Watertown is a city in New York with about 24,574 residents. Watertown was founded in 1800 and sits in Jefferson County. The median age is 35.6 and the median household income is $49,692. Homes carry a median value of $149,800, and about 42% of residents own where they live. White residents make up the largest share of the population (80.2%). Around 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the typical commute runs about 16 minutes.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (5-year).
Public schools + grade-8 proficiency. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education (NCES directory + EDFacts assessments), via Urban Institute.
Safety
Crime
violent crime33% above national
Watertown512
New York401
United States386
↓ 17% lower than 2019
2019–2023
property crime113% above national
Watertown4,161
New York1,868
United States1,952
↑ 17% higher than 2019
2019–2023
Rate per 100,000 residents/year, Watertown Police Department, 2023. Source: FBI UCR/NIBRS (Crime Data Explorer).
Environment
Environmental hazards
12 facilities in Watertown report releasing toxic chemicals to the EPA under the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI).
Borden Inc Dairy · Jefferson CountyJain Irrigation Inc · Jefferson CountyDynapower-Stratopower Inc · Jefferson CountyFishercast Inc · Jefferson CountyGriffith Energy - Watertown · Jefferson CountyLco Destiny Llc ( Dba Timeless Frames) · Jefferson CountyKnowlton Technologies Llc · Jefferson CountyNorthland · Jefferson CountyNew York Air Brake Llc · Jefferson CountyTycohealthcare Kendall · Jefferson CountyStature Electric · Jefferson CountyDevelopment Authority Of North Country Warneck Pump Station · Jefferson County
Facilities reporting to the EPA Toxics Release Inventory. Source: U.S. EPA Envirofacts (TRI).
Risk
Natural disaster risk
Relatively Low
Top hazards · Jefferson County
Winter weatherRelatively High
Ice stormRelatively Moderate
Riverine floodingRelatively Moderate
Strong windRelatively Moderate
Cold waveRelatively Low
EarthquakeRelatively Low
County-level natural-hazard risk. Source: FEMA National Risk Index.
Context
Neighborhood info
Watertown is in Jefferson County — see county-wide risk, demographics, and registry.
Watertown was founded in 1800 and sits in Jefferson County. Elevation ~142 m.
Source: Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and state registries. Public record. This information is provided for public awareness. Using it to harass, threaten, or discriminate against any registrant, or for any purpose prohibited by law, is illegal. Verify against the official registry record before relying on it.
Common questions
Watertown — frequently asked
What is the population of Watertown, New York?
Watertown has a population of about 24,574, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (5-year).
What is the average home value in Watertown?
The median home value in Watertown is $149,800, and the median gross rent is $933/month (U.S. Census ACS).
Is Watertown safe? What is the crime rate?
Watertown Police Department reported a violent-crime rate of about 512 per 100,000 residents in 2023 — higher than the U.S. rate of 386. Source: FBI UCR/NIBRS.
What natural-disaster risks does Watertown face?
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Jefferson County as "Relatively Low" overall, with top hazards including winter weather, ice storm, riverine flooding.
How many schools are in Watertown?
Watertown has 9 public schools (5 elementary, 2 middle, 1 high). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, NCES.
How many registered sex offenders are in Watertown?
Public registry data lists 6 registered sex offenders in or near Watertown. This is neighborhood-safety information from the public state registry.