Community
Demographics

The Waterloo Community Unit School District is located in Monroe County, Illinois, with a small portion of the district extending into St. Clair County.   The total population of Monroe County in 1980 was 24,763, and as of 2004 had grown to 30,491, making Monroe Illinois’ 7th fastest growing county. 

The county’s largest ethnic population is of German heritage, with the Irish and English population coming in a distant second and third, and English the language of choice.  A greater majority of the population is of white, non-Hispanic origin.  Education is important in that most residents have graduated from high school (87.2%) and 25% of the population has transitioned to a post-secondary education (four year college/university, junior college, trade or technical school).  There is no heavy industrial base in Monroe County and the light industry located here primarily deals in providing services rather than products.  The area is fast becoming less of an agricultural employer (1.8%) and more of a bedroom community for the greater St. Louis area. 

The county seat of Monroe County is Waterloo.  Retail, education, and healthcare companies employ many of Waterloo’s citizens.  Ten major employers exist in the area, with only one company (Wal-Mart) employing 300+ persons (primarily part-time employees.)  The County Government and Waterloo School District combined employ more than 530 people. 

The Waterloo community is also experiencing a rapid population growth.   Population of Waterloo in 1980 was 4,646, with a current 2004 estimate of 9,173 people, and a projection of 19,000 by 2020.   The State of Illinois Department of Transportation completed a four-lane highway to Waterloo that connects the area directly to the Metro-East and Greater St. Louis areas and is a direct factor in the continuing rapid growth of the community. 

In 1995, there were 62 single family dwellings built in Waterloo.  In 2004, there were 104 single family dwellings built in the community.   Currently, Waterloo has over 900 lots for single-family dwellings at some point in the system in 14 subdivisions.   If multifamily lots are added, there are over 1,000 dwelling units at some point in the pipeline. 

The student enrollment reflects the ethnic population of the Waterloo community.  For the 2004-2005 school year the ethnic breakdown of the student enrollment is as follows:  White (98.6%), Asians (0.5%), African Americans (0%), Native Americans (0.1%), and Hispanic (0.5%).  One group that requires special attention is comprised of those students classified at the lowest socio-economic levels (9%) of the district’s enrollment. 

The Waterloo Community Unit School District employs 301 people, including 169 teachers and 9 administrators, with a 100% racial/ethnic make-up of white (Anglo).  The district hires teachers who have completed certification requirements, and at the time of this report, approximately 34% of Waterloo’s teachers hold a Masters degree.   Male teachers represent 22% of the teaching staff, with 78% female teachers.  Average teaching experience is 13 years.