Waterloo, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,600
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$87,776/yr
12.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,644
1.5% year-over-year change

Waterloo population

How many people live in Waterloo

Waterloo is home to 3,600 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51% of Waterloo locals are male, and 49% are female.

Total population
3,600
1.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51%
1,837
Female
49%
1,763
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,837 51% 5.2%
Female 1,763 49% -1.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Waterloo is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.7% are children under 15, then 10.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.3% of the population, while another 25.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.7%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 44
29.3%
45 to 64
25.6%
Over 65
16.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 637 17.7% 10.6%
15 to 24 391 10.9% -19.6%
25 to 44 1,054 29.3% 11.3%
45 to 64 920 25.6% -6.9%
Over 65 598 16.6% 9.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Waterloo, 94.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 11.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.4%
Non-citizens
3.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,388 94.1% 2.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 87 2.4% 2.4%
Non-citizens 125 3.5% -11.3%
Racial breakdown
White
86.5%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1.4%
Two or more races
11.3%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 3,115 86.5%
Asian 11 0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 49 1.4%
Two or more races 408 11.3%
Other 17 0.5%

Households in Waterloo

A peek inside Waterloo households

Waterloo has 1,589 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.3% are families, while the remaining 42.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,589
1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
679
Family households
910
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 679 42.7% 12.1%
Family households 910 57.3% -4.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Waterloo

The housing landscape of Waterloo

Waterloo's housing consists of 1,644 units, with 69.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,644
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,136 69.1%
1 unit, attached 62 3.8%
2 units 141 8.6%
3 or 4 units 44 2.7%
5 to 9 units 187 11.4%
10 to 19 units 29 1.8%
20 to 49 units 37 2.2%
Mobile home 8 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
12
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Waterloo

In Waterloo, the median construction year is 1965. About 31.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 524 31.9% -11.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 45 2.7% -32.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 123 7.5% 161.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 248 15.1% 17.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 135 8.2% 11.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 202 12.3% -6.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 215 13.1% -7.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 62 3.8% 14.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 78 4.7% 2.6%
Built in 2020 or later 12 0.7% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Waterloo occupancy rates

Out of the 1,589 occupied housing units in Waterloo, 68.9% are owner-occupied, while 31.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,589
1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
494
Owner occupied
1,095
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 494 31.1% -7.7%
Owner occupied 1,095 68.9% 6.8%
Unoccupied housing units
3.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Waterloo housing costs

Housing costs in Waterloo come to a median of $1,151 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,106.

Median housing costs per month
$1,151/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Waterloo
$1,106/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Waterloo

Waterloo education at a glance

About 49.2% of the population in Waterloo went to high school, while 18.4% pursued college studies. Another 3.2% earned an associate degree and 18.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 185 6.5% -8.0%
High school diploma 1,393 49.2% -1.6%
College diploma 521 18.4% -2.6%
Associate degree 90 3.2% 13.9%
Bachelor's degree 534 18.8% 10.1%
Graduate degree 110 3.9% 1.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Waterloo

How much people earn in Waterloo

The average annual household income in Waterloo was $85,116 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $87,776, reflecting a +12.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Waterloo
$85,116/year
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Waterloo
$87,776/year
12.4% year-over-year change

Waterloo income by age

In Waterloo, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,939. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $118,196 overall. Overall, 86.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $79,939 6.3%
45 - 64 $118,196 4.2%
Over 65 $53,859 5.9%
Above poverty level
3,087
Below poverty level
490
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,087 86.3% 4.5%
Below poverty level 490 13.7% -13.6%

Average renter income in Waterloo

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Waterloo, their median household income was $63,028 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$63,028
Rent-to-income ratio
21.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Waterloo

Workforce and job types in Waterloo

The job market in Waterloo is powered by 2,080 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.2% run their own businesses, 78.5% are employed by private companies, and 14.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,080
3.2% year-over-year change
White collar
1,343
Blue collar
737
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,343 64.6% 18.5%
Blue collar 737 35.4% -16.4%
Employer type
Self employees
2.2%
Private companies
78.5%
Governmental workers
14.9%
Not for profit companies
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 46 2.2% -8.0%
Private companies 1,632 78.5% -1.3%
Governmental workers 310 14.9% 42.2%
Not for profit companies 92 4.4% -1.1%
Unemployment rate
0.6%
-7.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Waterloo stands at 0.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Waterloo

How people get around in Waterloo

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,694 81.4% -1.1%
Bicycle 21 1% 16.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Waterloo by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
53594 5,199 2,212 $88,390 $91,928

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FAQs about Waterloo demographics 

What is the total population of Waterloo?

Waterloo has a total population of 3,600 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Waterloo?

The gender ratio in Waterloo is as follows:
  • 51% males (1,837 residents)
  • 49% females (1,763 residents)

What is the median age in Waterloo?

The median age in Waterloo is 37.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Waterloo?

The age distribution in Waterloo is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.7% (637 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.9% (391 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.3% (1,054 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.6% (920 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.6% (598 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Waterloo?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Waterloo is as follows:
  • White: 86.5% (3,115 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (11 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1.4% (49 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.3% (408 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (17 residents)

What percentage of the population in Waterloo are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.1% of the population in Waterloo.

How many housing units are there in Waterloo?

There are 1,644 housing units in Waterloo, reflecting a +1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Waterloo and what is the average household size?

Waterloo has a total of 1,589 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Waterloo?

Waterloo has a median household income of $87,776, representing a +12.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Waterloo?

The employment rate is 99.4% in Waterloo, with a workforce of 2,080 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.6% (1,343 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.4% (737 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.2% (46 residents)
  • Private companies: 78.5% (1,632 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.9% (310 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.4% (92 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025