Watertown, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Watertown, South Dakota is 22,859 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest city in South Dakota. The median household income is $62,721, the median home value is $212,300, and the median age is 39.4.
The population has grown 9.2% since 2010 (21,520 → 23,492).
22,859
Population
1240
People / sq mi
$62,721
Median Income
$212,300
Median Home Value
Watertown covers 18.4 sq mi of land at 1240 people per square mile.
About Watertown, SD
Watertown is a city in South Dakota with a population of 22,859. It ranks #5 among cities in South Dakota by population. The median age is 39.4, in line with the national median. The population is 51.0% male and 49.0% female.
The median household income in Watertown is $62,721, below the US median of $74,580. 6.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $212,300, with monthly rent averaging $904. The homeownership rate of 62.7% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Watertown reflects 21.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 13.7 minutes each way.
Watertown city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Watertown city had a population of 21,520 in 2010 and 23,492 in 2024, a 9.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 23,492 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.63%.
23,492
Population (2024)
21,520
Population (2010)
23,492
Peak (2024)
0.63%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,520 |
| 2011 | 21,676 |
| 2012 | 21,834 |
| 2013 | 22,003 |
| 2014 | 22,076 |
| 2015 | 22,047 |
| 2016 | 22,169 |
| 2017 | 22,246 |
| 2018 | 22,180 |
| 2019 | 22,174 |
| 2020 | 22,683 |
| 2021 | 22,801 |
| 2022 | 23,045 |
| 2023 | 23,209 |
| 2024 | 23,492 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.3% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$62,721
Median Household Income
$37,225
Per Capita Income
6.5%
Poverty Rate
1.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$212,300
Median Home Value
$904
Median Rent
62.7%
Owner-Occupied
Education
91.4%
High School+
21.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.6%
Drive Alone
84.2%
Public Transit
5.4%
Work From Home
13.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
29.3%
Foreign Born
96.5%
Non-English at Home
8.2%
Veterans
11.2%
With Disability
92.7%
Health Insurance
91.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 20.5% |
| Manufacturing | 20.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.1% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.6% |
| Information | 5.6% |
| Construction | 5.4% |
| Public Administration | 4.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 4.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 4.2% |
| Retail Trade | 3.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.5% |
Largest cities in South Dakota
Largest counties in South Dakota
Part of South Dakota
Metro areas in South Dakota
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Watertown, South Dakota has a population of 22,859 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest city in South Dakota.
The median household income in Watertown, South Dakota is $62,721, with 6.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Watertown, South Dakota is $212,300, with median monthly rent at $904 and a homeownership rate of 62.7%.
The median age in Watertown, South Dakota is 39.4 years. The population is 51.0% male and 49.0% female.
The population has grown 9.2% since 2010 (21,520 → 23,492).
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Full rankings of South Dakota cities by population
Statewide data for South Dakota
Population, race, income, age, and trends across South Dakota
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.