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Cedar Falls, IA

Frequently asked questions

Cedar Falls, IA

Cedar Falls is a city in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 40,713. Cedar Falls is home to the University of Northern Iowa, a public university.

Cedar Falls along with the neighboring city of Waterloo, Iowa are the two principal municipalities within the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. This area is known locally as the "Cedar Valley," due to the Cedar River that traverses the vicinity.

Cedar Falls was first settled in March 1845 by brothers-in-law William R. Sturgis and Erasmus D. Adams. Initially, the city was named Sturgis Falls. The city was called Sturgis Falls until it was merged with Cedar City (another city on the other side of the Cedar River), creating Cedar Falls. The city's founders are honored each year with a week-long community-wide celebration named in their honor – the Sturgis Falls Celebration. 

Because of the availability of water power, Cedar Falls developed as a milling and industrial center before the Civil War. The establishment of the Civil War Soldiers' Orphans Home in Cedar Falls changed the direction in which the city developed when, following the war, it became the first building on the campus of the Iowa State Normal School (now the University of Northern Iowa).

Cedar Falls is located at 42°31′24″N 92°26′45″W (42.523520, −92.446402). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.61 square miles (76.69 km²), of which 28.75 square miles (74.46 km²) is land and 0.86 square miles (2.23 km²) is water. Natural forest, prairie, and wetland areas are found within the city limits at the Hartman Reserve Nature Center. 

Cedar Falls strongly emphasizes health and wellness, with several facilities catering to the well-being of its residents. The UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital serves as a primary healthcare provider, offering comprehensive medical services. The city promotes an active lifestyle with numerous parks, including Big Woods Lake Recreation Area and George Wyth State Park, providing spaces for outdoor activities and recreational pursuits. Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping provides comprehensive fitness programs that combine kickboxing and strength training to achieve transformational results. Balance Hot Yoga specializes in heated yoga classes designed to improve flexibility, strength, and mindfulness. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs.

Top sites in Cedar Falls, IA are Escapology Escape Rooms Cedar Falls, Hartman Reserve Nature Center, and Hearst Center for the Arts.

Population: 40,737 (2023). ZIP code: 50613. Area code: 319. Elevation: 879 ft (268 m). Area: 30.29 sq mi (78.44 km²).

FAQs

What are the demographics of Cedar Falls, IA?

Cedar Falls is a city located in Black Hawk County, Butler County, and Grundy County Iowa. Cedar Falls has a 2024 population of 40,748. Cedar Falls is currently growing at a rate of 0.03% annually and its population has increased by 0.11% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 40,702 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Cedar Falls was White: 91.97% Asian: 3.96% Two or more races: 2.35%, Black or African American: 1.3%, Native American: 0.26%, Other race: 0.1%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.05%.

What is the crime rate in Cedar Falls, IA?

The crime rate in Cedar Falls is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 19 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Cedar Falls is 1 in 53. Based on FBI crime data, Cedar Falls is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Iowa, Cedar Falls has a crime rate that is higher than 91% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

How did Cedar Falls, IA get its name?

The City of Cedar Falls is located in Black Hawk County, in the State of Iowa. Originally named “Sturgis Falls” after its first settler, William Sturgis, it was later renamed after the river that flows through the city. Cedar Falls is home to the University of Northern Iowa, one of Iowa’s three state universities. In addition to programming provided by the City’s Hearst Center for the Arts, the Parks and Recreation Divisions, and the outstanding education provided by the Cedar Falls Schools, the University of Northern Iowa provides additional opportunities for academic, cultural, and athletic activities.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Cedar Falls

Neighborhood Scout

World Population Review

Escapology Escape Rooms Cedar Falls

Hartman Reserve Nature Center

Hearst Center for the Arts

UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital 

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area

George Wyth State Park

Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping

Balance Hot Yoga

Planet Fitness

MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.