Watford City 72 Excellent
Watford City Livability #41 ranked city in North Dakota#5,558 ranked city in the USARanks better than 81% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Watford City

PROS
  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Ratings Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

What's it like Living in Watford City?

Watford City is a smaller city located in the state of North Dakota. The city has a population of 7,386 residents. At 86%, the majority of the Watford City population is White; this is followed by 4% American Indian and Alaskan and 1% Asian. Watford City tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 29 is far below the national average. Watford City is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 47% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Watford City is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Watford City is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in North Dakota, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like cost of living, commute, education, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Watford City and in the areas around Watford City is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Watford City has received a livability score of 71/100. This score is ranked in the 78th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we explore each of the categories on their own, we see that Watford City ranks well for cost of living (B), employment (A+) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Watford City does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F) and crime (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Watford City, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.3% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Watford City can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Watford City is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Watford City come in at $495,538, which is 68.6% higher than the North Dakota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Watford City, the home price to income ratio is 4.5, which is 36.4% higher than the North Dakota average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Watford City

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      Watford City transportation information

      Statistic Watford City North Dakota National
      Average one way commute19min17min26min
      Workers who drive to work87.4%80.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.5%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.9%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.1%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home2.6%4.9%4.6%
      Source: The Watford City, ND data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.