Waterloo, IA—50703
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 $96,000, with a year-over-year change of 1.3%. This indicates that home prices in Waterloo, IA are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 0.6%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $96,000 | 1.3% |
| Single Family | $96,000 | 1.1% |
| Condos | N/A | N/A |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $60,000 | 5.3% |
2 Bed | $81,000 | 2.5% |
3 Bed | $112,000 | 0.9% |
4 Bed | $119,000 | 1.7% |
| 5 Bed | $186,000 | 6.9% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Waterloo, IA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Waterloo, IA is $896, with a year-over-year rent change of -7.5%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Waterloo, IA is studios: $1,100, 1-bedrooms: $700, 2-bedrooms: $891, 3-bedrooms: $943, 4-bedrooms: $1,010. The most common rental property sizes in Waterloo, IA are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 45.9% and 21.0% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $896 |
| Studio Rent | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $625 | $700 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $800 | $891 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $950 | $943 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $975 | $1,010 |
% 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 49. This is a decrease of -20.0% 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 30.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $117,000 | 4.0% |
Listing Count | 54 | 18.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.4% | 18.0% |
Days on Market | 49 | -20.0% |
Demographics — Waterloo, IA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Waterloo, IA has a population of 18,400, which has decreased by -3.1% over the past 5 years. Waterloo, IA is a popular place for families, as children make up 25.2% of the population. The area has a poorly educated workforce, with 12.6% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 6.3% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 18,400 | -3.1% |
% Under 18 | 25.2% | 2.9% |
% Seniors | 15.1% | 4.1% |
% WFH | 6.3% | 270.6% |
% w/ College Degree | 12.6% | 2.4% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Waterloo, IA is a predominantly white area, with 55.2% of the population identifying as white. The white population has grown by 7.0% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Waterloo, IA is black, making up 26.2% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 6.6% of the population in Waterloo, IA, and this percentage has decreased by 9.6% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting fewer immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 55.2% | 7.0% |
% Black | 26.2% | -21.8% |
% Hispanic | 10.4% | 14.3% |
% Asian | 2.0% | 81.8% |
% Foreign Born | 6.6% | -9.6% |
Mortgage and Risk — Waterloo, IA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 412 mortgage originations in Waterloo, IA, of which 95.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 55.0%, with 15.0% above 90% LTV (elevated). This implies medium mortgage risk in Waterloo, IA. Investor activity is low, as 10.0% 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 | 412 |
% Conventional Loans | 95.0% |
% Government Loans | 5.0% |
% Investor Loans | 10.0% |
% 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 27.2%. This is considered high, suggesting that the neighborhood is heavily composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. In Waterloo, IA, all tracked home sizes have HUD payment amounts above market rent, suggesting strong Section 8 opportunity across the board.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 881 |
Total Units Section 8 | 881 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 27.2% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 87.4% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $145 | $625 | $770 |
| 2 Bedroom | $210 | $800 | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedroom | $370 | $950 | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedroom | $725 | $975 | $1,700 |
Affordability — Waterloo, IA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 1.7 |
| Median Home Price | $96,000 |
| Median Household Income | $49,400 |