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 mid-sized city with a population of 22,598 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 87% of Waukee residents are White, 5% Asian and 3% Black. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Waukee will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Waukee is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. 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 amenities, commute, health & safety, education, 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. Based on this score, Waukee would be considered a very livable city! Another exciting tidbit, is that Waukee ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Waukee has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (A+), cost of living (A-), employment (A+) and housing (A+). The bad news for Waukee, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).
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 139 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Waukee has an unemployment rate of 2.49% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Waukee, the average school test scores are an impressive 85%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
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.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Waukee is real estate affordability. The median home price for Waukee homes is $248,400, which is 87% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Waukee, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 8.3% higher than the Iowa average.
| 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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