in the areas around Watertown is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 76/100, Watertown is ranked #2,608 in the United States and #12 in South Dakota. Compared to the United States average, Watertown ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Watertown ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Watertown scores well for crime (B+), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (B+)
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Watertown, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.03% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Watertown excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Watertown. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Watertown are affordable. Median real estate prices in Watertown come in at $175,600, which is 19.7% 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 3.4, which is 21.4% 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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