Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waterloo, IL
Thinking of relocating to Waterloo, IL? This friendly city of around 11,000 offers a welcoming small-town atmosphere with a median home price of $260,000 and average rents under $1,000. With low violent crime (51 per 100k) and short average commutes under 30 minutes, Waterloo is great for families or anyone seeking a safe, relaxed pace. The area boasts strong schools, affordable living, and a pleasant Midwest climate with over half the year’s days being sunny. Dive into the details below to see if Waterloo is your next home.
Demographics - Waterloo, IL
Demographics - Waterloo, IL
Waterloo is home to about 11,000 residents, with a median age of 40.2, reflecting a balanced mix of families and professionals. The community is predominantly White, and the population density offers a small-town feel with plenty of space. Only a small percentage of residents speak a language other than English at home, fostering a close-knit local culture.
Population:
11,073
Density:
1,250 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.3%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waterloo, IL?
Waterloo offers affordable living, with a cost of living index well below the national average and a median home value around $260,000. Rent averages $950, and everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and healthcare are comparably low, making the city appealing for budget-conscious families and retirees. State income tax is flat at 4.95%, adding predictability to household finances.
Median House Value:
$260,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.1
Grocery:
95.0
Housing:
81.0
Utilities:
97.3
Transportation:
87.8
Health Care:
92.5
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Waterloo, IL a safe place to live?
Waterloo boasts a notably low crime rate, with just 51 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 1,950 chance of being affected by violent crime. Property crime is also limited, contributing to a sense of security for residents. This safe environment makes it an attractive choice for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
51
Property Crimes Per 100k:
510
Crime Index:
561
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,950
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 196
Weather
What is the weather like in Waterloo, IL year-round?
Residents in Waterloo experience all four seasons, with hot summers reaching highs near 88°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 56% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Waterloo’s neighborhoods are characterized by a strong sense of community, with a median household income of $85,200 and a low poverty rate of 4.2%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and the area reports low unemployment. Average commute times are under half an hour, providing a comfortable work-life balance.
Median Income:
$41,000
Household Income:
$85,200
Family Income:
$96,500
Per Capita Income:
$39,300
Income Male:
$53,200
Income Female:
$41,750
Poverty Rate:
4.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
28.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.6%
Bachelors or More:
37.1%
Education
How are the schools in Waterloo, IL?
Waterloo offers quality education from elementary through high school, with favorable student-teacher ratios and a choice of public and private schools. Nearby colleges like Southwestern Illinois College and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville expand higher education options within easy driving distance. The area’s strong graduation rates reflect a community invested in learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Waterloo High School
Street:
505 E Bulldog Blvd
Phone:
618-939-3455
Students:
770
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Gardner Elementary School
Street:
1 Ed Gardner Pl
Phone:
618-939-3060
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
SS Peter & Paul Catholic School
Street:
217 W Third St
Phone:
618-939-7217
Students:
230
Colleges
Name:
Southwestern Illinois College
City:
Belleville
State:
IL
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
8,000
Name:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
City:
Edwardsville
State:
IL
Distance:
41 miles
Students:
13,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to reputable hospitals nearby, including Red Bud Regional and Memorial Hospital Belleville, both offering emergency services. Healthcare coverage is high at over 94%, and there are 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring quality care is readily available. The healthcare index reflects solid local health services for families and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Red Bud Regional Hospital
Address:
325 Spring St, Red Bud, IL 62278
Phone:
(618) 282-5456
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Memorial Hospital Belleville
Address:
4500 Memorial Dr, Belleville, IL 62226
Phone:
(618) 233-7750
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waterloo, IL?
Waterloo’s housing market is stable, with a median home price of $260,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $950. The owner-occupancy rate is high at over 80%, and home values have seen consistent appreciation in recent years. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates make it a secure place to invest in property.
Median Home Price:
$260,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Illinois Secretary of State Facility conveniently located in Waterloo. Residents can handle licensing and vehicle registration locally or access information online through the Illinois Secretary of State website. Customer service is available via a toll-free number for added convenience.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Facility
Address:
318 North Market Street, Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
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.