Waterloo, IA Census Data
The 8th largest city in Iowa by population · 11 cities ranked
Waterloo is the 8th largest city in Iowa by population and ranks 11th of 11 for median household income. With 66,947 residents, its poverty rate of 16.4% ranks among the higher rates in Iowa. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
66,947
49.3% male · 50.7% female
Median Age
36.6
2.1 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$56,344
$22,194 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
22.6%
12.4% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 90.6%
Poverty Rate
16.4%
4.0% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 5.6%
Broadband Access
93.1%
3.4% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$150,200
Median rent: $896 · 61% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.4%
Labor force participation: 61.8%
Per Capita Income
$38,099
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
6.2%
Disability rate: 15.7%
How Waterloo Compares to Other Iowa Cities
Rankings among all 11 Iowa cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 8th of 11 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 11th of 11 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 9th of 11 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 9th of 11 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 11th of 11 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Waterloo, IA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Waterloo, IA?
The population of Waterloo, IA is 66,947 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 36.6 years.
What is the median household income in Waterloo?
The median household income in Waterloo, IA is $56,344, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $38,099.
What is the poverty rate in Waterloo?
The poverty rate in Waterloo, IA is 16.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 5.6% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Waterloo residents have a college degree?
22.6% of adults (25+) in Waterloo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 90.6% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Waterloo?
The median home value in Waterloo, IA is $150,200. Median rent is $896 per month, with 61% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Waterloo?
Waterloo's population is 69.1% White, 17.2% Black, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.6% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Waterloo rank among Iowa cities?
Waterloo is the 8th largest city in Iowa by population, the 11th highest for median household income, the 9th lowest for poverty rate, the 9th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 11 ranked Iowa cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Waterloo?
The unemployment rate in Waterloo, IA is 6.4%, with a labor force participation rate of 61.8%. Per capita income is $38,099.
Cities Similar to Waterloo
Other Iowa cities with comparable population and income levels.