When buying a home in the Des Moines metro, most buyers compare home prices first. But property taxes can significantly impact your monthly payment and long-term affordability.

Two of the most popular suburbs buyers consider are Ankeny and Waukee.
Both offer strong schools, rapid growth, and new construction opportunities — but how do their property taxes compare?

Here’s what home buyers should know.

How Property Taxes Work in Central Iowa

Property taxes in Iowa are based on several factors, including:

Assessed home value
Local tax levy rates
School district funding
County budgets
State rollback rules

Tax rates are set in dollars per $1,000 of taxable valuation, and they change each year depending on local budgets and total property values. (SmartAsset)

It’s also important to understand that your tax bill is not determined by the city alone.
Taxes fund:

City services
County government
School districts
Community colleges
Public transit and other local agencies

Because of this, two homes with the same purchase price can have very different tax payments.

Property Tax Rates: Ankeny vs Waukee

Both cities have similar overall tax burdens — but they are influenced by different counties.

Ankeny is located primarily in Polk County
Waukee is located in Dallas County

Estimated effective tax rates

Ankeny: about 1.64%–1.65% of home value (ownwell.com)
Dallas County (Waukee area average): about 1.62% (ownwell.com)

This means property taxes in Waukee are often slightly lower overall, but the difference is typically modest.

Example Property Tax Comparison

Let’s compare estimated taxes on a $350,000 home.

👉 This difference may equal roughly $8–10 per month in a mortgage payment.

While that may not seem dramatic, buyers purchasing higher-priced homes or planning long-term ownership should still consider the impact.

Why Property Taxes Can Be Lower in Waukee

Several factors contribute to tax differences between these suburbs.

1. County Tax Structure

Dallas County generally has slightly lower effective property tax rates than Polk County.
This can make suburbs like Waukee feel more affordable from a tax standpoint.

2. Rapid Growth and New Development

Growing communities often spread infrastructure costs across expanding tax bases, which can influence levy rates.

3. City Levy Differences

Each city sets its own portion of the property tax bill.
For example, Waukee’s city levy was about $12.95 per $1,000 of taxable value for fiscal year 2025. (Waukee)

In Ankeny, the city levy portion for fiscal year 2026 was about $9.90 per $1,000 of assessed value. (Ankeny)

However, the city portion is only one part of the total tax bill, which also includes schools and county government.

Hidden Property Tax Factors Buyers Should Know

Regardless of which suburb you choose, keep these tax realities in mind:

New construction homes often have lower first-year tax bills that increase later
School district boundaries can impact taxes
Special assessments or bond measures may apply
Rising home values can increase long-term tax payments

Understanding these factors can help buyers avoid surprises after closing.

Which Suburb Is More Affordable Overall?

The answer depends on your priorities.

Ankeny may feel more affordable if you want:

Slightly lower city levy rates
Strong resale demand
Newer housing inventory
Quick access to north metro employment areas

Waukee may feel more affordable if you want:

Slightly lower overall effective tax rates
Access to fast-growing west-metro development
Proximity to major employers in the western suburbs
Highly ranked school districts

In many cases, buyers find the monthly payment difference between these suburbs is small, and lifestyle preferences play a bigger role in the decision.

How Buyers Can Estimate Property Taxes Before Purchasing

Before making an offer, consider these steps:

✅ Review the previous property tax statement
✅ Ask your lender for a full payment estimate
✅ Use a general rule of thumb (about 1.6%–1.7% of value)
✅ Talk with a local real estate expert

Planning ahead can help you compare suburbs more confidently.

Final Thoughts

Both Ankeny and Waukee offer strong long-term value for home buyers.
While Waukee may have a slight edge in overall tax rates, the difference is typically modest.

Ultimately, the most affordable choice depends on:

Home purchase price
interest rate
commute and lifestyle
future resale potential

If you’re trying to decide between suburbs in the Des Moines metro, working with a local real estate team can help you compare home prices, taxes, and long-term investment value.

👉 If you have questions about buying in Ankeny or Waukee, reach out to us at The Hokel Real Estate Team anytime. We’re happy to help you make the best decision for your goals.

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Property Taxes in Ankeny vs Waukee: Which Suburb Is More Affordable?