| City: | Watertown, New York |
| City Alias: | Fort Drum |
| County: | Jefferson County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 10:38:12 PM |
| Population: | 11,808 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 315 / 680 |
| Classification: | Standard [Normal Street Delivery] |
| Coordinates: | 44.0343, -75.8069 |
| Land Area: | 5.537 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
ZIP Code 13603 has 11,808 residents and 3,859 households (average 3.06 persons per household). The median age is 23.5 years, significantly younger than the state (39.0) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 52.2% male and 47.8% female, which is higher than the state male share (48.4%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (63.3%, much higher than the state average of 55.2%) and Hispanic or Latino (16.1%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 16.1%, which is lower than the state average (19.5%).
Explore More: Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 11,808Source: Census DHC |
| 2023 ACS Population Estimate: | 13,973Source: Census ACS |
| 2025 ZC Population Estimate: | 12,175Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 2,132.6 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $64,028Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 3,859Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $0Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.06Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.39Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 9,854 | 10,386 | 10,734 | 10,727 | 10,612 | 10,005 | 10,094 | 9,589 | 9,501 | 9,274 | 12,753 | 14,050 | 13,973 |
| Decennial Census | 9,760 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 11,808 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 23.5
Male Median Age: 24.2
Female Median Age: 22.6
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 933 | 698 | 478 | 268 | 908 | 1,052 | 734 | 580 | 287 | 120 | 53 | 15 | 16 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Female | 932 | 713 | 479 | 321 | 807 | 839 | 646 | 461 | 235 | 99 | 53 | 20 | 25 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Total | 1,865 | 1,411 | 957 | 589 | 1,715 | 1,891 | 1,380 | 1,041 | 522 | 219 | 106 | 35 | 41 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 5 |
| White: | 7,472 | 59.67% |
| Black: | 1,668 | 13.32% |
| Hispanic:* | 1,900 | 15.17% |
| Asian: | 527 | 4.21% |
| American Indian: | 137 | 1.09% |
| Hawaiian: | 176 | 1.41% |
| Other: | 642 | 5.13% |
| Total: | 12,522 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 6,161 | 52.18% | 24.2 years |
| Females: | 5,647 | 47.82% | 22.6 years |
| Total: | 11,808 | 100% | 23.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 11,704 | 83.76% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 1,042 | 7.46% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 821 | 5.88% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 406 | 8.78% |
| Total Population: | 13,973 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 12,746 | 91.22% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 1,227 | 8.78% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $64,028, which is considerably lower than the state median ($84,578), is up $26,901 (72.5%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $13,201. Family households earn a median of $73,091 versus $42,639 for nonfamily households (a difference of $30,452). By gender, male median income is $47,798 and female is $41,821, which is far less than the state female median ($63,701), with a current gap of $5,977 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 147.6%, which is considerably higher than the state rate (63.0%). The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is markedly below the state rate (6.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (38.8%).
Explore More: Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $37,127 | $40,621 | $41,430 | $42,293 | $41,929 | $42,989 | $42,864 | $45,272 | $50,827 | $50,653 | $53,392 | $56,853 | $64,028 |
| Median Family Income | $36,561 | $39,660 | $40,208 | $41,342 | $41,187 | $42,400 | $42,906 | $47,188 | $51,976 | $53,856 | $55,457 | $58,986 | $73,091 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $37,500 | $40,865 | $42,917 | $50,156 | $53,448 | $47,131 | $41,528 | $43,191 | $41,313 | $34,342 | $37,614 | $40,168 | $42,639 |
| Median Male Income | $36,199 | $37,962 | $39,006 | $39,931 | $40,183 | $39,327 | $40,186 | $42,735 | $45,505 | $42,258 | $43,080 | $44,793 | $47,798 |
| Median Female Income | $26,438 | $30,303 | $27,409 | $28,333 | $28,542 | $36,439 | $31,974 | $31,344 | $35,140 | $32,688 | $35,494 | $37,328 | $41,821 |
| Employed: | 2,723 | 54.90% |
| Unemployed: | 197 | 3.97% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 2,040 | 41.13% |
| Total: | 4,960 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 1,057 | 38.82% |
| Service: | 365 | 13.40% |
| Sales and Office: | 1,054 | 38.71% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 103 | 3.78% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 144 | 5.29% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 2,723 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $0, which is considerably lower than the state median ($403,000), is down $237,500 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. The median gross rent is $1,567, which is markedly greater than the national median ($1,348), is up $265 (20.35%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $182. Of occupied housing, owners make up 3.25% (0.00% with a mortgage, 100.00% free-and-clear) and renters 96.75% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 4.18%, which is markedly below the national rate (10.43%).
Explore More: Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $237,500 | $170,300 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $156,800 | $157,700 | $156,600 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Less than $500: | 47 | 0.95% |
| $500 to $999: | 57 | 1.15% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 2,116 | 42.83% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 1,856 | 37.57% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 753 | 15.24% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 82 | 1.66% |
| $3,000 or more: | 29 | 0.59% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 4,940 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,302 | $1,317 | $1,357 | $1,367 | $1,353 | $1,378 | $1,418 | $1,413 | $1,385 | $1,372 | $1,432 | $1,475 | $1,567 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 166 | 3.25% |
| Renter Occupied: | 4,940 | 96.75% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 5,106 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 5,106 | 95.82% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 223 | 4.18% |
| Total Housing Units: | 5,329 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 2,846 | 53.41% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 2,483 | 46.59% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 5,329 | 100% |
In 2023, 39.20% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 97.60%, which is markedly above the state rate (87.90%). The uninsured rate is 2.30%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 95.90%, which is notably higher than the state rate (66.20%). Public coverage is 7.80%, which is markedly below the state rate (41.40%). The share of people in poverty is 7.10%, which is on par with the state rate (9.80%), down 11.70 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 1.50 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (37.77%). College enrollment is 33.83%, which is far higher than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community is likely a college hub with student-driven housing and services.
Explore More: Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 39 | 0.58% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 120 | 1.78% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 1,169 | 17.30% |
| Some college, no degree: | 2,092 | 30.96% |
| Associate's degree: | 691 | 10.22% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 2,123 | 31.41% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 524 | 7.75% |
| Total: | 6,758 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 6,599 | 97.65% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 2,647 | 39.17% |
| Private Insurance: | 9,160 | 90.54% |
| Public Insurance: | 742 | 7.33% |
| No Insurance: | 215 | 2.13% |
| Total: | 10,117 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 9,902 | 97.87% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 18.8% | 16.3% | 20.0% | 14.7% | 11.4% | 11.1% | 12.0% | 10.0% | 8.6% | 8.7% | 6.4% | 8.0% | 7.1% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 397 | 9.48% |
| Kindergarten: | 283 | 6.76% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 1,582 | 37.77% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 509 | 12.15% |
| College or graduate school: | 1,417 | 33.83% |
| Total: | 4,188 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 680 | 16.24% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 2,374 | 56.69% |
ZIP Code 13603 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 7 business establishments, employing about 48 people with an annual payroll of $1,531,000. USPS data shows 3,979 residential mailboxes and 1 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 3,979Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 1Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 3,979Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 31Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 2Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 7Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $336,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,531,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 48Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 13603 is located in Jefferson County, New York, within the Watertown-Fort Drum, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 48060) and New York's 21st Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 116,130 people, about 10.17% of whom live in ZIP Code 13603. It covers 5.537 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.032 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Watertown-Fort Drum, NYSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 48060Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 116,130Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 5.537 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.032 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 21Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 15114.76 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 3678608Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Watertown city; New YorkSource: Census |
We could not locate which school district 13603 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on October 1, 2025.