Ankeny, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
72,615
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$108,198/yr
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
29,781
4.1% year-over-year change

Ankeny population

How many people live in Ankeny

Ankeny is home to 72,615 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Ankeny locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
72,615
2.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
36,056
Female
50.4%
36,559
Value Percent YoY change
Male 36,056 49.6% 2.7%
Female 36,559 50.4% 3.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Ankeny is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.3% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.3% of the population, while another 20.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.3%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
32.3%
45 to 64
20.4%
Over 65
11.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 16,903 23.3% 0.9%
15 to 24 9,000 12.4% 1.3%
25 to 44 23,444 32.3% 2.0%
45 to 64 14,802 20.4% 5.9%
Over 65 8,466 11.7% 6.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Ankeny, 94% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 88% of locals are Caucasian, 2.6% are African American and 3.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.5%
Non-citizens
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 68,256 94% 3.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,556 3.5% 12.7%
Non-citizens 1,803 2.5% -10.9%
Racial breakdown
White
88%
Black or African American
2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
3.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.4%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 63,872 88%
Black or African American 1,877 2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 8 0%
Asian 2,572 3.5%
Two or more races 3,218 4.4%
Other 1,068 1.5%

Households in Ankeny

A peek inside Ankeny households

Ankeny has 28,361 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 66.4% are families, while the remaining 33.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
28,361
3.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
9,528
Family households
18,833
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 9,528 33.6% 2.8%
Family households 18,833 66.4% 3.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Ankeny

The housing landscape of Ankeny

Ankeny's housing consists of 29,781 units, with 58.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 15.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
29,781
4.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 17,342 58.2%
1 unit, attached 4,584 15.4%
2 units 392 1.3%
3 or 4 units 643 2.2%
5 to 9 units 1,656 5.6%
10 to 19 units 1,683 5.6%
20 to 49 units 1,930 6.5%
50 or more units 1,167 3.9%
Mobile home 384 1.3%
Homes built since 2020
2,411
57.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ankeny

In Ankeny, the median construction year is 2006. About 1.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 21.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 32.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 8.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 440 1.5% 13.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 119 0.4% 19.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 851 2.9% 12.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,385 4.6% -8.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,814 9.4% 1.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,553 5.2% 4.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,893 13.1% 9.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6,531 21.9% -4.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 9,784 32.8% 1.7%
Built in 2020 or later 2,411 8.1% 57.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Ankeny occupancy rates

Out of the 28,361 occupied housing units in Ankeny, 71.4% are owner-occupied, while 28.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
28,361
3.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,126
Owner occupied
20,235
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,126 28.6% 2.0%
Owner occupied 20,235 71.4% 3.6%
Unoccupied housing units
4.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Ankeny housing costs

Housing costs in Ankeny come to a median of $1,615 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,319.

Median housing costs per month
$1,615/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Ankeny
$1,319/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Ankeny

Ankeny education at a glance

About 20.7% of the population in Ankeny went to high school, while 19.8% pursued college studies. Another 10.2% earned an associate degree and 33.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 743 1.4% -1.2%
High school diploma 10,950 20.7% 10.5%
College diploma 10,435 19.8% 4.7%
Associate degree 5,406 10.2% -3.2%
Bachelor's degree 17,684 33.5% 4.5%
Graduate degree 7,578 14.4% -4.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Ankeny

How much people earn in Ankeny

The average annual household income in Ankeny was $126,748 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $108,198, reflecting a +1.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ankeny
$126,748/year
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ankeny
$108,198/year
1.5% year-over-year change

Ankeny income by age

In Ankeny, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $115,304. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $136,859 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $67,961, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $69,184 in earnings. Overall, 95.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $67,961 17.6%
25 - 44 $115,304 -0.2%
45 - 64 $136,859 1.4%
Over 65 $69,184 3.0%
Above poverty level
67,930
Below poverty level
2,945
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 67,930 95.8% 2.7%
Below poverty level 2,945 4.2% 2.8%

Average renter income in Ankeny

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ankeny, their median household income was $62,563 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$62,563
Rent-to-income ratio
25.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Ankeny

Workforce and job types in Ankeny

The job market in Ankeny is powered by 40,634 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.5% run their own businesses, 69.7% are employed by private companies, and 13.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
40,634
3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
34,278
Blue collar
6,356
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 34,278 84.4% 3.4%
Blue collar 6,356 15.6% 3.3%
Employer type
Self employees
6.5%
Private companies
69.7%
Governmental workers
13.9%
Not for profit companies
9.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,653 6.5% 11.3%
Private companies 28,336 69.7% 2.1%
Governmental workers 5,647 13.9% -0.1%
Not for profit companies 3,998 9.8% 13.2%
Unemployment rate
1.9%
-8.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ankeny stands at 1.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Ankeny

How people get around in Ankeny

In Ankeny, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 78% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
1.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 31,360 78% -1.7%
Taxicab 54 0.1% 5.9%
Bus or trolleybus 96 0.2% -23.2%
Motorcycle 20 0% -23.1%
Bicycle 36 0.1% -7.7%
Walk 348 0.9% 14.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Ankeny by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50021 30,283 12,244 $99,572 $130,636
50023 46,306 17,717 $117,826 $127,017

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FAQs about Ankeny demographics 

What is the total population of Ankeny?

Ankeny has a total population of 72,615 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ankeny?

The gender ratio in Ankeny is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (36,056 residents)
  • 50.4% females (36,559 residents)

What is the median age in Ankeny?

The median age in Ankeny is 33.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ankeny?

The age distribution in Ankeny is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.3% (16,903 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (9,000 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.3% (23,444 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.4% (14,802 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.7% (8,466 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ankeny?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ankeny is as follows:
  • White: 88% (63,872 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.6% (1,877 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (8 residents)
  • Asian: 3.5% (2,572 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.4% (3,218 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (1,068 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ankeny are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94% of the population in Ankeny.

How many housing units are there in Ankeny?

There are 29,781 housing units in Ankeny, reflecting a +4.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ankeny and what is the average household size?

Ankeny has a total of 28,361 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ankeny?

Ankeny has a median household income of $108,198, representing a +1.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ankeny?

The employment rate is 98.1% in Ankeny, with a workforce of 40,634 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.4% (34,278 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.6% (6,356 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.5% (2,653 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.7% (28,336 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.9% (5,647 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.8% (3,998 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025