Waterloo, NY
Population 4,600 · New York
About Waterloo, NY
Waterloo is a small town located in New York with a population of 4,600 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,404 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50 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 Waterloo features a median home value of $111,300, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Waterloo one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $910, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,185 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (1,386 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (626 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waterloo shows an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Waterloo have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.4% 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 1.1% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Waterloo, NY
Compared to national averages, Waterloo has a median household income of $52,404 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $111,300, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $910 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Waterloo's income is 46% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 71% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Waterloo, NY?
Waterloo offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $910/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,404) that falls below the national average. However, Waterloo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waterloo has a population of 4,600 with a median age of 50 years. Compare Waterloo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Waterloo
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noyack | 4,601 | $109,881 | $974,300 | Compare |
| Blue Point | 4,622 | $148,684 | $607,300 | Compare |
| Gates | 4,576 | $54,003 | $159,900 | Compare |
| Glen Head | 4,575 | $136,786 | $831,600 | Compare |
| Alfred | 4,632 | $45,357 | $169,100 | Compare |
| Little Falls | 4,567 | $51,763 | $91,100 | Compare |
| Southampton | 4,557 | $177,045 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Montebello | 4,649 | $150,882 | $714,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
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, NY?
The population of Waterloo, NY is 4,600 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New York.
What is the median household income in Waterloo?
The median household income in Waterloo, NY is $52,404 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waterloo?
The median home value in Waterloo, NY is $111,300, which is 55% 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, NY is $910, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waterloo?
The unemployment rate in Waterloo, NY is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waterloo, NY a good place to live?
Waterloo offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,600 and a median age of 50, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Waterloo, NY?
23.4% 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, NY: median home value is $111,300 (55% below national), median rent is $910/month, and median household income is $52,404. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waterloo?
The poverty rate in Waterloo, NY is 11.3%, 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, NY?
Waterloo's population is 1.1% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.