Urbandale is in Polk and Dallas counties. A special census in 2005 estimates Urbandale's population at 35,900. Urbandale boasts 850 acres of parks and 33 miles of trails that connect to other trail systems in the Des Moines area. Urbandale is home to Living History Farms and the Des Moines Buccaneers (hockey).

Originally a streetcar suburb of Des Moines, Urbandale did have coal mines in the early 1900's. Continuing to be primarily residential, commericial and industrial develpment has increased over the years.

Urbandale community schools include 6 elementary school, 1 middle school and 1 high school. Portions of Urbandale attend surrounding districts.