Waukee, IA
Updated April 30, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Settle here
Verdict
$310K
Median Price
…
Walk Score
5.9/10
Schools
20 min
to Des Moines
Score Breakdown
Our Take
Waukee offers a solid mix of good schools, a healthy median income, and relatively affordable home prices for families. It’s a car‑centric suburb with limited walkability and public transit, so you’ll need a vehicle for most errands. The low flood risk and decent safety make it a solid option if you’re looking to settle down near Des Moines.
Map
The Good
- ✓Top‑rated elementary schools
- ✓Median home price around $310k, below the $400k regional average
- ✓Strong median household income of $107k
- ✓Low flood risk (Zone X)
Real Talk
- !Car‑dependent lifestyle: nearly every errands need a vehicle
- !Limited public transit options; no direct bus or rail to downtown Des Moines
- !Commute times can spike during peak hours, averaging 20‑30 minutes
- !Higher living costs than more rural Iowa communities
- $Higher property taxes due to suburban assessment rates
- $Elevated utility bills (electricity, water) compared to smaller towns
- $Increased auto insurance and maintenance costs from daily commuting
Best For
Risk Snapshot
Crime & Safety
Waukee, IA
Safety grade
57% safer than the national average
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →Similar Neighborhoods
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From Residents
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