Ankeny, IA
Population 70,542 · Iowa
About Ankeny, IA
Ankeny is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 70,542 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $106,603 per year, which is 42% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ankeny features a median home value of $311,300, which is 27% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Ankeny in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,279, 10% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 28,619 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (19,528 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (7,965 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ankeny shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ankeny have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
53.2% of Ankeny residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.1% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 5.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ankeny Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Ankeny, IA
Compared to national averages, Ankeny has a median household income of $106,603 (42% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $311,300, which is 27% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,279 is 10% above the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Ankeny's income is 57% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 135% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Ankeny, IA?
Ankeny offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $106,603, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and a well-educated community where 53.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Ankeny has a population of 70,542 with a median age of 33.2 years. Compare Ankeny with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Ankeny
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Des Moines | 69,893 | $84,925 | $286,300 | Compare |
| Waterloo | 66,947 | $56,344 | $150,200 | Compare |
| Ames | 66,112 | $60,102 | $263,800 | Compare |
| Iowa City | 75,264 | $57,533 | $273,600 | Compare |
| Council Bluffs | 62,564 | $64,092 | $164,300 | Compare |
| Dubuque | 59,271 | $64,985 | $193,100 | Compare |
| Sioux City | 85,651 | $65,473 | $162,600 | Compare |
| Urbandale | 46,026 | $113,086 | $318,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ankeny With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ankeny
What is the population of Ankeny, IA?
The population of Ankeny, IA is 70,542 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Ankeny?
The median household income in Ankeny, IA is $106,603 per year, which is 42% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ankeny?
The median home value in Ankeny, IA is $311,300, which is 27% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ankeny?
The median monthly rent in Ankeny, IA is $1,279, which is 10% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ankeny?
The unemployment rate in Ankeny, IA is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ankeny, IA a good place to live?
Ankeny offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 70,542 and a median age of 33.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ankeny, IA?
53.2% of residents in Ankeny aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Ankeny?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ankeny, IA: median home value is $311,300 (27% above national), median rent is $1,279/month, and median household income is $106,603. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ankeny?
The poverty rate in Ankeny, IA is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ankeny, IA?
Ankeny's population is 3.1% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 5.0% of residents are foreign-born.