Why Watertown, South Dakota?
The answer is simple—ample opportunity and abundant possibilities. Businesses thrive in Watertown thanks to our strong workforce, low taxes and low cost of doing business. Watertown offers small town living with urban conveniences. You’ll find a variety of national chain stores, locally owned boutiques and big box stores.
Nestled between two lakes, Watertown has excellent outdoor recreation, hunting and fishing opportunities. Our neighborhoods are clean, quiet and safe. Our school district is easily one of the best in the state and our hospital is the largest privately owned facility in South Dakota.
History
Watertown, located in Codington County in northeast South Dakota, is the fourth largest community in the state, with an estimated population of 21,482. Platted in 1878, Watertown was named for Watertown, NY, the former home of one of its early settlers. The name fits well, as we are located in the glacial lakes region on the Big Sioux River and between two beautiful lakes – Kampeska and Pelican.
Government
Watertown is a municipal corporation governed by an elected 10-member City Council. Watertown is the seat of Codington County, which is served by five commissioners who are elected to four-year terms.
Safety
Watertown is served by two full-time fire departments, police force and the Codington County Sheriff’s Office. The Watertown Fire Department has ten trucks including a snorkel platform and two airport crash trucks. The department operates an emergency ambulance service and has four fully equipped ambulances.The Watertown Police Department has 45 full-time and part-time officers that provide public safety to the community. The town continues to be a very safe community and the crime rate is among one of the lowest in the area.
Taxes
South Dakota has no corporate income tax, no inventory tax, no personal income tax, no personal property tax and no inheritance tax.
Motor Vehicle Tax: 3% on the purchase price or fair market value (whichever is
greater) of motor vehicles, recreational vehicles and motorhomes.
Sales & Use Tax: 6% (4% state, 2% city)
Healthcare
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is a regional health system with the latest in medical technology. The skilled, compassionate staff specializes in everything from cardiology to radiation therapy, making first-rate healthcare convenient and close.
Education
Watertown’s excellent schools are among the best in a state with access to technology, competitive sports and extra circular activities. Lake Area Technical Institute consistently achieves a graduation and placement rate that is almost twice the national average and has been named one of the top five two-year colleges in the nation.
Weather
Watertown is in the heart of the High Plains Region and enjoys four distinct seasons. Our hot summer weather is perfect for water sports while winter provides enough snow and cold for snowmobiling, cross country skiing and ice fishing. Autumn is filled with color and some of the best pheasant and waterfowl hunting in the nation.
Tourism
Watertown is home to the Terry Redlin Art Center, which houses 150 original oil paintings from Americana artist Terry Redlin. The center and surrounding conservation park hosts thousands of visitors every year. The Bramble Park Zoo is a quaint hometown facility that allows visitors to get up close to the animals as they learn about them. Visitors can also enjoy art displays and world-renowned shows at the Goss Opera House and tour the home of South Dakota’s first Governor.
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705 Oakwood Road
PO Box 332
Watertown, SD 57201
Phone: (605) 884-0340
Toll Free: 1-888-898-6767