Waterloo, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Waterloo, Iowa is 66,947 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 8th-largest city in Iowa. The median household income is $56,344, the median home value is $150,200, and the median age is 36.6.
The population has declined 1.5% since 2010 (68,492 → 67,477).
66,947
Population
1087
People / sq mi
$56,344
Median Income
$150,200
Median Home Value
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Waterloo covers 61.6 sq mi of land at 1087 people per square mile.
About Waterloo, IA
In Waterloo, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $150,200. With 66,947 residents, Waterloo is a city in Iowa. It is the #8-largest of all cities in Iowa nationally.
The typical household earns $56,344, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.5%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $150,200, with typical rent around $896.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 22.6%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 7.1%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Waterloo city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Waterloo city had a population of 68,492 in 2010 and 67,477 in 2024, a -1.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 68,700 in 2013. Average annual growth rate: -0.11%.
67,477
Population (2024)
68,492
Population (2010)
68,700
Peak (2013)
-0.11%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 68,492 |
| 2011 | 68,554 |
| 2012 | 68,535 |
| 2013 | 68,700 |
| 2014 | 68,676 |
| 2015 | 68,619 |
| 2016 | 68,108 |
| 2017 | 67,758 |
| 2018 | 67,722 |
| 2019 | 67,328 |
| 2020 | 67,266 |
| 2021 | 66,895 |
| 2022 | 66,530 |
| 2023 | 66,856 |
| 2024 | 67,477 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 69.1% |
| Black or African American | 17.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$56,344
Median Household Income
$33,372
Per Capita Income
11.5%
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$150,200
Median Home Value
$896
Median Rent
61.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
90.6%
High School+
22.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.4%
Drive Alone
77.8%
Public Transit
7.1%
Work From Home
16.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
18.9%
Foreign Born
86.3%
Non-English at Home
6.2%
Veterans
15.7%
With Disability
94.4%
Health Insurance
93.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 20.9% |
| Manufacturing | 20.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 7.7% |
| Information | 6.2% |
| Retail Trade | 5.6% |
| Construction | 5.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.8% |
| Public Administration | 2.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.4% |
Largest cities in Iowa
Largest counties in Iowa
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Waterloo, Iowa has a population of 66,947 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 8th-largest city in Iowa.
The median household income in Waterloo, Iowa is $56,344, with 11.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Waterloo, Iowa is $150,200, with median monthly rent at $896 and a homeownership rate of 61.1%.
The median age in Waterloo, Iowa is 36.6 years. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
The population has declined 1.5% since 2010 (68,492 → 67,477).
Waterloo city, IA Climate
Waterloo city, IA has an average annual temperature of 8.6°C (47°F) and receives about 877 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.6°C
Avg Temp
877
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -9° / 16° | 22 mm |
| February | -5° / 23° | 26 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 59 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 89 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 107 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 114 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 118 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 104 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 89 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 66 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 50 mm |
| December | -5° / 22° | 33 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Waterloo city, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Waterloo city, IA are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -14°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Waterloo
Visiting or relocating to Waterloo, IA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Iowa
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.