Urbandale, Iowa, is primarily located within Polk County. A smaller, western portion of the city extends into Dallas County, making it a community that spans two distinct Iowa counties.
Understanding Urbandale’s County Affiliation
While Urbandale is widely recognized as a Polk County city, its western expansion over the years has led to its current dual-county status. The vast majority of Urbandale’s population, businesses, and municipal services are situated within Polk County. This is common for growing suburban communities on the edge of major metropolitan areas.
For residents, knowing their specific county is important for various services. These include property tax assessment, voter registration, school district boundaries, and local law enforcement jurisdiction.
Polk County: The Primary Home of Urbandale
Polk County is Iowa’s most populous county and home to the state capital, Des Moines. It serves as the economic and governmental hub of Iowa. Urbandale benefits significantly from its location within Polk County, accessing resources and infrastructure associated with a major metropolitan area.
The county seat of Polk County is Des Moines. County services are administered from the Polk County Administration Building in downtown Des Moines.
Dallas County: Urbandale’s Western Extension
Dallas County, located immediately west of Polk County, is one of the fastest-growing counties in Iowa and the United States. Its proximity to the Des Moines metropolitan area has fueled significant residential and commercial development. The portion of Urbandale in Dallas County reflects this westward growth trend.
The county seat of Dallas County is Adel. Residents in the Dallas County portion of Urbandale access county services through the Dallas County Courthouse and other county offices in Adel.
Why Cities Span Multiple Counties
The phenomenon of a city spanning multiple counties is not unique to Urbandale. It often occurs due to urban sprawl and annexation as a city grows beyond its initial boundaries. Municipalities expand to accommodate new residents and businesses, sometimes crossing established county lines.
This expansion allows for continuous development and unified city services, even if county-level services remain separate. City residents still receive services like water, sewer, and police from the City of Urbandale, regardless of their specific county.
Iowa’s County System and Its Importance
Iowa is divided into 99 counties, each serving as a vital administrative unit. County governments in Iowa are responsible for a wide range of services essential to daily life. These include maintaining roads, administering elections, recording vital statistics (births, deaths, marriages), managing property records, and operating the court system.
Understanding your county is crucial for civic engagement and accessing local government services. It dictates where you register to vote, pay property taxes, and often determines your local school district.
Urbandale in the Des Moines Metropolitan Area
Urbandale is an integral part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). This broader region encompasses Polk, Dallas, Warren, Madison, and Guthrie counties. The MSA functions as a single economic and social unit, with Urbandale contributing to its vibrant suburban landscape.
The Des Moines metro area is known for its strong insurance and financial industries, growing tech sector, and high quality of life. Urbandale offers residents a blend of suburban tranquility with easy access to the amenities and employment opportunities of the larger metro.
Practical Tips for Urbandale Residents
- Verify Your County: If you live in Urbandale and are unsure which county your property is in, check your property tax statements, voter registration card, or use an online county assessor’s property search tool for your address.
- County-Specific Services: Remember that services like vehicle registration, property tax payments, and certain legal filings are handled at the county level. Ensure you contact the correct county (Polk or Dallas) for these matters.
- Emergency Services: While Urbandale’s police and fire departments serve the entire city, county sheriff’s offices (Polk County Sheriff or Dallas County Sheriff) may assist with certain jurisdictional issues outside city limits or specific county-level matters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Urbandale’s Location
Is Urbandale part of the Des Moines metro area?
Yes, Urbandale is a key suburb within the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.
What is the county seat of Polk County?
The county seat of Polk County is Des Moines.
What is the county seat of Dallas County?
The county seat of Dallas County is Adel.
Which county holds the larger portion of Urbandale?
The vast majority of Urbandale, including its population and municipal core, is located within Polk County.
Why do some cities in Iowa span multiple counties?
Cities often span multiple counties due to urban growth and annexation, as they expand their boundaries to accommodate development and population increases.
Conclusion
Urbandale, Iowa, is predominantly situated in Polk County, with a smaller, western section extending into Dallas County. This dual-county status is a result of the city’s growth within the thriving Des Moines metropolitan area. For residents, understanding their specific county is important for accessing various local government services and resources.
