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Watertown, SD

View of Watertown, SD
Image credit: Bp0 at English Wikipedia / Public domain
Population
23,736
U.S. Census Population Estimates Program · 2025
Elevation
1,737 ft
Median Home Value
$229,400
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Rent
$942/mo
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Income
$69,600
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024

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Watertown in context.

Overall#10 best place in South DakotaPopulation ranking#5 highest population in South DakotaNearest larger communitySioux Falls, South Dakota97 miles away · 213,748 residents.

About Watertown

Watertown is the county seat of Codington County and a regional city in northeastern South Dakota. It was founded in 1879 as a rail terminus when the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad reactivated part of an earlier line. The city sits between Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, giving it a strong water-and-prairie setting. Watertown is also home to the Redlin Art Center, one of its best-known cultural landmarks, and serves as a practical hub for schools, health care, shopping, and agriculture.

Top Rating Signals

Highest current ratings for this town.

Lower County Wildfire Hazard Potential ClassA+100.0ratingLower FEMA County Hurricane Risk IndexA+100.0ratingLower Projected Late-Century County-Area Exposure to Sea-Level RiseA+100.0rating

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