Waterloo

Waterloo, Iowa Overview

Waterloo faces challenges across several categories, earning a C grade (47.6/100) and ranking #17 of 20 cities in Iowa. Even so, the city scores 83/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 22/100.

Income & Employment in Waterloo

Waterloo’s median income of $52,320 is 28% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.9% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%.

Safety in Waterloo

With a violent crime rate of 576.9 per 100,000, Waterloo exceeds the Iowa average of 295. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 2126.5 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Waterloo

With a cost of living index of 88, Waterloo is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $150,200. Median monthly rent is $896. Renters spend 20.6% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Waterloo

The adult obesity rate in Waterloo is 44%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 13.6%. Residents report an average of 17.4 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Iowa ranks #22 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Waterloo

Waterloo has a high school graduation rate of 86%. The student-teacher ratio is 14.8:1. Per-pupil spending is $14,490. The city has 15 public schools serving 9,081 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Waterloo

The annual average temperature in Waterloo is 51.7°F. Summers average 73.4°F. Winters average 29.2°F. Annual precipitation is 24.9 inches. The average commute of 15.5 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions