Watford City city, North Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Watford City city, North Dakota has a total population of 6,016, the 13th largest city in North Dakota, with a median household income of $88,351, which is 16% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%.
Watford City city Quick Facts
How Watford City city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 31 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Watford City city Rankings in North Dakota
Explore North Dakota Rankings
Other Cities in McKenzie County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander city | 268 | $135,179 | 0.0% | $340,300 |
| Arnegard city | 167 | N/A | 24.6% | $274,000 |
Cities Similar to Watford City city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valley City city | 6,554 | $56,471 | $152,800 | 30.0% | 14.9% |
| Minot AFB CDP | 4,904 | $65,571 | N/A | 31.7% | 1.5% |
| Lincoln city | 4,309 | $83,387 | $259,400 | 18.3% | 6.4% |
| Wahpeton city | 7,996 | $57,417 | $164,600 | 22.9% | 16.6% |
| Devils Lake city | 7,170 | $42,755 | $171,000 | 24.8% | 24.0% |
Population Overview
Watford City city is a small city located in North Dakota, within McKenzie County. The total population is 6,016. It ranks as the 13th most populous out of 401 cities and towns in North Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Watford City city is 28.5 years. This is 20% lower than the state median of 35.7 years. With 28.2% of the population under 18, Watford City city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Watford City city is $88,351. This is 16% higher than the state median of $75,949. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 12% higher. The poverty rate stands at 7.9%. This is 26% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 2.0%. This is 29% lower than the state rate of 2.8%. The median home value is $385,100. Housing costs are 60% higher than the state median of $241,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x. 35.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 44% lower than the state average of 63.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Watford City city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 67.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 22.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (22.8% vs 4.5%).
Education
25.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 20% lower than the state rate of 32.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Watford City city, North Dakota is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against North Dakota state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 401 Census-designated places in North Dakota. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Watford City city, North Dakota?
Watford City city, North Dakota has a population of 6,016 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Watford City city, ND?
The median household income in Watford City city is $88,351, which is 12% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Watford City city, ND?
The poverty rate in Watford City city is 7.9%. This means approximately 461 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Watford City city, North Dakota?
Watford City city's population is 67.9% White, 2.4% Black, 22.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Watford City city, ND?
The median home value in Watford City city is $385,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x.
How educated is Watford City city, North Dakota?
25.8% of adults (25+) in Watford City city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.