Home Values in Waterloo, Iowa — 2026 Market Report
Updated March 2026 | Balanced Market | +2.8% YoY
The median home value in Waterloo, Iowa is $135,000 as of March 2026, which is below the national median of $400,000. Home values in Waterloo have increased by 2.8% over the past year and 14.8% over the last five years. With a population of 67,314 and a median household income of $42,250, the price-to-income ratio stands at 3.2x, making Waterloo affordable for the average household.
Waterloo Housing Market Conditions
| Metric | Waterloo | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $135,000 | $400,000 |
| YoY Appreciation | +2.8% | +3.8% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | +14.8% | +22.4% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $43 | $222 |
| Days on Market | 40 days | 45 days |
| Months of Supply | 3.7 | 3.5 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 97% | 98.5% |
| Monthly Homes Sold | 53 | — |
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.48% | 0.3% |
Home Value Trends in Waterloo
A homeowner who purchased at the median price of $117,596 five years ago in Waterloo would have gained approximately $17,404 in equity, representing a 14.8% return on investment. Over the past year alone, the typical homeowner gained $3,677 in home equity.
Affordability in Waterloo, IA
With a median household income of $42,250 and a median home price of $135,000, the price-to-income ratio in Waterloo is 3.2x. A ratio below 3x is generally considered affordable, while above 5x indicates significant affordability challenges. The average monthly rent of $786 compared to estimated monthly ownership costs of $818 gives a rent-vs-buy ratio of 1.04. In Waterloo, buying is currently competitive with renting when factoring in equity accumulation.
Property Taxes in Waterloo
The effective property tax rate in Iowa is 1.57%. On a home valued at $135,000, the estimated annual property tax bill is $2,120, or approximately $177/month. Property taxes are an important factor in the total cost of homeownership and can significantly impact affordability. The cost of living index in Waterloo is 80.5 (100 = national average), indicating living costs are below the national average.
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Open Mortgage CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Waterloo, IA?
The median home value in Waterloo, Iowa is $135,000 as of March 2026. Home values have changed +2.8% over the past year, with a 5-year appreciation of 14.8%.
Is Waterloo a buyer's or seller's market?
Waterloo is currently a balanced market with 3.7 months of housing supply. Homes spend an average of 40 days on market, and the list-to-sale price ratio is 97%. Supply and demand are relatively balanced.
Are home values going up in Waterloo?
Yes, home values in Waterloo have increased by 2.8% over the past year. The 5-year appreciation rate is 14.8%, meaning a home worth $117,596 five years ago is now worth $135,000.
Is it better to rent or buy in Waterloo?
The average monthly rent in Waterloo is $786, while estimated monthly homeownership costs are approximately $818. The price-to-rent ratio is 14.3. Based on current conditions, buying may be more cost-effective than renting in this market.
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Disclaimer: Home value data for Waterloo, Iowa is based on publicly available market data and estimates. Actual home values may vary based on property condition, location within the city, and current market conditions. Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent transactions. Last updated: March 2026.