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Ankeny, IA


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Ankeny, Iowa

Introduction to Ankeny, Iowa

Ankeny, Iowa, in Polk county, is located 8 miles N of Des Moines, Iowa (center to center) and 125 miles E of Omaha, Nebraska. The city is in the Des Moines area and has 27,117 residents.

Ankeny History

Ankeny, which was named after the settler Col. John Ankeny, was incorporated on February 28, 1903. In 1874, the railroad from Des Moines to Ames was completed and the link also passed through Ankeny. Ammunition was manufactured in Ankeny during the Second World War at the federal ordinance plant. Deere and Company bought a part of the plant after the war and the rest was utilized by the Iowa State University for its research farm.

Ankeny and Nearby Attractions

  • Blank Park Zoo
  • Des Moines Art Center
  • Iowa Arboretum
  • Iowa State Capitol
  • Des Moines Botanical Center
  • Walnut Woods State Park

Things To Do In Ankeny

People may visit the historic site of Iowa State Capitol. There are numeruos parks and recreational areas in Ankeny including the Badger Creek State Recreation Area, Walnut Woods State Park, and Ledges State Park. Ledges State Park has camping areas, hiking trails, canoeing, fishing, and picnic areas. Places of historical significance include State Historical Society of Iowa and the Living History Farms. The Des Moines Art Center has permanent collections of contemporary art.

Ankeny Transportation

The closest major airport is Des Moines International Airport.

Ankeny Higher Education

Des Moines Community College is located in Ankeny. Nearby colleges include Drake University, Grand View College, and Mercy College of Health Sciences.

High Points

Ankeny strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Iowa):

CategoryTrophy
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)		Top 2%trophyAnkeny Well-Paid Single Women
Median Family Income
(vs. State)		Top 3%trophyAnkeny Median Family Income
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)		Top 3%trophyAnkeny College Educated Adults
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)		Top 3%trophyAnkeny Public Transportation Use
Well-Paid Single Men
(vs. State)		Top 5%trophyAnkeny Well-Paid Single Men
People in Middle Class or Better
(vs. State)		Top 6%Ankeny People in Middle Class or Better
Low Violent Crime
(vs. Peers)		Top 14%Ankeny Low Violent Crime
Low Rate of Poverty
(vs. Peers)		Top 15%Ankeny Low Rate of Poverty

Comparative Profile of Ankeny, IA

Comparing Ankeny to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Iowa (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Children Under 5 Years Old910
Well-Paid Single Women710
Well-Paid Single Men710
Female Share of the Population64
Male Share of the Population57
Age of the Population31
Senior Citizens21
Racial Diversity18

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Portion of People Married99
Average Household Size69

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
People Above Poverty99
People in Middle Class or Better910
College Educated Adults810
Median Family Income810

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Short Commute Times85
Working at Home86
Public Transportation Use510
Walking and Biking to Work26

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Housing Recently Built910
Affordability of Rents71
Affordability of Property Taxes41
People Living Alone42
Seasonal and Vacation Housing34
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals37

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime97
Low Property Crime73

Detailed pages on related topics: Ankeny colleges • Ankeny travel • Ankeny mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

Ankeny CollegesAnkeny Colleges
Ankeny colleges and trade schools.
Ankeny Hotels & TravelAnkeny Hotels & Travel
Ankeny hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
Ankeny MortgageAnkeny Mortgage
Ankeny property, mortgage, and real estate.

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