Waterloo, IA
Population 66,947 · Iowa
About Waterloo, IA
Waterloo is a mid-sized city in Iowa with a population of 66,947 residents. The median household income is $56,344 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Waterloo is 36.6 years.
Housing in Waterloo has a median home value of $150,200 and median monthly rent of $896. Of the 32,170 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 17,694 owner-occupied and 11,253 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Waterloo is 6.4% and the poverty rate is 16.4%. 22.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 16.2 minutes.
How Waterloo Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Waterloo, IA
Compared to national averages, Waterloo has a median household income of $56,344 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $150,200, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $896 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Waterloo's income is 17% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 14% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Waterloo, IA?
Waterloo offers affordable housing with a median home value of $150,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $896/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,344) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Waterloo provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Waterloo has a population of 66,947 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare Waterloo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Waterloo
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames | 66,112 | $60,102 | $263,800 | Compare |
| West Des Moines | 69,893 | $84,925 | $286,300 | Compare |
| Ankeny | 70,542 | $106,603 | $311,300 | Compare |
| Council Bluffs | 62,564 | $64,092 | $164,300 | Compare |
| Dubuque | 59,271 | $64,985 | $193,100 | Compare |
| Iowa City | 75,264 | $57,533 | $273,600 | Compare |
| Sioux City | 85,651 | $65,473 | $162,600 | Compare |
| Urbandale | 46,026 | $113,086 | $318,800 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Waterloo
What is the population of Waterloo, IA?
The population of Waterloo, IA is 66,947 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Waterloo?
The median household income in Waterloo, IA is $56,344 per year.
What is the median home value in Waterloo?
The median home value in Waterloo, IA is $150,200.
What is the average rent in Waterloo?
The median monthly rent in Waterloo, IA is $896.
What is the unemployment rate in Waterloo?
The unemployment rate in Waterloo, IA is 6.4%.