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Is Ankeny a Good Place to Live? Ankeny, Iowa: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Ankeny ranks #81 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #40 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (97%, #4 of 437) and low poverty (4.2%, #16 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Ankeny by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Ankeny's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Ankeny?
Ankeny's cost of living index is 91.7, 8% below the US level of 100 and #302 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,319/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $338,606, 41% above the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
| Measure | Ankeny | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 91.7#302 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $338,606#490 of 1,187 | $239,547 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,526/mo#359 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $331,000#606 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,319/mo#549 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 14.6%#49 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Ankeny housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Ankeny is in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro.
Iowa housing market →Is Ankeny safe?
Ankeny recorded 151 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 54% below the US rate of 328 and 36% below Iowa's 234. That ranks #239 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #106 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ankeny Police Department. Property crime runs 1,032 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Ankeny | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 151#239 of 1,085 | 234 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,032#231 of 1,085 | 1,172 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Ankeny?
The median household in Ankeny earns $108,198, 30% above the US figure of $83,163 and 43% above Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Ankeny | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $108,198#254 of 1,312 | $75,501 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.1%#131 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 4.2%#59 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.8%#117 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Ankeny?
The median resident of Ankeny is 33.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 52.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #226 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Ankeny | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 33.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 52.1%#226 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 71.3% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Ankeny's schools and health?
Ankeny's 17 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $12,127 spent per pupil. 33.9% of adults are obese and 7.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Ankeny | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 97%#17 of 1,063 | 89.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.3#514 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,127#928 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.9%#694 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.6%#75 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.5%#522 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 5.1%#73 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,669 students are enrolled in Ankeny's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Ankeny?
The average commute in Ankeny is 21.1 minutes (Iowa 20.4); 0.2% of workers take transit and 20.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Ankeny scores 9.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #777 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.3°F and winters 24.9°F, with 36.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Ankeny | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 21.1 min#430 of 1,312 | 20.4 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 1.5%#26 of 1,312 | 4.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72.1% | 76.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.9% | 3.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 20.1% | 9.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.3#777 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 | 13.1 | 1 |
| Feb | 35.1 | 17.3 | 1.3 |
| Mar | 48.6 | 28.8 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 61.5 | 40.1 | 4 |
| May | 71.8 | 51.8 | 4.8 |
| Jun | 80.9 | 62 | 5.4 |
| Jul | 84.7 | 65.6 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 82.9 | 63.6 | 4 |
| Sep | 76.2 | 55.1 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 63.1 | 42.5 | 2.5 |
| Nov | 47.7 | 29.9 | 2 |
| Dec | 35.2 | 19 | 1.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Des Moines WSFO-Johnston.
| Measure | Ankeny | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 24.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 36.2 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Des Moines WSFO-Johnston.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Ankeny?
Polk County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Polk County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
| Measure | Ankeny | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#151 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Polk County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Polk County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.0071% | 85% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.017% | 78% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0011% | 63% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0017% | 45% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.056% | 17% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Ankeny compare with similar-size cities?
Ankeny is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #40 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 72,615.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #81 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 | 21.1 min |
| Marysville, WAPop. 73,002 | #456 | 58.8 | $103,974 | $1,997/mo | 168 | 31.5 min |
| Rogers, ARPop. 72,981 | #324 | 61.5 | $86,728 | $1,270/mo | 273 | 18.2 min |
| Greenville, SCPop. 72,935 | #658 | 55.7 | $71,472 | $1,312/mo | 466 | 19 min |
| Glen Burnie, MDPop. 72,590 | #606 | 56.6 | $88,280 | $1,648/mo | no data | 27.3 min |
| Turlock, CAPop. 72,502 | #815 | 53.1 | $82,995 | $1,612/mo | 357 | 26.2 min |
| Blaine, MNPop. 72,488 | #227 | 63.8 | $106,801 | $1,705/mo | 65 | 24.5 min |
| Mount Vernon, NYPop. 72,427 | #550 | 57.3 | $78,779 | $1,629/mo | 496 | 35 min |
| Framingham, MAPop. 72,399 | #196 | 64.5 | $107,419 | $2,033/mo | 264 | 30.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Ankeny compare with the rest of Iowa?
Ankeny ranks #3 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 69 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 43% above the Iowa median. Violent crime is 36% below the statewide rate. Homes are 41% above the typical Iowa home.
| City | Rank in IA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #1 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #2 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #3 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #4 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #5 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #6 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 |
| Cedar Falls, IAPop. 40,888 | #7 | 61.5 | $76,987 | $1,203/mo | 135 |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #8 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #9 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #10 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #11 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 |
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #12 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #13 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #14 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #15 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #16 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 |
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #17 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #18 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #19 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #20 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 |
All 20 Iowa cities we track, by overall score. Iowa statewide: median income $75,501, violent crime 233.9 per 100,000.
How is Ankeny's score calculated?
Ankeny scores 69 out of 100, #81 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Iowa's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Ankeny. Similar-size median 55.5.
72.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Ankeny's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
89.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Ankeny. Similar-size median 58.9.
63.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Ankeny's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
64.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Ankeny's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
72.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Ankeny. Similar-size median 56.1.
79.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Ankeny. Similar-size median 42.4.
62.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Ankeny. Similar-size median 50.0.
56.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Ankeny's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
43.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
71.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Ankeny's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Ankeny has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Ankeny
Is Ankeny, IA a good place to live?
Ankeny ranks #81 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #40 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (97%, #4 of 437) and low poverty (4.2%, #16 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Ankeny?
Ankeny's cost of living index is 91.7, 8% below the US level of 100 and #302 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,319/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $338,606, 41% above the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
What is the crime rate in Ankeny?
Ankeny recorded 151 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 54% below the US rate of 328 and 36% below Iowa's 234. That ranks #239 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #106 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ankeny Police Department. Property crime runs 1,032 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Ankeny?
The median household in Ankeny earns $108,198, 30% above the US figure of $83,163 and 43% above Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Ankeny?
Median rent in Ankeny is $1,319/mo (Census), #549 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,526/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 14.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Ankeny?
The typical home value in Ankeny is $338,606, up 0.8% in a year, against $239,547 for Iowa and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $331,000.
How are the public schools in Ankeny?
Ankeny's 17 public schools graduate 97% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $12,127 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Ankeny?
The average commute is 21.1 minutes, #430 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20.4 minutes across Iowa. 1.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Ankeny?
Ankeny averages 50.3°F over the year, 73.3°F in summer and 24.9°F in winter, with 36.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Ankeny walkable?
Ankeny scores 9.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #777 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Ankeny at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Polk County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Ankeny?
Polk County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Ankeny?
Ankeny has 72,615 residents. The median resident of Ankeny is 33.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 52.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #226 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Ankeny compare with the rest of Iowa?
Ankeny ranks #3 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 69 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 43% above the Iowa median. Violent crime is 36% below the statewide rate. Homes are 41% above the typical Iowa home.
What cities are similar in size to Ankeny?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Ankeny's population of 72,615 are Marysville, WA (#456 overall), Rogers, AR (#324 overall), Greenville, SC (#658 overall), Glen Burnie, MD (#606 overall), and Turlock, CA (#815 overall). Ankeny is #81.