Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cedar Falls, IA
Considering a move to Cedar Falls, IA? Home to about 41,000 people, Cedar Falls offers an affordable cost of living with a median home price around $242,000 and average rent at $950. The city boasts a low violent crime rate (97 per 100k), short average commutes (just over 13 minutes), and excellent educational opportunities, including the University of Northern Iowa. With high educational attainment, plenty of sunny days, and a welcoming community vibe, Cedar Falls is a fantastic choice for families, students, and professionals alike.
Demographics - Cedar Falls, IA
Demographics - Cedar Falls, IA
Cedar Falls is home to approximately 40,700 residents with a youthful median age of 27.2, reflecting a strong student presence. The city is predominantly White (over 91%), and about 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a modestly diverse community. With a balanced gender ratio, Cedar Falls offers a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
40,713
Density:
1,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.5%
Black:
2.4%
Asian:
2.3%
Others:
3.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cedar Falls, IA?
Cedar Falls boasts a cost of living index below the national average at 92.3, making it an affordable place to live. Median home values are around $242,000 and average rent is $950, with reasonable utility costs and state taxes. Groceries, housing, and transportation all come in well below typical U.S. costs, appealing to families and professionals seeking value.
Median House Value:
$242,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,320
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$460
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.3
Grocery:
96.5
Housing:
81.2
Utilities:
94.8
Transportation:
89.1
Health Care:
91.7
Miscellaneous:
93.4
Crime
Is Cedar Falls, IA a safe place to live?
Cedar Falls maintains a low violent crime rate, with only 97 incidents per 100,000 residents, and a property crime rate of 1,158 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety, with a chance of violent crime at just 1 in 1,030. This secure environment makes the city attractive for families and students.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
97
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,158
Crime Index:
1,255
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,030
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 86
Weather
What is the weather like in Cedar Falls, IA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with warm summers averaging highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 11°F at night. The city receives about 36.6 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 58% of the year, making outdoor activities enjoyable in every season. Spring and fall offer mild, comfortable weather ideal for exploring the area.
Winter
Min:
11°F
Max:
30°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Cedar Falls neighborhoods feature a median household income of $68,700 and a low unemployment rate of 2.8%, reflecting economic stability. Commute times are brief, averaging just over 13 minutes, and nearly half of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, fostering a well-educated community. While the poverty rate is 16.2%, the area’s welcoming vibe and affordable rent offer an accessible lifestyle.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$68,700
Family Income:
$98,900
Per Capita Income:
$31,500
Income Male:
$40,600
Income Female:
$34,200
Poverty Rate:
16.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
13.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.9%
Bachelors or More:
48.2%
Education
How are the schools in Cedar Falls, IA?
Cedar Falls is recognized for strong educational opportunities, from well-rated public and private schools to the University of Northern Iowa located in the heart of the city. Public schools offer favorable student-teacher ratios and the presence of higher education institutions attracts a diverse and vibrant student population. With nearly 49% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, education is a central part of community life.
Public Schools
Name:
Cedar Falls High School
Street:
1015 Division St
Phone:
319-553-2500
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
Peet Junior High School
Street:
525 E Seerley Blvd
Phone:
319-553-2770
Students:
665
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Private Schools
Name:
Valley Lutheran School
Street:
4520 Rownd St
Phone:
319-266-4565
Students:
200
Colleges
Name:
University of Northern Iowa
City:
Cedar Falls
State:
IA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
9,200
Name:
Hawkeye Community College
City:
Waterloo
State:
IA
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
5,000
Healthcare
Cedar Falls offers quality healthcare, anchored by MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center and nearby UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital, both providing emergency services. The city has a solid ratio of 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and health insurance coverage reaches nearly 95%. Residents benefit from accessible care and strong medical infrastructure.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center
Address:
515 College St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone:
(319) 277-1190
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital
Address:
1825 Logan Ave, Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone:
(319) 235-3711
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.6%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cedar Falls, IA?
The housing market in Cedar Falls is stable and accessible, with a median home price of $242,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $950. About 62% of residents own their homes, and the city enjoys a low foreclosure rate of 0.3%. Steady home appreciation and moderate new construction offer options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$242,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Iowa residents in Cedar Falls can access motor vehicle services through the Iowa Motor Vehicle Division, located in Ankeny. The DMV provides licensing, registration, and other essential services both in-person and online. For more information, residents can visit the Iowa DOT website or call the main office.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
1-515-244-8725
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.