Is Urbandale Safe, Pros and cons of living in Urbandale
Is it Safe to Live in Urbandale?
Urbandale presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Urbandale is 7 per 1,000 residents, which is comparable to the average for cities of all sizes across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in Urbandale is approximately 1 in 140, based on an analysis of FBI crime data (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
When comparing Urbandale to other communities in Iowa, its crime rate is lower than about 26% of Iowa communities (according to NeighborhoodScout). However, when considering cities of similar population size, Urbandale’s crime rate is noticeably lower than the average. This suggests that Urbandale is safer than most comparably sized cities nationwide, according to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data.
Violent Crime Rates
The violent crime rate in Urbandale is reported as 1 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is around the national average for all communities in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Violent crimes tracked in this rate include armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, and murder. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Urbandale is about one in 1137 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Property Crime Rates
The property crime rate in Urbandale is 6 per 1,000 residents. This rate is considered average when compared to all cities and towns of all population sizes in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crimes include burglary, larceny, grand theft auto, and arson.
Cost of Living and Housing
Urbandale offers a cost of living that is generally in line with national averages, with some categories being more affordable. The median property value in Urbandale was $335,500 in 2024, which is slightly higher than the national average of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA). Between 2023 and 2024, the median property value saw a 5.24% increase (as reported by Data USA).
The homeownership rate in Urbandale is 78.1%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA). For renters, the average rent in Urbandale was $1,650 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This average rent is lower than the national average rent of $1,910 (as reported by Zillow).
Housing Market Trends
In March 2026, Urbandale home prices experienced a year-over-year increase of 10.8%, with a median sale price of $350,000 (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Urbandale tend to sell after about 104 days on the market, which is longer than the 57 days reported last year (as reported by Redfin). The number of homes sold in March 2026 was 91, an increase from 64 homes sold in the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
The median listing price for homes in Urbandale was $379,900 as of March 2026, showing a year-over-year decrease of 7.20% and a month-over-month decrease of 1.99% (as reported by Realtor.com®). The median rental price in Urbandale was $1,995 as of March 2026, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.31% and a month-over-month decrease of 8.49% (as reported by Realtor.com®).
Rental Market
The average rent for an apartment in Urbandale was $1,024 as of April 23, 2026, indicating a 3.62% decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). One-bedroom apartments typically cost $895 for 667 square feet, while two-bedroom units average $1,057 for 914 square feet (as reported by RentCafe). Three-bedroom apartments offer 1,175 square feet for $1,363 (as reported by RentCafe).
Another source indicates the average rent in Urbandale is $1,650 (as reported by Zillow). This figure represents a slight month-over-month increase of 3.3% and a year-over-year increase of 0.7% as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). The price range for rentals in Urbandale spans from $675 to $3,750 (as reported by Zillow).
Job Market and Economy
Urbandale boasts a robust job market with a growing employment rate. As of April 2026, the average annual salary in Urbandale is $47,182, which equates to approximately $22.68 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in Urbandale fall between $33,953 and $58,453 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
From 2023 to 2024, employment in Urbandale grew by 2.25%, increasing from 24,100 to 24,600 employees (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for Urbandale residents are Finance & Insurance, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate for Urbandale is not explicitly stated in the provided search results, but national unemployment figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a rate of 4.3% in March 2026 (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Major Employers
The Urbandale Chamber of Commerce actively works to support existing businesses and attract new investment. Key industries in Urbandale include Advanced Manufacturing, Finance & Insurance, Information Technology & Corporate Services, Warehouse/Distribution & Logistics, and Retail (as reported by the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce). While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided snippets, companies like Hy-Vee have a significant presence in the broader Des Moines metropolitan area, with its corporate office located in West Des Moines (as reported by Zippia).
Climate and Weather
Urbandale experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are warm to hot, with temperatures frequently reaching the 90°F range and occasionally exceeding 100°F (as reported by Wikipedia). Humidity can be high during the spring and summer, often accompanied by afternoon thunderstorms (as reported by Wikipedia).
Winters in Urbandale can be moderately to bitterly cold, with temperatures often dropping below 0°F (as reported by Wikipedia). Snowfall averages around 36.5 inches per season, and annual precipitation averages approximately 36.55 inches, with the highest amounts typically occurring in the warmer months (as reported by Wikipedia). The area is also situated in Tornado Alley, making it susceptible to tornadoes (as reported by Wikipedia).
Temperature and Precipitation
Average monthly temperatures in Urbandale are above 71.6°F for seven months of the year, with all months averaging above 50°F (as reported by Wikipedia). The coldest recorded temperature was -35.6°C (-32°F) in 1912, and the hottest was 45.0°C (113°F) in 1934 (as reported by Wikipedia). Annual precipitation averages 36.55 inches, with rainfall peaking during the warmer months (as reported by Wikipedia).
Education and Demographics
Urbandale is served by the Urbandale Community School District, which has an above-average rating. The district received an overall Niche grade of B+, with specific strengths in Teachers (A) and College Prep (B+) (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 66% of students are proficient in math and 73% in reading (as reported by Niche).
The city’s population was 45,580 as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). In 2024, Urbandale is home to approximately 46.6k residents (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Urbandale is 39.2 years (as reported by World Population Review).
Population and Diversity
Urbandale’s population has been growing, with Dallas County, where parts of Urbandale are located, being the fastest-growing county in Iowa (as reported by Wikipedia). As of 2024, Urbandale has a population of 46,595 (as reported by Data USA). The racial composition includes a majority of White residents (83.36%), followed by Black or African American (4.96%), and Asian (4.9%) populations (as reported by World Population Review).
The city has a high rate of U.S. citizenship, with 96.4% of residents being citizens as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Urbandale was $112,795 in 2024 (as reported by World Population Review), with a poverty rate of 6.79% (as reported by World Population Review).
Pros and Cons of Living in Urbandale
Urbandale offers a balanced living experience with several advantages and a few considerations. The city is known for its safety, with crime rates generally at or below national averages for both overall and violent crimes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The cost of living is comparable to national averages, and while home prices are slightly above the national median, rental costs are more affordable (as reported by Data USA, Zillow).
The job market is strong, with growth in employment and key sectors like Finance & Insurance and Health Care (as reported by Data USA). The Urbandale Community School District is well-regarded, receiving an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche). The city experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, including warm summers and cold winters (as reported by Wikipedia).
However, some factors may be considered drawbacks. Home prices, while seeing some appreciation, remain above the national median (as reported by Data USA). The climate can bring harsh winters and the potential for tornadoes due to its location in Tornado Alley (as reported by Wikipedia). While specific employer data is not detailed, the concentration of certain industries may influence job diversity for some fields.