Watertown, New York Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Watertown, New York is 24,574 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 68th-largest city in New York. The median household income is $49,692, the median home value is $149,800, and the median age is 35.6.
The population has declined 10.6% since 2010 (26,882 → 24,038).
24,574
Population
2721
People / sq mi
$49,692
Median Income
$149,800
Median Home Value
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Watertown covers 9.0 sq mi of land at 2721 people per square mile.
About Watertown, NY
What sets Watertown apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 4.0% versus 14.0% nationally. Watertown is a city in New York with a population of 24,574.
The typical household earns $49,692, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 13.4%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $149,800, with typical rent around $933.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 25.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 4.0%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Watertown city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Watertown city had a population of 26,882 in 2010 and 24,038 in 2024, a -10.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 27,650 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.79%.
24,038
Population (2024)
26,882
Population (2010)
27,650
Peak (2012)
-0.79%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 26,882 |
| 2011 | 27,020 |
| 2012 | 27,650 |
| 2013 | 27,183 |
| 2014 | 27,083 |
| 2015 | 26,522 |
| 2016 | 25,688 |
| 2017 | 25,690 |
| 2018 | 25,343 |
| 2019 | 24,838 |
| 2020 | 24,553 |
| 2021 | 24,662 |
| 2022 | 24,410 |
| 2023 | 24,196 |
| 2024 | 24,038 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 81.5% |
| Black or African American | 5.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$49,692
Median Household Income
$32,174
Per Capita Income
13.4%
Poverty Rate
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$149,800
Median Home Value
$933
Median Rent
41.6%
Owner-Occupied
Education
89.4%
High School+
25.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.9%
Drive Alone
77.8%
Public Transit
4.0%
Work From Home
16.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
16.6%
Foreign Born
93.4%
Non-English at Home
10.7%
Veterans
19.6%
With Disability
93.3%
Health Insurance
90.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 29.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.9% |
| Manufacturing | 6.8% |
| Public Administration | 6.4% |
| Construction | 6.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 5.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.9% |
| Information | 4.5% |
| Retail Trade | 4.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.8% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Watertown, New York has a population of 24,574 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 68th-largest city in New York.
The median household income in Watertown, New York is $49,692, with 13.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Watertown, New York is $149,800, with median monthly rent at $933 and a homeownership rate of 41.6%.
The median age in Watertown, New York is 35.6 years. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
The population has declined 10.6% since 2010 (26,882 → 24,038).
Where to stay in Watertown
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.