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 averages 900 feet above mean sea level. The center of the City (located at the latitude and longitude coordinates of 42.5195° N, -92.4455° E) falls toward the intersection of College St and W 20th St at 880 feet above mean sea level. The highest part of the community, approximately 1000 feet above sea level in the Southwest corner of the Industrial Park.
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.