Is Waukee Safe, Pros and cons of living in Waukee
Waukee, Iowa, offers a blend of suburban comfort and growing opportunities, making it an attractive location for many. This city, situated in Dallas County, is part of the Des Moines metropolitan area and has experienced significant population growth in recent years. Its appeal lies in its community atmosphere, access to amenities, and a generally favorable environment for families and professionals alike.
As Waukee continues to develop, understanding key aspects of life in the city is crucial for potential residents. This includes insights into safety, the cost of living, the job market, education, and the local climate. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these factors to help those considering a move to Waukee make an informed decision.
Is it Safe to Live in Waukee?
Waukee presents a complex picture regarding safety, with varying statistics depending on the source and the specific crime metric. For instance, one report indicates a violent crime rate of 4.114 per 1,000 residents, which is considered about average for communities across America (according to NeighborhoodScout). However, another analysis shows Waukee’s violent crime rate to be 141.9 per 100,000 residents in 2024, which is notably higher than the national average (according to FBI Uniform Crime Report data cited by PlainCrime). Property crime rates are generally closer to the national average, with one source stating it as 6 per 1,000 residents (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Despite these figures, Waukee generally receives a B+ grade for safety, indicating that its overall crime rate is lower than that of the average U.S. city. It ranks in the 76th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 76% of cities nationwide (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents often perceive the southwest part of the city as the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime in those neighborhoods compared to others (according to CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident in Waukee is also reported to be less than the national average (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Home Prices and Rental Costs
Waukee’s housing market offers a range of options, with a median listing home price around $359,945 (according to Realtor.com). Other reports indicate a median home value of $338,881 as of March 2026, showing a slight decrease over the past year (according to Zillow). The median home price is also noted as approximately $300,000, which is considered an affordable option for homebuyers (according to Hunziker Realty). For those interested in renting, the average rent for an apartment in Waukee is approximately $1,426 as of April 2026, marking a slight increase from the previous year (according to RentCafe). The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types is around $1,750 as of April 2026, which is 10% lower than the national average (according to Zumper).
Overall Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Waukee is generally considered to be slightly higher than the national average. One source states it is 1% higher than the U.S. national average, with monthly expenses of $2,507 for singles and $5,521 for families of four (according to Salary.com). However, another perspective indicates that Waukee’s cost of living is 8% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Housing expenses are noted as being 6% lower than the national average, while utility prices are 21% lower (according to Payscale). Grocery and transportation costs are also slightly lower than the national average (according to Payscale).
Job Market and Economy
Employment and Unemployment
Waukee’s economy is robust, with an estimated employment rate of 75.0% (according to American Community Survey estimates). The unemployment rate in Waukee was 2.6% in 2026 (according to Data Commons). This figure is significantly lower than the national average, indicating a healthy job market (according to AreaVibes). The state of Iowa’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.4% in February 2026 (according to Iowa Workforce Development).
Major Employers and Salaries
Waukee is part of the larger Des Moines metropolitan area, benefiting from a diverse range of employers. Major employers in the greater Des Moines region, which would include opportunities for Waukee residents, include The Iowa Clinic, P.C., Waldinger Corporation, and Dee Zee, Inc. (according to Greater Des Moines Partnership). Companies like Holmes Murphy, Little Wonders Child Care and Learning Center, and the City of Waukee are also significant employers within Waukee itself (according to Zippia). The median household income in Waukee is reported to be around $106,728 (according to American Community Survey estimates), and other sources suggest a median household income of $113,654 (according to Livability.com). The average annual salary in Waukee is approximately $42,805 as of April 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Weather
Temperature and Seasons
Waukee experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are warm, humid, and wet, with average daily high temperatures ranging from 65°F to 86°F, with July being the hottest month with highs around 85°F (according to Weather Spark). Winters are cold, snowy, and windy, with average daily low temperatures around 16°F in January, the coldest month (according to Weather Spark). The annual temperature range typically falls between 16°F and 86°F, rarely dropping below -3°F or exceeding 94°F (according to myPerfectWeather).
Precipitation and Sunshine
The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 37 inches, with June being the wettest month, averaging 4.5 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather). Waukee also experiences an annual snowfall of around 33 inches, with February typically seeing the most snow (according to myPerfectWeather). The period from September 25 to April 6 is generally drier, while the period from April 6 to September 25 is wetter, with a greater than 26% chance of precipitation on any given day (according to Weather Spark). The city enjoys approximately 2,660 hours of sunshine annually (according to myPerfectWeather).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings and Performance
Waukee Community School District serves the city and is recognized for its strong academic performance. The district operates 12 schools and is noted for having most schools exceeding state averages on assessments (according to SchoolDigger.com). Waukee public schools have an average ranking of 9/10, placing them in the top 20% of Iowa public schools (according to Niche). The district boasts a high graduation rate of 97%, significantly above the state average (according to Waukee Community School District). Students demonstrate strong proficiency in core subjects, with 83% proficient in English Language Arts and 81% in math (according to Waukee Community School District).
Population and Diversity
Waukee is a rapidly growing city, with an estimated population of 34,420 in 2024 (according to Wikipedia). The population has seen a substantial increase of over 60% since the 2020 census (according to Waukee, Iowa Population 2026). The city’s demographics show a predominantly White population, making up approximately 85.56% of residents (according to Neilsberg). Other racial groups include Asian (4.74%), Black or African American (3.14%), and smaller percentages of other races (according to Neilsberg). The median age in Waukee is around 34.7 years (according to Waukee, Iowa Population 2026).