Waukee, Iowa is a fast-growing city in Dallas County, located approximately 15 miles west of Des Moines via I-80, with a zip code of 50263. With a population of 26,974 and a median age of 34, Waukee is one of Iowa's youngest and fastest-growing suburbs. The city is known for its top-rated schools (Waukee Community School District), strong job market proximity to Des Moines, and active residential real estate market with homes typically priced between $350K and $1.2M+.
Waukee is one of Iowa's most dynamic communities — a suburb that has grown from a quiet small town into a thriving city of nearly 27,000 residents while retaining the approachable, community-centered character that makes it genuinely livable. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Des Moines, Waukee offers the ideal combination of suburban convenience, excellent schools, and a local culture that draws families and professionals from across the metro.
The city's growth is deliberate and community-minded. Waukee's local government has invested heavily in parks, infrastructure, and schools — the kind of foundational quality that sustains home values and attracts long-term residents. Whether you're moving to the Des Moines metro for work or relocating within Iowa, Waukee consistently ranks as one of the area's most sought-after zip codes.
Waukee Community School District is one of Iowa's highest-rated districts, serving 13,000+ students with strong academic outcomes, expanding facilities, and two high school campuses — Waukee High School and Waukee Northwest High School.
For families relocating to the Des Moines area, Waukee schools are a primary draw. The district has expanded rapidly in step with the city's population growth, adding new elementary schools and completing a second high school to manage enrollment. Academic performance consistently ranks in the top tier statewide, and the district offers robust extracurricular programming including competitive athletics, arts, and career-technical education tracks.
Waukee is located in Dallas County, Iowa, approximately 15 miles west of downtown Des Moines. The drive to downtown takes 20–25 minutes via I-80 or Highway 6. Zip code: 50263.
Waukee's location is one of its defining advantages. Positioned directly west of West Des Moines along the I-80 corridor, residents enjoy easy access to Des Moines's major employment centers, the Des Moines International Airport (approximately 20 miles away), and the broader metro's retail and dining scene — while coming home to quieter streets and newer development.
The city is primarily car-dependent for day-to-day errands (Walk Score: 26), but cycling infrastructure has improved significantly with a Bike Score of 52. Major employers accessible from Waukee include Principal Financial Group, Wells Fargo, and Iowa Health System, all with campuses in the broader Des Moines metro.
In Waukee, life moves at a pleasant pace anchored by community events, outdoor recreation, and a growing local dining and arts scene. Residents organize around family and neighborhood activities throughout the year — from the weekly farmers market to youth sports leagues to performances at the Vibrant Music Hall.
Waukee's dining scene reflects its growing population's tastes. Wasabi offers creative sushi rolls in a contemporary setting. Central Standard is a local favorite for craft burgers and casual dinners. Gastro Pub delivers refined pub fare with an extensive craft beer selection. Fresh Mediterranean rounds out the scene with flavors from the Mediterranean coast. Beyond dining, local boutiques and retail along Grand Prairie Parkway provide everyday convenience without the big-box strip mall feel.
Top activities in Waukee include golfing at Sugar Creek Golf Course, catching live performances at the Vibrant Music Hall, exploring the Historic Triangle, and attending the farmers market and community events throughout the year.
Waukee, Iowa is an active real estate market with homes currently listed from approximately $350,000 to $1.2M+. The majority of inventory falls in the $400K–$750K range, dominated by newer single-family construction. Demand remains strong due to school district quality and proximity to Des Moines employers.
Waukee's real estate market has appreciated steadily alongside the city's population growth. The inventory skews toward newer construction — most homes were built within the last 15 years — with a mix of established neighborhoods and active new-build subdivisions in the city's northern and western quadrants. Entry-level buyers typically target the $350K–$450K range, while move-up buyers and those seeking larger lots or premium finishes will find options from $500K to well over $1M.
Megan Mitchum + CO is active throughout the Waukee market. Browse current listings below, or contact us to discuss your search with a local expert.
Waukee is a city in Dallas County, Iowa, located approximately 15 miles west of downtown Des Moines. It sits just west of West Des Moines along the I-80 and Highway 6 corridors. The primary zip code is 50263.
Waukee is approximately 15 miles west of downtown Des Moines. The drive typically takes 20–25 minutes via I-80 or Highway 6, depending on traffic conditions.
Waukee has a current population of approximately 26,974 residents, with a median age of 34.4 years. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa.
Waukee Community School District is consistently rated among Iowa's best, serving over 13,000 students. The district includes multiple elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high school campuses: Waukee High School and Waukee Northwest High School.
Homes for sale in Waukee, Iowa are currently priced from approximately $350,000 to over $1.2 million. The most active price range is $400,000–$750,000, reflecting the city's newer construction inventory and strong buyer demand.
Waukee offers Sugar Creek Golf Course, the Vibrant Music Hall for live performances, the Historic Triangle historic district, a weekly farmers market, and a growing restaurant scene. The city's parks and trail network also provide year-round outdoor recreation options.
Yes. Waukee consistently ranks as one of Iowa's best communities for families. Its highly rated school district, low crime rates relative to the metro, abundance of parks and youth sports, and strong sense of community make it a popular choice for families relocating to the Des Moines area.
26,974 people live in Waukee, Iowa, where the median age is 34.4 and the average individual income is $52,233. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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There's plenty to do around Waukee, Iowa, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Old Station Craft Meats, Monarca Gourmet Paletas, and Prime Nutrition.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
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| Dining | 1.07 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.52 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 4.69 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.88 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 4.33 miles | 23 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 2.21 miles | 127 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.7 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.55 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.74 miles | 24 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Waukee, Iowa has 10,652 households, with an average household size of 2.52. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Waukee, Iowa do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 26,974 people call Waukee, Iowa home. The population density is 1,289.64 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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