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% |
Largest cities in New York
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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).
Watertown city, NY Climate
Watertown city, NY has an average annual temperature of 6.8°C (44°F) and receives about 1101 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.8°C
Avg Temp
1101
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -8° / 18° | 91 mm |
| February | -7° / 20° | 67 mm |
| March | -1° / 30° | 74 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 81 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 87 mm |
| June | 17° / 63° | 90 mm |
| July | 20° / 69° | 84 mm |
| August | 19° / 67° | 100 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 115 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 97 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 116 mm |
| December | -4° / 24° | 99 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Watertown city, NY
The most comfortable months to visit Watertown city, NY are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Watertown
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.