WAUKEE, Iowa — New population data released by the U.S. Census Bureau estimates Waukee’s population on July 1, 2017 was 20,649 residents, a 9 percent jump in residents over the previous 12 months and the largest percentage population growth of any Des Moines metro urban area.[wpedon id=”82220″ align=”center”]
“We know we are growing,” said Waukee Mayor Bill Peard. “We work daily to strategically plan for that growth, but I’m still a little shocked every time the Census releases new Waukee data.”
Peard said when he was elected mayor in 2006, the city’s official population was barely 12,000.
“It’s been an incredible journey from 12,000 to 20,000,” he said.
In real numbers, the 9 percent growth equals 1,704 new Waukee residents. During the same 12-month period, the Waukee Development Services Department issues 1,082 building permits for new construction valued at $213 million.
“This new data shows that Waukee grows by more than four people per day,” said Waukee Development Services Director Brad Deets. “We often hear that people choose our community because it has access to a wide array of amenities but still maintains its hometown feel.”
Deets noted other recent development deals in Waukee, such as the Kettlestone development, opened earlier this year by Holmes Murphy, and the Apple data center, expected to break ground this fall. The Fridley Theatres’ new IMAX location is also planning a fall opening, Deets said.
“We are wrapping up our Imagine Waukee 2040 comprehensive planning process right now,” he said, “and that will guide us through continuing to deliver that quality of life Waukee residents expect.”
Deets said projections indicate the city’s population could double by 2030, when some 40,000 people are expected to reside in Waukee.
Summer Evans is the Marketing and Communications Director for the city of Waukee.
