Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Urbandale, IA
Thinking about moving to Urbandale, IA? With a welcoming population of 45,580, affordable median home prices around $325,000, and average rents at $1,250, Urbandale offers a strong value in the Des Moines metro area. Residents enjoy short commutes (about 20 minutes), low violent crime rates (94 per 100K), and excellent schools with over half holding a bachelor's degree. With 62% sunny days and a family-friendly atmosphere, Urbandale stands out for safety, education, and a high quality of life.
Demographics - Urbandale, IA
Demographics - Urbandale, IA
Urbandale is home to about 45,580 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 38.2 years. The city is predominantly White but includes diverse communities, and around 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density gives it a suburban feel, appealing to families and professionals alike.
Population:
45,580
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.2%
Black:
4.8%
Asian:
4.3%
Others:
5.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Urbandale, IA?
Urbandale offers a cost of living that is slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $325,000 and average monthly rent at $1,250. Utilities and transportation costs are close to average, making it an affordable choice for new residents. State income taxes range from 4.4% to 8.53%, but overall expenses remain competitive in the Des Moines metro area.
Median House Value:
$325,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.1
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
93.4
Utilities:
101.5
Transportation:
98.2
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
99.3
Crime
Is Urbandale, IA a safe place to live?
Urbandale boasts a low violent crime rate of just 94 incidents per 100,000 people, making it one of the safer communities in the region. Property crime is more common but still below national averages, with a 1 in 95 chance annually. This safe environment is a key draw for families and individuals seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
94
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,144
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,064
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Urbandale, IA year-round?
Residents in Urbandale experience four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 15°F and warm summers reaching highs of 86°F. The area gets about 36 inches of rainfall per year, and 62% of the days are sunny, making it great for outdoor activities throughout much of the year.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Urbandale is a prosperous community with a median household income of $96,000 and a low poverty rate of 4.7%. Nearly all adults have completed high school, over half hold a bachelor's degree, and the average commute is under 20 minutes. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, supported by stable employment and a strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$48,000
Household Income:
$96,000
Family Income:
$110,500
Per Capita Income:
$44,200
Income Male:
$54,200
Income Female:
$43,100
Poverty Rate:
4.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
2.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
19.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.6%
Bachelors or More:
54.5%
Education
How are the schools in Urbandale, IA?
Urbandale offers strong educational opportunities, with well-regarded public and private schools and student-teacher ratios around 15:1. The city is also close to major colleges like Drake University and Des Moines Area Community College, providing access to higher education within a short drive. High educational attainment among residents supports a skilled and vibrant community.
Public Schools
Name:
Urbandale High School
Street:
7111 Aurora Ave
Phone:
515-457-6800
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Webster Elementary School
Street:
12955 Aurora Ave
Phone:
515-331-8600
Students:
440
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
Des Moines Christian School
Street:
13007 Douglas Pkwy
Phone:
515-252-2480
Students:
1,200
Colleges
Name:
Drake University
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
4,900
Name:
Des Moines Area Community College
City:
Ankeny
State:
IA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
23,000
Healthcare
Healthcare options in Urbandale include several family medicine clinics and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 96.2%. With about 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, medical care is readily accessible, though emergency services are nearby rather than within city clinics. The city’s healthcare index reflects good overall access and quality of care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MercyOne Urbandale Family Medicine
Address:
4010 70th St, Urbandale, IA 50322
Phone:
(515) 643-7700
Type:
Family Medicine & General Practice
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
UnityPoint Clinic Urbandale
Address:
2901 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322
Phone:
(515) 276-3406
Type:
Family Medicine & Walk-In
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.2%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Urbandale, IA?
The housing market in Urbandale is stable, with a median home price of $325,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of nearly 76%. Home values have appreciated by 4.6% over the past year, and the rental vacancy rate is moderate, making it attractive for both buyers and renters. Foreclosure rates remain extremely low, indicating a healthy real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$325,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Urbandale residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with the nearest DMV office located in Ankeny. Services include licensing, registration, and vehicle titling, and you can access resources online for added convenience. The DMV’s proximity makes it easy to manage driving and vehicle needs.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.