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
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Watertown covers 18.4 sq mi of land at 1240 people per square mile.
About Watertown, SD
What sets Watertown apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 5.4% versus 14.0% nationally. With 22,859 residents, Watertown is a city in South Dakota. It is the #5-largest of all cities in South Dakota nationally.
The typical household earns $62,721, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 6.5%, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $212,300, with typical rent around $904.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 21.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 5.4% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 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).
Watertown city, SD Climate
Watertown city, SD has an average annual temperature of 6.2°C (43°F) and receives about 560 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.2°C
Avg Temp
560
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -12° / 11° | 14 mm |
| February | -8° / 17° | 12 mm |
| March | -1° / 29° | 33 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 51 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 69 mm |
| June | 19° / 67° | 100 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 76 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 70 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 53 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 48 mm |
| November | -2° / 29° | 24 mm |
| December | -9° / 16° | 10 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, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Watertown city, SD are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -17°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
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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.