Manhattan, KS vs Watertown, SD
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Manhattan
72.4
#897 nationally
Watertown
74.5
#590 nationally
Watertown leads in crime level (8.3 vs 10.1). Watertown leads in average commute (13.6 min vs 16 min). Watertown leads in median household income ($61,320 vs $55,316).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Manhattan, KS | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.4 (#897) | 74.5 (#590) |
| Population | 53,682 | 23,230 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $298,307 | $316,022 |
| Median Household Income | $55,316 | $61,320 |
| Average Commute | 16 min | 13.6 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 36 |
| Crime Level | 10.1 | 8.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+1.8 | R+40.8 |
C-
72.4 Score
Manhattan, KS
Kansas community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$298,307
Population
53,682
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
39
Midwest
View Manhattan, KS →
C
74.5 Score
Watertown, SD
Small South Dakota city with local appeal
Median Home
$316,022
Population
23,230
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
36
Midwest
View Watertown, SD →