Waterloo, NE
Population 950 · Nebraska
About Waterloo, NE
Waterloo is a small community located in Nebraska with a population of 950 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $75,417 per year, which is 0% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.5 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 $218,400, which is 11% 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 $1,125, 3% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 394 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (303 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (89 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waterloo shows an unemployment rate of 0.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waterloo have an average one-way commute time of 25.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.3% 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 3.6% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Waterloo Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Waterloo, NE
Compared to national averages, Waterloo has a median household income of $75,417 (0% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $218,400, which is 11% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,125 is 3% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Waterloo's income is 14% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 74% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Waterloo, NE?
Waterloo offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $75,417, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $218,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,125/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.6%, and a low poverty rate of 6.4%, better than the national average.
Waterloo has a population of 950 with a median age of 38.5 years. Compare Waterloo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Waterloo
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurel | 947 | $56,250 | $152,500 | Compare |
| Benkelman | 946 | $42,500 | $84,800 | Compare |
| Crawford | 957 | $58,438 | $75,600 | Compare |
| Newman Grove | 934 | $57,000 | $82,500 | Compare |
| Pawnee City | 930 | $38,611 | $57,000 | Compare |
| Tilden | 977 | $66,731 | $116,900 | Compare |
| Crofton | 920 | $80,000 | $119,000 | Compare |
| Henderson | 918 | $76,538 | $142,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Nebraska
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, NE?
The population of Waterloo, NE is 950 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Waterloo?
The median household income in Waterloo, NE is $75,417 per year, which is 0% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waterloo?
The median home value in Waterloo, NE is $218,400, which is 11% 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, NE is $1,125, which is 3% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waterloo?
The unemployment rate in Waterloo, NE is 0.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Waterloo, NE a good place to live?
Waterloo offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 950 and a median age of 38.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waterloo, NE?
18.3% 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, NE: median home value is $218,400 (11% below national), median rent is $1,125/month, and median household income is $75,417. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waterloo?
The poverty rate in Waterloo, NE is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Waterloo, NE?
Waterloo's population is 3.6% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.