Van Meter is geographically located west of Des Moines, approximately one mile south of I-80 at Exit 113, and is in Dallas County. Van Meter was incorporated on December 29, 1877, and was named after Jacob Rhodes Van Meter, a local settler. Van Meter has a population of approximately 1,104, making up approximately 385 households, with an average household size of 2.74, and a median household income of $78,925. Over the past few years, the City of Van Meter has received the "Tree City USA" award, which is a symbol for communities who have made a commitment to the management of public trees.

Van Meter has numerous entertainment and recreational opportunities, including the Van Meter Recreation Complex, which is located on approximately 32 acres and borders the Raccoon River. It provides youth and adult sport fields for soccer, baseball, softball, and football. Residents also take advantage of the town's proximity to the Raccoon River. Each year local businesses sponsor "Raccoon River Days," which is a family community event. Activities include a parade, numerous contests, games, live music, vendors, and a 5K race. Van Meter also sports a Farmers' Market, which has numerous vendors and stands, along with entertainment.

Van Meter Community Schools have approximately 640 children in the district, with class sizes ranging from 18-23. The Van Meter Community School District is committed to developing positive, productive, and responsible citizens, who are independent thinkers, value themselves and others, and have the knowledge, skills and desire to be life-long learners. The District competes in Class 1-A in sports and extracurricular activities. The Bulldogs represent the Van Meter Community School District as their mascot.

Tax Abatement and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) are available in Van Meter in specific areas. All qualified real estate that is assessed as residential property is eligible to receive a 100 percent exemption from taxation on the first $75,000 of value added by the improvements. The exemption is for a period of five years, determined as follows:

All qualified real estate assessed as commercial or industrial property is eligible to receive a 100 percent exemption on the actual value added by the improvements for a period of three years.

TIF is available for some projects. Interested parties should follow up with City staff for more information.

For more information on Van Meter, please visit www.CityOfVanMeter.com.

For more information on building in Van Meter, please contact Dale Sorensen with Veenstra & Kimm at (515) 238-0079 or (515) 225-8000.

For more information on developing in Van Meter, please contact Jake Anderson with the City of Van Meter at (515) 996-2644 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..