Waterville, IA
Population 143 · Iowa
About Waterville, IA
Waterville is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 143 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,750 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waterville features a median home value of $93,800, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Waterville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 59 total housing units, 95% are owner-occupied (54 units) and 5% are renter-occupied (3 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waterville shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waterville have an average one-way commute time of 34.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
5.2% of Waterville 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 2.8% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Waterville, IA
Compared to national averages, Waterville has a median household income of $48,750 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $93,800, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Waterville's income is 28% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 29% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Waterville, IA?
Waterville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $93,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,750) that falls below the national average. However, Waterville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waterville has a population of 143 with a median age of 42.3 years. Compare Waterville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Waterville
What is the population of Waterville, IA?
The population of Waterville, IA is 143 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Waterville?
The median household income in Waterville, IA is $48,750 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waterville?
The median home value in Waterville, IA is $93,800, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waterville?
The median monthly rent in Waterville, IA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waterville?
The unemployment rate in Waterville, IA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Waterville, IA a good place to live?
Waterville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 143 and a median age of 42.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waterville, IA?
5.2% of residents in Waterville 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 Waterville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waterville, IA: median home value is $93,800 (62% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $48,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waterville?
The poverty rate in Waterville, IA is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waterville, IA?
Waterville's population is 2.8% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.