What Are The 10 Fastest Growing Cities In Iowa?

Kayla Eaton
by Kayla Eaton

Iowa is one of those states that is often overlooked when choosing places to move. The truth is many people are attracted to the idea of living in Iowa for many different reasons. Iowa has good education with decent public schools, lower cost of living, affordable houses, and most cities have low crime rates. We wanted to keep this information in mind but also find the fastest-growing cities in the state. If you have not yet looked at Iowa state, this guide may entice you to learn more.

Through research and by looking through the populations of each city, we have determined the ten fastest-growing cities. We found that Bondurant had an increase in population by 77.6%. This was closely followed by Waukee with 68.9%, Grimes with 67.8%, and North Liberty with 58.4%. We compared the population from 2010 with the 2021 population to find out the growth rate.

In Iowa, there are 947 cities and 99 counties in the state. You can imagine the immense amount of time we spent looking through this state. When you start your research on Iowa, you may feel overwhelmed. This guide will help you narrow down your search and find a city you could potentially call home.

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How The Fastest Growing Cities Are Determined

Each city has been analyzed by the ACS or the American Community Survey conducted by the US Census Bureau. Each year they take note of the population. For each city, we looked at the population in 2010 and compared it to the population in 2021. This is how we were able to determine the growth percentage and find the fastest-growing cities.

CityPrevious Population (2010)Current Population (2021)Growth Rate %
Bondurant3,4866,19177.6%
Waukee12,30520,78568.9%
Grimes7,65312,83967.8%
North Liberty11,88918,82958.4%
Ankeny42,21161,93846.7%
Asbury3,8525,55744.3%
Johnston 15,72321,40636.1
Altoona13,75718,45834.2%
Norwalk8,62210,97827.3%
Eldridge5,3196,52922.7%

1. Bondurant

  • Current Population: 6,191
  • Previous Population:  3,486
  • Growth Rate: 77.6%

In 1882 this town was established, but it was not incorporated until 1897. This town is a convenient location to other metropolitan areas without the noise or business of a big city. People love moving to this area when they want quiet lives and a safe area. The total crime rate is 40% below the national average and is considered a great place to live in Polk county. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 505.

Recently, Bondurant was rated the second-best place to buy a house in the Des Moines area. The houses here are almost exactly the same price as the national average of $217,500. For this reason, over 88% of the community chooses to buy their homes instead of rent. This is also a reason why so many people have moved here. In this town, you will find tons of outdoor parks with BBQ spots and places to swim. It’s great for anyone who wants a quiet life surrounded by nature.

2. Waukee

  • Current Population: 20,785
  • Previous Population:  12,305
  • Growth Rate: 68.9%

This town was incorporated in 1878 and quickly grew because it was near the railroad and a good place to settle down. There are many activities for all ages in this area, and it has scenic views throughout the town. Like other suburbs of Des Moines, this area is incredibly safe. The total crime rate is 67% lower than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 1618.

If you are worried about activities in this small town, you shouldn’t be concerned. There is a super fun local pub with an indoor gold course that you can meet your friends at; and a local movie theater to see the latest movies. There are tons of parks for kids, and if you drive around you, are sure to see photo-worthy views. People love this area so much that most of the community chooses to buy a house instead of rent, which keeps the population growing steadily. You will find the median home value in this area is $238,900.

3. Grimes

  • Current Population: 12,839
  • Previous Population:  7,653
  • Growth Rate: 67.8%

Though this town may sound ‘grimey,’ it’s anything but. Located in Polk County, Grimes was founded in 1881 and incorporated in 1894. This area has grown tremendously because there is low unemployment and one of the best places to start a business and work. It is safe, fun, and a good environment to raise a family. The total crime rate is 46% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in this area is 1 in 561.

Recently Grimes was rated the eighth-best place in the suburbs of Des Moines to raise a family. This has been a huge attraction that brings newcomers in and helps expand the town’s population. You will find that the home median value is $225,800, and over 71% of the population chooses to own.

The public schools in Grimes are highly rated and there are numerous public parks throughout this booming community, with Water Works Park being the main one. Grimes also features several sports parks, with soccer fields, baseball fields, and skate parks, offering tons of opportunities for families with kids of all ages to get outside and play.

4. North Liberty

  • Current Population: 12,839
  • Previous Population:  7,653
  • Growth Rate: 67.8%

This is a smaller city where people are warm and friendly. A suburb of Iowa City, North Liberty was founded in 1913 when the population was only 190 people. From 2000 to 2010, North Liberty was the second-fastest growing city in Iowa. Although other cities have surpassed North Liberty’s growth rate slightly, the town continues to grow because it is a safe place for people to call home. The total crime rate is 62% below the national average and your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 287.

The best thing about this town is there are many attractions and activities which is surprising since it is so small. There are escape rooms, golf courses, and a state park with a nice lake that is refreshing during the summer. There is never a dull moment, and you will find you will be friendly with your neighbors. This is the number one place in the suburbs of Cedar Rapids to buy a house. The median home value of this area is $220,800.

North Liberty features numerous unique neighborhoods and prides themselves on their cultural diversity. Although North Liberty is a relatively young community, they are growing, thriving, and attracting families from all over. This family-friendly town has all there is to love about a small town, with convenient access to big-city amenities.

