Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls, Iowa Overview

With a composite score of 60.2/100 and a A grade, Cedar Falls ranks #7 of 20 cities in Iowa. Its strongest showing is in Safety (100/100), while Outdoor Access (22/100) represents its largest gap.

Income & Employment in Cedar Falls

The median household income in Cedar Falls is $74,165, 2% above the statewide median of $72,429. The local unemployment rate of 2.6% is lower than the state’s 3%. Population grew 0.8% recently.

Safety in Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls’s violent crime rate of 14.7 per 100,000 is well below both the Iowa rate of 295 and national norms, making safety one of the city’s defining features. The property crime rate is 7.4 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Cedar Falls

With a cost of living index of 88, Cedar Falls is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $252,500. Median monthly rent is $1,177. Renters spend 19.0% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Cedar Falls

The adult obesity rate in Cedar Falls is 37%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 9%. Residents report an average of 17.2 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Iowa ranks #22 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls’s high school graduation rate of 96% is well above average, reflecting strong local school performance. The student-teacher ratio is 14.4:1. Per-pupil spending is $11,609. The city has 10 public schools serving 5,886 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Cedar Falls

The annual average temperature in Cedar Falls is 51.6°F. Summers average 73.3°F. Winters average 29.1°F. Annual precipitation is 24.7 inches. The average commute of 13.8 minutes is notably short.

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