City Profile
Waterloo, Iowa
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Waterloo is a vibrant city located in Black Hawk County along the Cedar River in northeast Iowa. Founded in the 1850s, the city grew rapidly as a manufacturing and agricultural hub, famously housing major operations for John Deere. Today, Waterloo blends its industrial heritage with a revitalized downtown, cultural attractions, and extensive park systems that appeal to families and professionals alike. The community serves as a cultural and economic anchor for the Cedar Valley region, offering a welcoming Midwestern atmosphere.
Iowa, located in the Midwest, is characterized by its expansive farmlands and a generally relaxed, community-focused lifestyle. The state's economy is diverse, with major industries including advanced manufacturing, biosciences, finance and insurance, and its foundational agricultural sector, which leads in corn, soybean, ethanol, and pork production. Living in Iowa is notably affordable, with the cost of living, particularly housing, being significantly lower than the national average. The climate is humid continental, featuring hot, humid summers and cold winters, with seasonal precipitation and susceptibility to various natural disasters like snowstorms, floods, and tornadoes.
How this 60/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 62 / 100 | 62.0 | 30% | 18.6 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 85.0 | 62.5 | 25% | 15.6 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $56,500 Income needed to live here: $48,000 Unemployment rate: 3.8% | 62.3 | 20% | 12.5 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.3% Job growth rate: 1.5% | 41.3 | 15% | 6.2 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 67 / 100 | 67.0 | 10% | 6.7 |
| Overall score | 59.6 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Performance
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Waterloo is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious families and first-time homebuyers. Housing costs, in particular, remain very affordable compared to both national benchmarks and larger metropolitan areas in the United States. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation also track well below national medians, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living.
Income
Salary Insights
Waterloo's economy is anchored by advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail trade. Major employers like John Deere and MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center provide a stable employment foundation for the region. The city has experienced steady economic initiatives aimed at diversifying local industries and supporting downtown commercial revitalization. While traditional manufacturing remains prominent, sectors like healthcare and professional services continue to offer solid growth opportunities.
The average salary in Waterloo is $58,000 per year. You would need approximately $48,000 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Getting around Waterloo is primarily automobile-dependent, with well-maintained roadways and manageable traffic congestion ensuring short average commute times. Public transportation is serviced by Waterloo Metropolitan Transit (MET), offering bus routes across key commercial and residential sectors. The city also features expanding bike lane networks and trail systems for recreational and alternative transit.
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Senior Care in Waterloo
21 assisted living, nursing & memory care facilities in Waterloo.
Assisted Living
Pillar Of Cedar Valley
Waterloo, IA
Assisted Living
Northcrest Specialty Care
Waterloo, IA
Senior Care
Bridges
Waterloo, IA
Senior Care
Hotel President
Waterloo, IA
Assisted Living
Harmony House Health Care Center
Waterloo, IA
Assisted Living
ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation - Waterloo
Waterloo, IA
Assisted Living
Friendship Village Retirement Community - Wellspring Living
Waterloo, IA
Senior Care
Friendship Village Retirement Community - Village Terrace
Waterloo, IA
Senior Care
Friendship Village - Village Place
Waterloo, IA
Assisted Living
Friendship Village - Lakeview Lodge
Waterloo, IA
Assisted Living
Ravenwood Specialty Care
Waterloo, IA
Senior Care
Landmark Commons - A Friendship Village Community
Waterloo, IA
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