Waterloo, IA—50701
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Waterloo, IA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Waterloo, IA is $185,000, with a year-over-year change of 4.3%. This indicates that home prices in Waterloo, IA are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 1.1%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $185,000 | 4.4% |
| Single Family | $201,000 | 4.1% |
| Condos | $110,000 | 3.8% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $67,000 | 0.0% |
2 Bed | $133,000 | 3.1% |
3 Bed | $206,000 | 4.6% |
4 Bed | $283,000 | 4.4% |
| 5 Bed | $427,000 | 4.7% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Waterloo, IA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Waterloo, IA is $1,130, with a year-over-year rent change of 4.6%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Waterloo, IA is studios: $900, 1-bedrooms: $720, 2-bedrooms: $1,050, 3-bedrooms: $1,550, 4-bedrooms: $1,750. The most common rental property sizes in Waterloo, IA are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 49.1% and 27.5% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $975 | $1,130 |
| Studio Rent | $700 | $900 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $625 | $720 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $975 | $1,050 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,750 | $1,550 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $1,200 | $1,750 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Waterloo, IA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Waterloo, IA is 51. This is a decrease of -10.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market shorter than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 35.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $235,000 | -8.0% |
Listing Count | 144 | 2.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.5% | 2.0% |
Days on Market | 51 | -10.0% |
Demographics — Waterloo, IA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Waterloo, IA has a population of 29,700, which has decreased by -4.4% over the past 5 years. Waterloo, IA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 22.8% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 29.8% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 8.5% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 29,700 | -4.4% |
% Under 18 | 22.8% | 4.6% |
% Seniors | 19.6% | 12.6% |
% WFH | 8.5% | 129.7% |
% w/ College Degree | 29.8% | -3.2% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Waterloo, IA is a predominantly white area, with 78.5% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 4.6% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Waterloo, IA is black, making up 11.3% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 6.9% of the population in Waterloo, IA, and this percentage has increased by 40.8% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting more immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 78.5% | -4.6% |
% Black | 11.3% | 48.7% |
% Hispanic | 3.0% | -14.3% |
% Asian | 2.6% | -10.3% |
% Foreign Born | 6.9% | 40.8% |
Mortgage and Risk — Waterloo, IA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 676 mortgage originations in Waterloo, IA, of which 92.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 52.0%, with 19.0% above 90% LTV (elevated). This implies medium mortgage risk in Waterloo, IA. Investor activity is low, as 3.0% of loans were by investors. 6.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting few homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 676 |
% Conventional Loans | 92.0% |
% Government Loans | 8.0% |
% Investor Loans | 3.0% |
% Second Loans | 0.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 6.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Waterloo, IA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Waterloo, IA under the Section 8 program is 10.2%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Waterloo, IA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 489 |
Total Units Section 8 | 439 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 10.2% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 86.6% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $75 | $625 | $700 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$55 | $975 | $920 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$550 | $1,750 | $1,200 |
| 4 Bedroom | $340 | $1,200 | $1,540 |
Affordability — Waterloo, IA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 2.6 |
| Median Home Price | $185,000 |
| Median Household Income | $62,900 |