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Is Waukee a Good Place to Live? Waukee, Iowa: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Waukee ranks #48 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #10 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+9.3%, #1 of 182) and high graduation rates (98%, #2 of 191), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Waukee by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Waukee's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Waukee?
Waukee's cost of living index is 91.7, 8% below the US level of 100 and #302 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,383/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $346,182, 45% above the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
| Measure | Waukee | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 91.7#302 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $346,182#511 of 1,187 | $239,547 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,594/mo#416 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $350,500#649 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,383/mo#621 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 16.4%#122 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Waukee housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Waukee is in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro.
Iowa housing market →Is Waukee safe?
Waukee recorded 139 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 58% below the US rate of 328 and 41% below Iowa's 234. That ranks #214 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #47 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waukee Police Department. Property crime runs 621 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Waukee | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 139#214 of 1,085 | 234 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 621#57 of 1,085 | 1,172 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Waukee?
The median household in Waukee earns $101,029, 21% above the US figure of $83,163 and 34% above Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 9.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Waukee | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $101,029#331 of 1,312 | $75,501 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 7.4%#274 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +9.3%#3 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Waukee?
The median resident of Waukee is 34.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 58% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #149 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Waukee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 34.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 58%#149 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 66.5% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Waukee's schools and health?
Waukee's 11 public schools graduate 98% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 16.2 students per teacher and $11,927 spent per pupil. 32.3% of adults are obese and 8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Waukee | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 98%#2 of 1,063 | 89.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 16.2#655 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $11,927#970 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 32.3%#560 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8%#105 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 14.7%#229 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 5.2%#82 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,491 students are enrolled in Waukee's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Waukee?
The average commute in Waukee is 19.8 minutes (Iowa 20.4); 0% of workers take transit and 22% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Waukee scores 7.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #1084 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74°F and winters 25.6°F, with 36.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Waukee | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19.8 min#327 of 1,312 | 20.4 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 1.9%#45 of 1,312 | 4.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 71% | 76.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.8% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.6% | 3.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 22% | 9.9% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.9#1084 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30.9 | 13.8 | 1.1 |
| Feb | 35.7 | 18 | 1.3 |
| Mar | 49.2 | 29.6 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 62 | 40.6 | 4 |
| May | 72.4 | 52.3 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 81.9 | 62.4 | 5.3 |
| Jul | 85.6 | 66.4 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 83.6 | 64.2 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 76.9 | 55.4 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 63.4 | 42.9 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 48.3 | 30.2 | 1.9 |
| Dec | 35.9 | 19.5 | 1.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Des Moines International Airport.
| Measure | Waukee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 50.9°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 74°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 25.6°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 36.6 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Des Moines International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Waukee?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Waukee's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dallas County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 75% of US counties.
| Measure | Waukee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#376 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Dallas County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Dallas County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.026% | 94% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0055% | 78% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0015% | 69% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.07% | 35% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Waukee compare with similar-size cities?
Waukee is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #10 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 29,236.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #48 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 | 19.8 min |
| Anderson, SCPop. 30,051 | #1148 | 46.7 | $46,933 | $975/mo | 581 | 22 min |
| Central, LAPop. 29,783 | #710 | 54.8 | $89,554 | $1,309/mo | part year | 29 min |
| Easton, PAPop. 29,739 | #317 | 61.8 | $69,348 | $1,325/mo | 167 | 27.8 min |
| Daphne, ALPop. 29,453 | #273 | 62.7 | $87,250 | $1,388/mo | 57 | 25.2 min |
| Parkersburg, WVPop. 29,240 | #1107 | 47.8 | $49,025 | $785/mo | 269 | 19.2 min |
| Jacksonville, ARPop. 29,221 | #1258 | 41.9 | $49,666 | $930/mo | 971 | 20.3 min |
| Jeffersontown, KYPop. 29,199 | #342 | 61.1 | $81,506 | $1,320/mo | 65 | 21.5 min |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #608 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 | 14.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Waukee compare with the rest of Iowa?
Waukee ranks #1 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 70.9 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 34% above the Iowa median. Violent crime is 41% below the statewide rate. Homes are 45% above the typical Iowa home.
| City | Rank in IA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #1 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #2 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #3 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #4 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #5 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #6 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 |
| Cedar Falls, IAPop. 40,888 | #7 | 61.5 | $76,987 | $1,203/mo | 135 |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #8 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #9 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #10 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #11 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 |
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #12 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #13 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #14 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #15 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #16 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 |
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #17 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #18 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #19 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #20 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 |
All 20 Iowa cities we track, by overall score. Iowa statewide: median income $75,501, violent crime 233.9 per 100,000.
How is Waukee's score calculated?
Waukee scores 70.9 out of 100, #48 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Iowa's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Waukee. Similar-size median 52.9.
70.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Waukee's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
93.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Waukee. Similar-size median 52.2.
68.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Waukee's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
63.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Waukee's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
71.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Waukee. Similar-size median 46.7.
70.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Waukee. Similar-size median 44.2.
95.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Waukee. Similar-size median 47.3.
58.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Waukee's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
36.3 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
74.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Waukee's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Waukee has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Waukee
Is Waukee, IA a good place to live?
Waukee ranks #48 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #10 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+9.3%, #1 of 182) and high graduation rates (98%, #2 of 191), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Waukee?
Waukee's cost of living index is 91.7, 8% below the US level of 100 and #302 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,383/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $346,182, 45% above the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
What is the crime rate in Waukee?
Waukee recorded 139 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 58% below the US rate of 328 and 41% below Iowa's 234. That ranks #214 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #47 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waukee Police Department. Property crime runs 621 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Waukee?
The median household in Waukee earns $101,029, 21% above the US figure of $83,163 and 34% above Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 9.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Waukee?
Median rent in Waukee is $1,383/mo (Census), #621 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,594/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Waukee?
The typical home value in Waukee is $346,182, down 1.8% in a year, against $239,547 for Iowa and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $350,500.
How are the public schools in Waukee?
Waukee's 11 public schools graduate 98% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 16.2 students per teacher and $11,927 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Waukee?
The average commute is 19.8 minutes, #327 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20.4 minutes across Iowa. 1.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Waukee?
Waukee averages 50.9°F over the year, 74°F in summer and 25.6°F in winter, with 36.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Waukee walkable?
Waukee scores 7.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1084 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Waukee at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dallas County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 75% of US counties.
Who lives in Waukee?
Waukee has 29,236 residents. The median resident of Waukee is 34.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 58% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #149 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Waukee compare with the rest of Iowa?
Waukee ranks #1 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 70.9 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 34% above the Iowa median. Violent crime is 41% below the statewide rate. Homes are 45% above the typical Iowa home.
What cities are similar in size to Waukee?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Waukee's population of 29,236 are Anderson, SC (#1148 overall), Central, LA (#710 overall), Easton, PA (#317 overall), Daphne, AL (#273 overall), and Parkersburg, WV (#1107 overall). Waukee is #48.