Median Income
$59,200
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$234,000
17% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.7%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$596
49% lower than US avg
Unemployment
6.9%
92% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.0%
29% higher than US avg
How Waterloo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,920
Median Age42.8 yrs
Density1,042/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Economy
C+
Median Income$59,200
Per Capita$38,480
Unemployment6.9%
Poverty16.0%
Commute24 min
Housing
A
Home Value$234,000
Rent$596
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units2,245
Rent Burden13.2%
Climate
Avg TempN/A
AQIN/A
Elevation696 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.7%
High School+24.0%
Graduate+3.5%
Is Waterloo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waterloo receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Waterloo offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waterloo is $59,200, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 16.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waterloo is $234,000, 17% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $596 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
8.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 24.0% have completed high school.
Waterloo has a population of 4,920 with a density of 1,042 people per square mile. The median age is 42.8 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (98%).
Population
4,920
Total Population
2021 Census
42.8yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 12.7% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Spanish | 83.2% |
| 521% above US avg |
| Other Languages | 4.1% |
The median household income in Waterloo is $59,200, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 6.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,200 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,480 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.9% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.0% |
The median home value in Waterloo is $234,000, 17% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $596 (49% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $234,000 |
| 17% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $596 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.2% |
Ownership & Property
| Owner-Occupied | 57.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.3% |
| Housing Units | 2,245 |
Property Tax
Health Metrics: Waterloo vs U.S. Average (%)
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
Food & Exercise
Crime Rates: Waterloo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Geography
| Elevation | 696 ft (212 m) |
| Area | 4.7 sq mi (12.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,042/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3501°N, 72.5158°W |
| Timezone | America/Toronto |