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Waterloo, IA

Frequently asked questions

Waterloo, IA

Waterloo is a city in and the county seat of Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2020 United States Census the population was 67,314, making it the eighth-most populous city in the state.

Waterloo comprises a twin conurbation with neighbor municipality Cedar Falls. Waterloo is part of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is the more populous of the two cities.

Waterloo was originally known as Prairie Rapids Crossing. The town was established near two Meskwaki American tribal seasonal camps alongside the Cedar River. It was first settled in 1845 when George and Mary Melrose Hanna and their children arrived on the east bank of the Red Cedar River (now just called the Cedar River). They were followed by the Virden and Mullan families in 1846. Evidence of these earliest families can still be found in the street names Hanna Boulevard, Mullan Avenue, and Virden Creek.

On December 8, 1845, the Iowa State Register and Waterloo Herald was the first newspaper published in Waterloo.  The name Waterloo supplanted the original name, Prairie Rapids Crossing, shortly after Charles Mullan petitioned for a post office in the town. Since the signed petition did not include the name of the proposed post office location, Mullan was charged with selecting the name when he submitted the petition. Tradition has it that as he flipped through a list of other post offices in the United States, he came upon the name Waterloo. The name struck his fancy, and a post office was established under that name. 

There were two extended periods of rapid growth over the next 115 years. From 1895 to 1915, the population increased from 8,490 to 33,097, a 290% increase. From 1925 to 1960, the population increased from 36,771 to 71,755. The 1895 to 1915 period was a time of rapid growth in manufacturing, rail transportation, and wholesale operations. During this period the Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company moved to Waterloo and, shortly after, the Rath Packing Company moved from Dubuque. Another major employer throughout the first two-thirds of the 20th century was the Illinois Central Railroad. Among the others was the less successful brass-era automobile manufacturer, the Maytag-Mason Motor Company.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 63.23 square miles (163.76 km²), of which 61.39 square miles (159.00 km²) is land and 1.84 square miles (4.77 km²) is water. The average elevation of Waterloo is 846 feet above sea level. The population density is 1101 people per square mile, considered low for an urban area.

Waterloo, IA offers a diverse range of spas, gyms, and wellness activities catering to all health and wellness needs. The Cedar Valley SportsPlex is a comprehensive facility featuring a gym, swimming pool, and a variety of fitness classes, promoting an active lifestyle for all ages. At UnityPoint Health Allen Hospital and MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center, residents can access wellness programs, including weight management and smoking cessation courses, to support long-term health. The Sanctuary Spa provides luxurious treatments such as massages, facials, and body wraps, offering a tranquil retreat from daily stress. The YMCA of Black Hawk County offers extensive fitness programs, youth sports, and community events, fostering a family-friendly atmosphere. OrangeTheory Fitness brings high-intensity interval training to the community, combining cardio and strength training in dynamic sessions. For yoga enthusiasts, Balance Hot Yoga offers classes in a heated environment to enhance flexibility and detoxification. Together, these facilities and initiatives create a vibrant health and wellness environment in Waterloo, enriching the lives of its residents.

Top sites in Waterloo, IA are Lost Island Waterpark & Adventure Golf & Go-Karts, John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum, and Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum & Grout Museum of History & Science.

Population: 67,477 (2024). ZIP codes: 50701-50707. Area code: 319. Elevation: 883 ft (269 m). Area: 63.43 sq mi (164.29 km²).

FAQs

How many bosnians are in Waterloo, IA?

After the first forty Bosnians arrived in Waterloo from Utica, New York, and Chicago a snowball effect occurred, as families and friends were sent for. There are now about 3,000 in the area. Five hundred and thirty-seven Bosnians were processed in Waterloo in 1997 and five hundred in 1998. The other Bosnians are secondary immigrants, which means that this is the second place they have lived within the United States. Even though the numbers are now starting to taper off, there are many people waiting to come to the United States, a situation that will continue for the next five to ten years.

What is Waterloo, IA best known for?

Located in the Upper Midwest, Waterloo is the major metro of the Cedar Valley Region of Northeast Iowa.  As the Black Hawk County Seat, Waterloo is the hub for government, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, employment, and retail for the region with a labor force draw of over 300,000. Diversity is Waterloo’s key strength.

Is Waterloo, IA a good place to live?

Waterloo, Iowa has a livability score of 81, according to AreaVibes. Waterloo has the lowest rent on the list, at just $740, and a high livability score. Transportation is also affordable, at just $264.86 per month, or 35.7% lower than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Waterloo

History of Black Hawak County

Lost Island Waterpark & Adventure Golf & Go-Karts

John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum

Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum & Grout Museum of History & Science

Cedar Valley SportsPlex

UnityPoint Health Allen Hospital

MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center

The Sanctuary Spa

The YMCA of Black Hawk County

OrangeTheory 

Balance Hot Yoga

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.