Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waukee, IA
Thinking of moving to Waukee, IA? With a population around 29,500 and a median home price of $354,000, Waukee offers affordable living, highly rated schools, and a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 22 minutes, very low crime rates, and excellent educational attainment—with over 56% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Friendly neighborhoods, plenty of sunshine, and a growing housing market make Waukee a great choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Waukee, IA
Demographics - Waukee, IA
Waukee is a vibrant community of about 29,500 residents, with a median age of 35, reflecting a blend of young families and professionals. The city is predominantly White, while also home to growing Asian, Black, and other communities, and around 6.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate population density add to the welcoming small-city feel.
Population:
29,500
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.1%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
4.7%
Others:
6.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waukee, IA?
Waukee offers a cost of living slightly below the national average, with a cost of living index of 97.8. The median home value stands at $354,000, and average rent for a two-bedroom is about $1,290, making it an affordable option for families and newcomers. Utilities and everyday expenses are also attractively priced, contributing to the area's overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$354,000
Gross Rent:
$1,290
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
6.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.8
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
99.8
Utilities:
98.1
Transportation:
96.5
Health Care:
95.6
Miscellaneous:
98.3
Crime
Is Waukee, IA a safe place to live?
Waukee boasts very low crime rates, with just 70 violent crimes and 900 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it one of the safer cities in Iowa. Residents have a low 1 in 1,430 chance of experiencing violent crime, offering peace of mind for families and individuals alike. The city's strong sense of community helps maintain its safe, welcoming atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
70
Property Crimes Per 100k:
900
Crime Index:
970
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,430
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 110
Weather
What is the weather like in Waukee, IA year-round?
Residents of Waukee enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F and cold winters dipping to 15°F. The city receives about 35.5 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine on 61% of days, making outdoor activities popular throughout the year. The climate supports a variety of recreational options and a vibrant community lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Waukee's neighborhoods are characterized by high household incomes, with a median of $115,000 and a low poverty rate of 3.2%. Most residents are highly educated, with nearly 98% holding a high school diploma and over 56% earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. The area features short commute times and low unemployment, reinforcing its appeal for working professionals and families.
Median Income:
$54,000
Household Income:
$115,000
Family Income:
$128,000
Per Capita Income:
$47,200
Income Male:
$60,000
Income Female:
$50,000
Poverty Rate:
3.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,290
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
21.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.8%
Bachelors or More:
56.4%
Education
How are the schools in Waukee, IA?
Waukee is known for its top-rated public schools, including Waukee High School and Prairieview School, both offering strong academic programs and favorable student-teacher ratios. Private and higher education options are readily accessible, with nearby colleges such as Des Moines Area Community College and Drake University. The city's commitment to education is reflected in its high graduation and college attainment rates.
Public Schools
Name:
Waukee High School
Street:
555 SE University Ave
Phone:
515-987-5163
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Name:
Prairieview School
Street:
655 SE University Ave
Phone:
515-987-2770
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Private Schools
Name:
Des Moines Christian School
Street:
13007 Douglas Pkwy, Urbandale
Phone:
515-252-2480
Students:
1,200
Colleges
Name:
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
City:
Ankeny
State:
IA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
23,000
Name:
Drake University
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
5,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from convenient access to primary care, with two major family medicine clinics in town and a high health insurance coverage rate of 96.8%. While Waukee offers excellent outpatient services, emergency care is available in nearby communities. The area maintains a favorable healthcare environment, supported by a solid physician-to-population ratio.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MercyOne Waukee Family Medicine
Address:
40 E Hickman Rd, Waukee, IA 50263
Phone:
(515) 987-0909
Type:
Family Medicine & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
UnityPoint Clinic – Waukee
Address:
30 E Hickman Rd, Waukee, IA 50263
Phone:
(515) 987-3440
Type:
Family Medicine & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.8%
Health Care Index:
79.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waukee, IA?
Waukee’s housing market is robust and growing, with a median home price of $354,000 and a healthy one-year appreciation rate of 6.1%. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and rental options remain accessible with a vacancy rate of 4.8%. New construction is steady, making Waukee an attractive destination for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$354,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,290
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
4.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Waukee residents are handled by the Iowa Department of Transportation, located in nearby Ankeny. The DMV offers convenient services both in-person and online, streamlining the process for new and existing residents. More information and resources can be found on the Iowa DOT website.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
1-800-532-1121
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.