Geography

Physical Characteristics of Cedar Falls

Location

Cedar Falls is located in Black Hawk County in northeast Iowa.  The area of the City itself is 28.9 square miles of incorporated land.

The City is part of a larger metropolitan area that also includes the cities of Waterloo, Hudson, Evansdale, Elk Run Heights, and Raymond.  The Cedar River bisects the community from west to east. 

In addition to being located on the Cedar River, the City of Cedar Falls is located on U.S. Highway 20 and Iowa Highways 57 and 58. 

Topography

The topography of the community in one of gentle rolling slopes cut by the Cedar River and its floodplain, as well as Dry Run Creek and its branches. 

The mean sea level elevation of the community ranges greatly in the City.  Specifically, the elevations, according to United States Geological Survey (USGS) Maps, indicate that North Cedar is approximately 870 feet above sea level and rises as you follow the developed areas of the community along Center Street to the center of Cedar Falls.

The elevation of the Cedar River and Dry Run Creek, however, decrease to 860 feet as they pass through the community.   The center of the City falls toward the south and southeast to a point where it is approximately 860 feet above sea level, near Peet Junior High School. 

The level then rises to over 900 feet as you approach the southern part of the City. The highest part of the community, approximately 980 above sea level, is near the Thunder Ridge area in the northwestern part of Cedar Falls.

Soils

The soils in the community are typically productive and able to support development.  It should be noted that much of Black Hawk County, including Cedar Falls, contains valuable agricultural soils that are capable of sustaining development.