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OnWaterloo.com

Waterloo, IA
★ Available

Explore Waterloo, IA: A vibrant city with rich history and cultural charm.

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67K Population
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$49K Median Income
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$142K Median Home Price
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63 Square Miles

About Waterloo, IA

Waterloo, Iowa, located in the heart of the Midwest, offers a blend of historical significance and modern-day amenities. Founded in the mid-19th century, Waterloo emerged as a key industrial hub. The city played a pivotal role in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, which continue to be integral to its economy today. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the scenic Cedar River that flows through the city, providing picturesque views and recreational opportunities.

Waterloo is renowned for its community spirit and diverse cultural offerings. The city hosts several annual festivals, celebrating its rich cultural tapestry and welcoming people from all walks of life. The local arts scene is vibrant, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues showcasing regional talent. Furthermore, the city's commitment to education and innovation is evident in its schools and institutions, fostering a thriving intellectual environment.

What sets Waterloo apart is its balance of urban living and small-town charm. The friendly neighborhoods, coupled with cultural, recreational, and economic opportunities, make Waterloo a distinguished place to live and visit. Its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to community development are cornerstones of Waterloo's identity.

Quality of Life Scores

Data-driven insights into what makes Waterloo special

43
🚶 Walkability
36
🛡️ Safety
67
🍽️ Food Scene
74
🎭 Arts & Culture
62
🌙 Nightlife
58
⚽ Sports Culture
5
🌬️ Air Quality
66
🚗 Traffic Flow

Quality of life scores are aggregated from publicly available data sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, EPA Air Quality Index, walkability studies, and local municipal data. Scores are calculated on a 0-100 scale and updated periodically to reflect current conditions.

Demographics & Economy

Understanding the community and economic landscape

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Demographics

Median Age 36.9 years
Diversity Index 68.0%

Waterloo is a diverse city with a mix of urban and rural lifestyles, reflecting a medium-sized populace with a balanced family-oriented community.

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Economy

Median Income $48,650
Unemployment Rate 4.7%
Job Growth Rate 1.9%

Strong economic foundation driven by diverse industries including manufacturing, education, healthcare.

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Housing

Median Home Price $142,000
Cost of Living Index 84
Rent/Own Ratio 34.2%

Real estate market offers opportunities for residents and investors with balanced housing options across neighborhoods.

Education Excellence

World-class learning opportunities and achievements

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Education Levels

Bachelor's Degree or Higher 23.7%
High School Graduation Rate 87.5%
College Enrollment Rate 62.3%
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Institutions

  • Schools: 35
  • Universities: 2
  • Libraries: 3
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15.7:1

Sports & Entertainment

Home to professional and collegiate athletics

College & Development

🎓 College
Missouri Valley Conference
Minor League
USHL: Waterloo Black Hawks
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Major Venues

Young Arena: 3,200

Transportation & Infrastructure

Getting around Waterloo

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Roads & Highways

Major Highways: I-380, US-20, US-63

Average Commute: 16 minutes

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Public Transit

MET Transit

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Airports

ALO - Waterloo Regional Airport

Places & Attractions

Discover what makes Waterloo unique

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Landmarks

  • Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum
  • Grout Museum
  • John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
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Attractions

  • Lost Island Waterpark
  • Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens
  • Young Arena
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Museums

  • Grout Museum District
  • Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum
  • John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
  • Waterloo Center for the Arts
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Parks

  • George Wyth State Park
  • Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens
  • Raymond Walter and Young Swimming Pool Complex
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Healthcare

  • UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital
  • MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center

Key Industries

Economic drivers powering Waterloo

Manufacturing Education Healthcare

Living Here

Essential information about life in Waterloo

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Climate & Geography

Climate: Humid Continental

Elevation: 846 feet

Time Zone: America/Chicago

County: Black Hawk County

Metro Area: Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Metro Area

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Contact Information

Area Code: 319

ZIP Codes: 50701, 50702, 50703

Location

Find Waterloo on the map

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