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Waterloo, IL

Frequently asked questions

Waterloo, IL

Waterloo is a city in and county seat of Monroe County, Illinois, United States. The population was 11,013 at the 2020 census, up from 9,811 in 2010.

Waterloo is located northeast of the center of Monroe County at 38°20′7″N 90°9′10″W (38.335243, -90.152685). Illinois Route 3 passes through the west side of the city, bypassing the downtown; it leads north 8 miles (13 km) to Columbia and southeast 13 miles (21 km) to Red Bud. Downtown St. Louis is 24 miles (39 km) to the north. Illinois Route 156 passes through the city on Park Street, South Church Street, West 4th Street, South Market Street, and Front Street, leading 9 miles (14 km) to Hecker and 7 miles (11 km) to Valmeyer.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Waterloo has a total area of 8.31 square miles (21.52 km²), of which 8.18 square miles (21.19 km²) are land and 0.13 square miles (0.34 km²), or 1.61%, is water. The city sits on a ridge that drains east to tributaries of Prairie du Long Creek and west to tributaries of Fountain Creek. Prairie du Long Creek is a southeast-flowing tributary of the Kaskaskia River, while Fountain Creek is a west-flowing direct tributary of the Mississippi River. Waterloo is along the historic trail that went from Kaskaskia to St. Louis.

Waterloo's history dates back to the 18th century, with the French being the first Europeans to settle in the area. The site was ideal because of its elevation; the proximity of the Mississippi River Valley brought frequent flooding to the lowlands. It was also close to Fort de Chartres, a French stronghold. They named their settlement Bellefontaine (originally La Belle Fontaine), meaning "beautiful spring". This name is related to a spring of water a mile south of the site of Waterloo, a frequent campsite on journeys between Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and St. Louis. France had long since abandoned the area, as it had been ceded to Britain in the wake of the Seven Years' War in 1763 and had since been unoccupied. But while the outpost was included in the territory surrendered by France, Louis XV famously mourned the loss of Waterloo.

The first documented English speakers came in the spring of 1782, when James Moore, Larken Rutherford, and James Garretson, of Maryland and Virginia, settled at or near Bellefontaine. Upon their arrival, they were the first permanent English speakers in the entire Northwest Territory. James Moore and many of the settlers that followed him had been soldiers in George Rogers Clark's Illinois campaign of 1778. Moore established himself at the site of the namesake spring, and the tract remained in possession of the Moore family for over a century. The kitchen of the Bellefontaine House situated a short distance west of the southern end of Main Street, is believed to be Moore's original log cabin. It was restored and remains as a local landmark.

In terms of health and wellness, Waterloo prioritizes the well-being of its residents. The MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center is a cornerstone of the community, providing comprehensive healthcare services to the local population. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Waterloo Park District offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Fast Fitness, Numa Fitness, and Pound Fitness Center. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Waterloo, such as the Waterloo Reservoir Trail and Konarcik Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Waterloo, IL are Illinois Caverns State Natural Area, Monroe Actors Stage Company, and Acorns Golf Links.

Population: 11,165 (2024). ZIP code: 62298. Area code: 618. Elevation: 717 ft (219 m). Area: 8.31 sq mi (21.53 km²).

FAQs

Is Waterloo, IL a good place to live?

Waterloo is in Monroe County and is one of the best places to live in Illinois. Living in Waterloo offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many young professionals live in Waterloo and residents tend to be conservative. 

What is Waterloo, IL known for?

The City of Waterloo (Not to be confused with the famous Napoleonic battle) offers a small-town ambiance — located in the heart of Monroe County, Illinois —  with access to metropolitan amenities, being just 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Waterloo offers its visitors a great deal of beauty and historic charm, such as the Bellefontaine House and Peterstown House, both historical houses within the region. Three museums, such as the History Museum of Monroe County which offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience displays and changing exhibits, are also available to visit and learn about the region.

Is it expensive to live in Waterloo, IL?

Waterloo is 14% less expensive than the national average and 15% less expensive to live in than the average city in Illinois. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2-bedroom Apt. Food costs in Waterloo are more affordable than average in the United States. Transportation costs in Waterloo are more affordable than average in the United States. 

Sources

Wikipedia

Monroe County

MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center

Waterloo Park District 

Fast Fitness

Numa Fitness 

Pound Fitness Center

Waterloo Reservoir Trail 

Konarcik Park

Illinois Caverns State Natural Area

Monroe Actors Stage Company

Acorns Golf Links

Niche

Lewis and Clark Travel

Erieri

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.