Special Census 2024

Special Census Results

The U.S. Census Bureau reports the new official population count for Waukee is 31,823 people, which makes Waukee the 16th largest city in Iowa. Waukee grew by 7,883 people since the 2020 census. Having this updated population count with the U.S. Census Bureau will bring approximately $1.1 million dollars of additional road use tax revenue annually from 2025 to 2030. The extra funding will go a long way in helping the City keep Waukee’s roads in good condition, so we can all get where we need to go safely.

Census Timeline

June 10 to mid-August: Representatives from the U.S. Census Bureau will knock on doors of households that do not complete the online form to help them complete the questions in person. This will help us make sure every resident is represented in Waukee's population count. This period was extended two times. The most recent extension was shared on August 1. Due to high heat and recent storms slowing down field work, the census bureau extended the in-person outreach for an additional week, so census workers do not miss any households. 

The representatives will have a U.S. Census Bureau ID and will leave a notice with a phone number to call if you are not home when they visit. Please check your front door regularly, so you do not miss the note. Thank you for answering the census! wood front door and porch with census notice of visit laid on top

April 30-May 30, 2024: The online census form is open through May 30. Waukee residents will receive a letter from the U.S. Census Bureau to let you know it is time to complete the form. It has a unique 12-digit code that you will enter in the Respondent Portal. If you accidentally throw away the first letter, don't worry. The U.S. Census Bureau will send a reminder letter or postcard.

envelope from U.S. Census Bureau with invitation to special census

February-March: Recruiting for census workers to help every Waukee resident be counted.

Common questions

1. Can I do the form online?
The online census window is now closed. Please watch for a U.S. Census Bureau representative knocking on your door. In May, the U.S. Census Bureau mailed letters and postcards to many households within Waukee that had a code to access an online census form. That form closed on May 30. 

2. Can I get a paper copy of the census form to mail in?
No. There are no paper forms for this census. If you need a computer with internet access, you can use the public computers at the Waukee Public Library during their open hours. Employees of the U.S. Census Bureau will visit households that have not completed the online census, so they can help you participate by collecting your answers in person. 

3. When will the updated population count be shared?
The U.S. Census Bureau will complete all the data analysis, which may take a few months. Once the City has received the official count, we will share it on City of Wakee social media pages, in our newsletter and in our bulletin in the Waukee Living magazine.  

4. Is it safe to do the census? 
The U.S. Census Bureau takes information security seriously and keeps your personal information confidential. The information collected in our Special Census is only used for statistics. The bureau follows laws that say how the information collected in the census can be used. It cannot disclose or publish any private information that identifies an individual. Learn more about how the bureau protects your information here.

5. Why conduct a Special Census? 
Although the national census was completed in 2020, populations can change a lot before the next national census. Local governments, like the City of Waukee, can request a Special Census when they believe there has been a significant population change in their community due to growth, boundary changes or the addition of new group quarters facilities, such as a nursing home or a college. 

By updating the official population count, the community may receive additional funding. Governments may also use the results to plan new schools, transportation systems, housing programs or water treatment facilities. Waukee is growing really fast, and the U.S. Census Bureau maintains the official population count that determines how much money we get for things like road maintenance. If the Special Census confirms the estimate of 7,000 more Waukee residents than 2020, our City will get $1.3 million per year to spend on fixing potholes, minor reconstruction of streets and other road projects. Waiting until the next national census in 2030 would mean missing out on millions of dollars for our community.

Still have some questions about how it works? The U.S. Census Bureau has answered many common questions in this FAQ document.