Median Income
$61,375
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$108,600
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
537/100K
41% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.5%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$829
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.7%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.9%
36% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.6%
34% higher than US avg
How Waterloo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,180
Median Age33.5 yrs
Density1,033/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$61,375
Per Capita$28,011
Unemployment4.9%
Poverty16.6%
County GDP$3,447M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$108,600
Rent$829
Ownership74.1%
Zillow$244,477
Housing Units890
Rent Burden24.1%
Crime
F
Violent537/100K
Property3,043/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault447/100K
Burglary582/100K
Health
Obesity43.7%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking17.5%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain38.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation929 ft (283 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.5%
High School+85.6%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute23 min
Broadband87.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Waterloo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waterloo receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Waterloo has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waterloo is $61,375, 18% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.9%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 16.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waterloo is $108,600, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $829 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 537 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,043 per 100,000, 55% above the national average.
Education
12.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Waterloo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches, including 29.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Waterloo has a population of 2,180 with a density of 1,033 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 33.5 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51% female and 49% male. The city is predominantly White (91.2%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.1% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.5yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.1%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.9%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Waterloo is $61,375, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,011 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,210, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,084 business establishments, including 95 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,375 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,011 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,210 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,935 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.9% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.6% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,084 |
| County GDP | $3,447M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 95 |
| Healthcare | 87 |
| Retail | 116 |
| Manufacturing | 118 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,180 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Waterloo is $108,600, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,477, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 92.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $829 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 890 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,180. 24.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $108,600 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $244,477 |
| Median List Price | $208,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $208,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $92 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $829 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.9% |
| Housing Units | 890 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,180 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.93% |
In Waterloo, 43.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,167. The dentist ratio is 1:2,302. 61.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waterloo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,167 |
| Dentists | 1:2,302 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,339 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,445/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 87 |
Waterloo has a violent crime rate of 537 per 100,000 residents, 41% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 447.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 89.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,043 per 100,000, 55% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,969, burglary at 582, vehicle theft at 492 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waterloo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waterloo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 536.9/100K |
| 41% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 89.5/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 447.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,042.5/100K |
| 55% above US avg |
| Burglary | 581.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,968.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 492.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waterloo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches. The area receives 29.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 929 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 929 ft (283 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,033/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4374°N, 85.0517°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | DeKalb County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.0"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
94 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
79 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
40 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
110 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
128 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
146 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
59 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
92 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
124 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
450 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 148 fatalities, 1,908 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
77 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
34 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
58 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
41 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
36 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
99 km |
17 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
10 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
35 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Waterloo has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Waterloo. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterloo
What is the population of Waterloo?
Waterloo has a population of 2,180 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,033 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male.
Is Waterloo expensive to live in?
Waterloo is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $61,375, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $108,600 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $829 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waterloo safe?
The violent crime rate in Waterloo is 537 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,043 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Waterloo receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waterloo?
Waterloo has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.0 inches, with 29.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Waterloo?
Waterloo has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,210. There are 1,084 business establishments in the area, including 95 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waterloo?
The median home value in Waterloo is $108,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,477. For renters, the median monthly rent is $829. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,180.
How are the schools in Waterloo?
Schools in Waterloo score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.5% of adults in Waterloo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waterloo?
The obesity rate in Waterloo is 43.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 61.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,167.
What is transportation like in Waterloo?
The average commute in Waterloo is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waterloo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waterloo is 91.2% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 95.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.9% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
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