5. Ankeny

  • Current Population: 61,938
  • Previous Population:  42,211
  • Growth Rate: 46.7%

This city was founded in 1875 as a single community. Now it has grown and expanded with more than 60,000 people. If you live in Polk County, this has been rated the number one place to raise a family. Why? Because this area is brimming with activity and is exceptionally safe. The total crime rate is 37% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 470.

The schools here are rated above average, and there are tons of parks for the kids to enjoy. This is a place where young professionals starting out in a career tend to move because it’s easier to find an affordable home and well-paying job. The median home value in this area is $220,100.

6. Asbury

  • Current Population: 5,557
  • Previous Population:  3,852
  • Growth Rate: 44.3%

This town was founded in the 1830s by America’s first Methodist Bishop named Francis Asbury. If you’re living in Dubuque County, this is the absolute best place to live and many people continue to trickle into this town. It has a low crime rate that enables people to feel secure in this area. The total crime rate is 69% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 957.

One of the only drawbacks of this town is that the housing and real estate is slightly more expensive in this area. The median home value in this city is $255,500. People continue to move here, and over 90% of the area chooses to buy homes. One of the best things you can do here is going on a family adventure with the YMCA and do a zip lining tour. There are also fun mountains to go snowboarding on during the winter.

7. Johnston

  • Current Population: 21,406
  • Previous Population:  15,723
  • Growth Rate: 36.1%

This city was founded in 1905 and became a stop along the railway between Des Moines and Perry. If you are looking for a decent city to live in outside Des Moines, this is a great option. It is safer than other areas; the total crime rate is 47% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 784. This makes it an excellent place to raise a family and allow your kids to explore.

Johnston was recently voted the sixth-best place to live in the suburbs of Des Moines. One of the coolest features of this town is there is an old-school pinball arcade that adults and kids love. Once a year, there is a state fair here that brings tons of people in. This is a super fun city to live in, and it attracts tons of people. You will find that the median home value of this area is $268,300, which is more than other areas.

8. Altoona

  • Current Population: 18,458
  • Previous Population:  13,757
  • Growth Rate: 34.2%

Altoona is another suburb of Des Moines that was incorporated in 1876. This has a small-town charm but is close enough to the big city to have all the perks and amenities without the violence. The total crime rate of this area is 35% below the national average, which is much lower than the big city. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in this city is 1 in 464.

The community describes themselves as “Iowa’s off-beat entertainment destination.” One of the biggest things to do in this area is Adventureland park which is full of water slides and is a perfect family trip for the summertime. There is also a local casino, race track in the area for the adults. And the Altoona skate park is another thrilling experience in the community

If you want to venture off the beaten path a bit, you can enjoy more than 600 miles of paved trails in and around Altoona. Of, find a peaceful place to camp under the stars, fish, or just be in nature with the tons of parks and trails throughout the town. Many people feel happy living here, and 71% of the neighborhood chooses to buy homes. The median home value is $196,600 in this area.

9. Norwalk

  • Current Population: 10,978
  • Previous Population:  8,622
  • Growth Rate: 27.3%

If you live in Warren County, this has been rated the number one place to live. Norwalk was founded in 1856 by a man named Samuel Snyder, and the original small settlement was known as Pyra. This town is located in the South of the Des Moines area and is smaller than the big city and safer. The total crime rate is 69% below the national average, which attracts many people. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 2968.

There are tons of local distillery’s in this area that make for a fun night out, and even a local zoo that attracts people from out of town. This is a charming city that captures the attention of many people and drives them in. One of the best things about this town that makes it so attractive is that real estate is cheaper here than in other places. The median home value in this area is $202,900.

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10. Eldridge

  • Current Population: 10,978
  • Previous Population:  8,622
  • Growth Rate: 27.3%

This is one of the safest areas and has been voted the third best place to live in the Quad Cities area. The crime rate is 75% below the national average. Compared to Des Moines, with a crime rate 93% higher than the national average, this is amazing. Your chance of becoming a victim in Eldridge is 1 in 3486.

Located just north of Davenport, Eldridge is growing community, offering numerous parks nearby and year-round events and activities for all ages. If you are worried about this small town not having enough to do, quit worrying. There are tons of activities for the family and schools that are rated above average to help fill the days up. There is a trampoline and indoor adventure park and a golf course for the locals.

Eldridge’s main street is the hub of the town, featuring a number of shops and restaurants. The Moonlight Chase is something you surely won’t want to miss! This event takes the streets of Eldridge every July and is one of the most unique road races in Eastern Iowa, including a ¼ mile and 1-mile run for kids, and a 4-mile competition as well. It kicks off the very popular annual Eldridge Festival, which includes live music under the night sky.

Approximately 74% of the community chooses to own their homes. However, one of the only downfalls of Eldridge is that the median home price is $254,300, which is slightly above the national average.

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Kayla Eaton
Kayla Eaton

Kayla is a full-time content creator and her passion is everything green. When she's not writing city-based content at UpgradedHome, her focus is on the environment and sustainability. Kayla loves to travel and is always looking forward to her next vacation!

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