Cedar Falls, IA
Population 40,662 · Iowa
About Cedar Falls, IA
Cedar Falls is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 40,662 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,165 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cedar Falls features a median home value of $252,500, which is 3% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Cedar Falls in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,177, 1% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,612 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (9,746 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (5,833 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cedar Falls shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cedar Falls have an average one-way commute time of 13.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
49.2% of Cedar Falls residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.5% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 4.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Cedar Falls Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Cedar Falls, IA
Compared to national averages, Cedar Falls has a median household income of $74,165 (1% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $252,500, which is 3% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,177 is 1% above the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Cedar Falls's income is 9% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 91% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Cedar Falls, IA?
Cedar Falls offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%, and a well-educated community where 49.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 13.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,165) that falls below the national average. However, Cedar Falls’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cedar Falls has a population of 40,662 with a median age of 29.8 years. Compare Cedar Falls with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Cedar Falls
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion | 41,690 | $87,105 | $230,800 | Compare |
| Bettendorf | 39,297 | $102,917 | $295,600 | Compare |
| Urbandale | 46,026 | $113,086 | $318,800 | Compare |
| Marshalltown | 27,491 | $68,854 | $117,100 | Compare |
| Mason City | 27,135 | $62,369 | $130,000 | Compare |
| Waukee | 26,974 | $106,728 | $328,200 | Compare |
| Ottumwa | 25,352 | $56,994 | $92,400 | Compare |
| Fort Dodge | 24,788 | $61,769 | $128,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Cedar Falls With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cedar Falls
What is the population of Cedar Falls, IA?
The population of Cedar Falls, IA is 40,662 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Cedar Falls?
The median household income in Cedar Falls, IA is $74,165 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cedar Falls?
The median home value in Cedar Falls, IA is $252,500, which is 3% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cedar Falls?
The median monthly rent in Cedar Falls, IA is $1,177, which is 1% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cedar Falls?
The unemployment rate in Cedar Falls, IA is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live?
Cedar Falls offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 40,662 and a median age of 29.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Cedar Falls, IA?
49.2% of residents in Cedar Falls aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Falls?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cedar Falls, IA: median home value is $252,500 (3% above national), median rent is $1,177/month, and median household income is $74,165. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cedar Falls?
The poverty rate in Cedar Falls, IA is 15.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Cedar Falls, IA?
Cedar Falls's population is 1.5% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 4.1% of residents are foreign-born.