Urbandale, IA
Population 46,026 · Iowa
About Urbandale, IA
Urbandale is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 46,026 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $113,086 per year, which is 50% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Urbandale features a median home value of $318,800, which is 30% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Urbandale in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,176, 1% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,907 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (13,218 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (3,822 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Urbandale shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Urbandale have an average one-way commute time of 18.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
51.4% of Urbandale residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.7% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 9.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Urbandale Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Urbandale, IA
Compared to national averages, Urbandale has a median household income of $113,086 (50% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $318,800, which is 30% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,176 is 1% above the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Urbandale's income is 66% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 141% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Urbandale, IA?
Urbandale offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $113,086, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and a well-educated community where 51.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.5 minutes.
Urbandale has a population of 46,026 with a median age of 38.7 years. Compare Urbandale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Urbandale
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion | 41,690 | $87,105 | $230,800 | Compare |
| Cedar Falls | 40,662 | $74,165 | $252,500 | Compare |
| Bettendorf | 39,297 | $102,917 | $295,600 | Compare |
| Dubuque | 59,271 | $64,985 | $193,100 | Compare |
| Council Bluffs | 62,564 | $64,092 | $164,300 | Compare |
| Marshalltown | 27,491 | $68,854 | $117,100 | Compare |
| Mason City | 27,135 | $62,369 | $130,000 | Compare |
| Waukee | 26,974 | $106,728 | $328,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Urbandale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Urbandale
What is the population of Urbandale, IA?
The population of Urbandale, IA is 46,026 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Urbandale?
The median household income in Urbandale, IA is $113,086 per year, which is 50% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Urbandale?
The median home value in Urbandale, IA is $318,800, which is 30% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Urbandale?
The median monthly rent in Urbandale, IA is $1,176, which is 1% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Urbandale?
The unemployment rate in Urbandale, IA is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Urbandale, IA a good place to live?
Urbandale offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 46,026 and a median age of 38.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Urbandale, IA?
51.4% of residents in Urbandale aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Urbandale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Urbandale, IA: median home value is $318,800 (30% above national), median rent is $1,176/month, and median household income is $113,086. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Urbandale?
The poverty rate in Urbandale, IA is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Urbandale, IA?
Urbandale's population is 3.7% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 5.4% two or more races. 9.5% of residents are foreign-born.