2026 Compare Cities Education:
Abilene, TX vs Waterloo, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
- Waterloo spends 3.3% more per student than Abilene.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 2.3% lower in Waterloo than in Abilene. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Waterloo had 2.6% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Abilene
 Abilene, TXWaterloo, IAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$13,594$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$9,445  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,498$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio14.33  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock6944573
 Students per Counselor330  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock4.6%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.8.6%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock89.4%88.9%
 Some College Educ.22.5%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock10.2%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.26.0%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock4.7%9.3%
 Professional Degree1.5%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock0.9%1.5%
Reviews for Abilene    17 Reviews

I've lived in 9 states, traveled over much of the U.S., and Abilene TEXAS is by far the best city I've ever lived. I find it beautiful here, love the climate and low  More

   |    Reply

Over 6 years ago

We moved to Abilene for a military assignment and have never got out of here. We stayed initially for children and grandchildren then elderly parents. Now we can't  More

   |    Reply

I've lived in Abilene for the last 45 years and It's the best place to raise a family. Great churches, schools, jobs and sense of community. There is always something  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Abilene

Reviews for Waterloo    5 Reviews

The bike racks recently installed on the MET buses was a great idea for a community that has numerous bike riders and  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

Unless you're into getting wasted on a regular basis there's not a lot to do here. Most people barhop for fun. Being someone who doesn't drink and doesn't enjoy being  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

So the weather is emotional here - on and off during the summer its hot and rainy, yet during the fall it is quite often beautiful. Winters can be long, and spring can  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Waterloo


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.