Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Waukee, Iowa is a medium-sized city with a population of 23,183 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (87% White). Given that fact, Waukee could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Waukee is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Waukee could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Iowa if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Finding the best places to live in Waukee and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, health & safety, employment, housing and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Waukee has received a livability score of 84 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 98th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Waukee could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that Waukee ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Waukee has higher than average scores for the following: crime (A+), cost of living (B+) and employment (A+). Waukee does not score well for the following: amenities (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Waukee gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 142 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
The unemployment rate in Waukee has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.6%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Waukee, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 85%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Waukee can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Waukee is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Waukee come in at $446,521, which is 86% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Waukee, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 6.7% higher than the Iowa average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Waukee | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.4% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.0% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.3% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.6% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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