Waterloo, IA
Population 66,947 · Iowa
About Waterloo, IA
Waterloo is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 66,947 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,344 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waterloo features a median home value of $150,200, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Waterloo in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $896, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 32,170 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (17,694 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (11,253 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waterloo shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Waterloo have an average one-way commute time of 16.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.6% of Waterloo residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 4.4% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 9.5% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Waterloo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waterloo
What is the population of Waterloo, IA?
The population of Waterloo, IA is 66,947 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 Waterloo?
The median household income in Waterloo, IA is $56,344 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waterloo?
The median home value in Waterloo, IA is $150,200, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waterloo?
The median monthly rent in Waterloo, IA is $896, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waterloo?
The unemployment rate in Waterloo, IA is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waterloo, IA a good place to live?
Waterloo offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 66,947 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waterloo, IA?
22.6% of residents in Waterloo aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Waterloo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waterloo, IA: median home value is $150,200 (39% below national), median rent is $896/month, and median household income is $56,344. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waterloo?
The poverty rate in Waterloo, IA is 16.4%, 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 Waterloo, IA?
Waterloo's population is 4.4% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 16.9% two or more races. 9.5% of residents are foreign-born.