Watertown is a city located in Jefferson County, New York. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 26,705.
The area is served by Watertown International Airport.
The Black River flows westward through the city toward Lake Ontario. The Black River is a world-renowned kayaking destination. Competition level kayaking events, such as the Blackwater Challenge, have been held on the river. The name is traditionally said to have been derived from abundant water power available from the river to power mills, particularly paper mills, historically a major industry for the city.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 24.0 km2 (9.3 mi2). 23.2 km2 (9.0 mi2) of it is land and 0.8 km2 (0.3 mi2) of it is water. The total area is 3.45% water.
As of the census of 2000, there are 26,705 people, 11,036 households, and 6,500 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,150.8/km2 (2,981.3/mi2). There are 12,450 housing units at an average density of 536.5/km2 (1,389.9/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 89.13% White, 4.95% Black or African American, 0.54% Native American, 1.16% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 1.67% from other races, and 2.45% from two or more races. 3.59% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 11,036 households out of which 31.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.7% are married couples living together, 14.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 41.1% are non-families. 34.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.32 and the average family size is 2.99.
In the city the population is spread out with 25.9% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 18.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 86.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $28,429, and the median income for a family is $36,115. Males have a median income of $31,068 versus $21,294 for females. The per capita income for the city is $16,354. 19.3% of the population and 14.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 25.2% of those under the age of 18 and 11.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Jefferson Community College (JCC) is located in the western part of the city near the fairgrounds.
Watertown became the county seat of Jefferson County in 1805 and became an Incorporated Village in 1816. In 1869 Watertown was incorporated as a city. In 1920 the city adopted a city manager style of government.
Previously a more important city that it is today, Watertown suffered economic and population declines throughout most of the 20th century. Today it serves as the centre for a large rural area, and as the nearest community to Fort Drum and its large military population. Located 25 miles from the international boundary via the Thousand Islands Bridge, shopping by Canadian vistors is an important part of the local economy.
Source:
WatertownNewYork.com
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