Waterloo 71 Excellent
Waterloo Livability #251 ranked city in Wisconsin#6,531 ranked city in the USARanks better than 77% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Waterloo

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

What's it like Living in Waterloo?

Waterloo, Wisconsin is a small-sized city with a population of 3,450 people. At 88%, the majority of the Waterloo population is White; this is followed by 2% American Indian and Alaskan and 0% Black. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Waterloo, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 24 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Waterloo is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Wisconsin, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Waterloo and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Wisconsin and national averages.

Waterloo has a livability score of 69 out of 100 and is ranked #303 in Wisconsin and #8,099 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Waterloo has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A-), cost of living (A) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Waterloo scores poorly for, including: amenities (F) and education (D). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 27 crimes per 100,000 residents, Waterloo has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Waterloo has an unemployment rate of 2.7% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Waterloo excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Waterloo is real estate affordability. The median home price for Waterloo homes is $296,032, which is 1.7% lower than the Wisconsin average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Waterloo, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.9, which is 5.4% higher than the Wisconsin average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Waterloo

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Compare Waterloo, WI Livability

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      Waterloo transportation information

      Statistic Waterloo Wisconsin National
      Average one way commute24min22min26min
      Workers who drive to work89.8%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool1.3%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.9%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk6.6%3.3%2.8%
      Working from home1.3%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Waterloo, WI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.