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Is Waterloo a Good Place to Live? Waterloo, Iowa: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Waterloo ranks #1014 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #422 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.9 min, #13 of 524) and low rents ($923/mo, #18 of 524), and trails on low household income ($57,480, #461 of 524) and high violent crime (472 per 100,000, #355 of 444).
Waterloo by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Waterloo's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Waterloo?
Waterloo's cost of living index is 87.1, 13% below the US level of 100 and #108 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $923/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $147,780, 38% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
| Measure | Waterloo | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 87.1#108 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $147,780#38 of 1,187 | $239,547 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $945/mo#11 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $152,600#86 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $923/mo#121 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.7x#91 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19.3%#361 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Waterloo housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Waterloo is in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro.
Iowa housing market →Is Waterloo safe?
Waterloo recorded 472 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 44% above the US rate of 328 and 2 times Iowa's 234. That ranks #805 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #355 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waterloo Police Department. Property crime runs 2,566 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Waterloo | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 472#805 of 1,085 | 234 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,566#882 of 1,085 | 1,172 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Waterloo?
The median household in Waterloo earns $57,480, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Waterloo | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $57,480#1096 of 1,312 | $75,501 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5%#832 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 16.6%#954 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Waterloo?
The median resident of Waterloo is 36.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 21.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1108 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Waterloo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 21.8%#1108 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 62.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Waterloo's schools and health?
Waterloo's 15 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $14,490 spent per pupil. 44% of adults are obese and 13.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Waterloo | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 89.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.8#428 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,490#649 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 44%#1266 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.6%#1038 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9%#519 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,081 students are enrolled in Waterloo's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Waterloo?
The average commute in Waterloo is 15.9 minutes (Iowa 20.4); 0.4% of workers take transit and 7.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Waterloo scores 8.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.6°F and winters 22.9°F, with 36.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Waterloo | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 15.9 min#93 of 1,312 | 20.4 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.9%#171 of 1,312 | 4.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 78.1% | 76.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.4% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.6% | 3.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.6% | 9.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.2#1009 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28.2 | 10.7 | 1.1 |
| Feb | 32.6 | 15.2 | 1.1 |
| Mar | 46.5 | 26.9 | 2 |
| Apr | 60.9 | 37.9 | 4 |
| May | 72.8 | 50.2 | 4.6 |
| Jun | 82.2 | 60.8 | 5.7 |
| Jul | 85 | 64 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 82.9 | 61 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 76.8 | 52.4 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 63 | 40.2 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 47.1 | 27.7 | 1.9 |
| Dec | 33.7 | 17 | 1.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Waterloo Muni Airport.
| Measure | Waterloo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 49°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 22.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 36.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Waterloo Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Waterloo?
Black Hawk County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Black Hawk County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
| Measure | Waterloo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.11%#264 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Black Hawk County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Black Hawk County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.022% | 89% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0026% | 58% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0026% | 55% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 29% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Waterloo compare with similar-size cities?
Waterloo is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #422 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 67,008.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #1014 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 | 15.9 min |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #217 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data | 27.2 min |
| Maricopa, AZPop. 67,163 | #842 | 52.6 | $96,391 | $1,998/mo | 242 | 36.6 min |
| Davis, CAPop. 66,978 | #529 | 57.6 | $90,045 | $2,187/mo | 191 | 22.3 min |
| Alpharetta, GAPop. 66,855 | #54 | 70.6 | $147,612 | $1,948/mo | 220 | 26.3 min |
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #377 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 | 18.1 min |
| Novi, MIPop. 66,717 | #96 | 68.5 | $110,723 | $1,747/mo | 97 | 26.2 min |
| Caldwell, IDPop. 66,516 | #551 | 57.3 | $73,058 | $1,264/mo | 482 | 24.6 min |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #210 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year | 29.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Waterloo compare with the rest of Iowa?
Waterloo ranks #19 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 49.8 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 24% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 38% below the typical Iowa home.
| City | Rank in IA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #1 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #2 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #3 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #4 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #5 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #6 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 |
| Cedar Falls, IAPop. 40,888 | #7 | 61.5 | $76,987 | $1,203/mo | 135 |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #8 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #9 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #10 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #11 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 |
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #12 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #13 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #14 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #15 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #16 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 |
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #17 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #18 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #19 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #20 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 |
All 20 Iowa cities we track, by overall score. Iowa statewide: median income $75,501, violent crime 233.9 per 100,000.
How is Waterloo's score calculated?
Waterloo scores 49.8 out of 100, #1014 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Iowa's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Waterloo. Similar-size median 55.5.
39.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Waterloo's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
58.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Waterloo. Similar-size median 58.9.
36.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Waterloo's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
58.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Waterloo's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
87.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Waterloo. Similar-size median 56.1.
34.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Waterloo. Similar-size median 42.4.
36.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Waterloo. Similar-size median 50.0.
48.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Waterloo's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
37.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
62.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Waterloo's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Waterloo has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Waterloo
Is Waterloo, IA a good place to live?
Waterloo ranks #1014 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #422 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.9 min, #13 of 524) and low rents ($923/mo, #18 of 524), and trails on low household income ($57,480, #461 of 524) and high violent crime (472 per 100,000, #355 of 444).
What is the cost of living in Waterloo?
Waterloo's cost of living index is 87.1, 13% below the US level of 100 and #108 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $923/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $147,780, 38% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
What is the crime rate in Waterloo?
Waterloo recorded 472 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 44% above the US rate of 328 and 2 times Iowa's 234. That ranks #805 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #355 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waterloo Police Department. Property crime runs 2,566 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Waterloo?
The median household in Waterloo earns $57,480, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Waterloo?
Median rent in Waterloo is $923/mo (Census), #121 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $945/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Waterloo?
The typical home value in Waterloo is $147,780, up 0.2% in a year, against $239,547 for Iowa and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $152,600.
How are the public schools in Waterloo?
Waterloo's 15 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $14,490 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Waterloo?
The average commute is 15.9 minutes, #93 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20.4 minutes across Iowa. 2.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Waterloo?
Waterloo averages 49°F over the year, 72.6°F in summer and 22.9°F in winter, with 36.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Waterloo walkable?
Waterloo scores 8.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Waterloo at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Black Hawk County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Waterloo?
Black Hawk County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Waterloo?
Waterloo has 67,008 residents. The median resident of Waterloo is 36.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 21.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1108 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Waterloo compare with the rest of Iowa?
Waterloo ranks #19 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 49.8 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 24% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 38% below the typical Iowa home.
What cities are similar in size to Waterloo?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Waterloo's population of 67,008 are Horizon West, FL (#217 overall), Maricopa, AZ (#842 overall), Davis, CA (#529 overall), Alpharetta, GA (#54 overall), and Oshkosh, WI (#377 overall). Waterloo is #1014.