Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Watertown

Affordability in Watertown, SD

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median monthly rent in Watertown is $942 and the median household income is $69,600 annually. About 35% of Watertown residents are renters, and the city has 228 income-restricted units across 6 HUD-assisted or LIHTC properties that may offer rents below the market rate.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Watertown Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 303 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Getting Around Watertown

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Watertown has a Walk Score of 84 ("Very Walkable") and a Bike Score of 56. No Transit Score is available, which is typical for smaller South Dakota cities where a personal vehicle remains helpful for many trips.

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 8 public schools across 1 district serve Watertown, including 4 elementary, 2 middle, 1 high school, and 1 other school. Ratings and quality vary by school, so renters should check the assigned schools for their specific address.

Cost of Living in Watertown, SD

The median household income in Watertown is $69,600 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. The median monthly rent across all rental housing in the city is $942, per the same source.

Affordable and income-based housing in Watertown can significantly reduce housing costs for eligible renters. Rents at HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties are tied to household income or local income limits rather than market rates.

• Median household income: $69,600/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $942/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Share of households that rent: 35% (Census ACS 5-Year)

Environment & Flood Risk

All 6 affordable housing properties in Watertown have been mapped for flood risk. Of those, 1 property falls within a high-risk flood zone. Renters interested in that property may want to ask about flood insurance requirements before signing a lease.