Iowa / Black Hawk County

Moving to Waterloo, IA

Thinking of making a move to Waterloo, IA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waterloo, IA

Considering a move to Waterloo, IA? This welcoming community of 67,800 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $175,000 and average rents near $900. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (52% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Waterloo's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Waterloo, IA

Waterloo has a population of 67,800 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 73% White, 17% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
67,800
Density
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age
38.1
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.6%

Ethnic Composition

White
72.5%
Black
16.8%
Asian
3.2%
Others
7.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Waterloo, IA?

The cost of living in Waterloo is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.7. Median home values are around $175,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $900. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$175,000
Gross Rent
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 5.7%
Cost Of Living Index
86.7
Grocery
91.5
Housing
67.8
Utilities
99.4
Transportation
90.2
Health Care
96.1
Miscellaneous
88.9

Crime

Is Waterloo, IA a safe place to live?

Waterloo is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 520 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 34. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
520
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,950
Crime Index
3,470
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 192
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 34

Weather

What is the weather like in Waterloo, IA year-round?

Waterloo experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 14°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
14°F
Max
31°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
40°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
42°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,900 and a low poverty rate of 15.7%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 20% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$33,500
Household Income
$58,900
Family Income
$72,600
Per Capita Income
$30,600
Income Male
$42,000
Income Female
$34,700
Poverty Rate
15.7%
Non English Speakers
14.8%
Rent
$900
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
Public Transport Usage
2.8%
Commute Time
18.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.0%
Bachelors or More
20.4%

Education

How are the schools in Waterloo, IA?

Waterloo offers quality education options, with public schools like Waterloo High School and George Washington Carver Academy known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Northern Iowa and Hawkeye Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Waterloo High School
Street
201 W North St
Phone
319-433-2700
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
George Washington Carver Academy
Street
1500 Vine St
Phone
319-433-2500
Students
640
Student Teacher Ratio
14.7

Private Schools

Name
St. Edward School
Street
1423 Kimball Ave
Phone
319-233-1217
Students
290

Colleges

Name
University of Northern Iowa
City
Cedar Falls
State
IA
Distance
7 miles
Students
9,200
Name
Hawkeye Community College
City
Waterloo
State
IA
Distance
0 miles
Students
5,300

Healthcare

Waterloo residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center and UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center
Address
3421 W 9th St, Waterloo, IA 50702
Phone
(319) 272-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital
Address
1825 Logan Ave, Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone
(319) 235-3941
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Waterloo, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $175,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 62%. The market has seen a 3.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.7%. Waterloo offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$175,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$900
Owner Occupied Rate
61.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.4%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Waterloo handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Ames. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Iowa
Department
Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division
Address
800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010
Phone
(515) 244-8725

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.

FAQs About Moving to Waterloo, IA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Waterloo, review the core fields on this page: population 67,800, median home value $175,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $900, commute time 18.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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