Special census reveals how fast Ankeny is growing
Ankeny has grown to Iowa's fifth-largest city, and there are no signs of it slowing down.
According to the results from the city's special census in 2024, Ankeny's population grew to 76,207 with 31,829 housing units. Since its last census record in 2020, 8,000 people moved to town. Ankeny city leaders say the continued growth is no surprise.
"We tried to figure out what that actual count was so we can get additional funding to help provide the services that t are necessary for additional residents," said Ankeny's interim city manager, Mike Schrock.
The updated population count means the city will receive an additional $1.2 million each year until 2030 through the Road Use Tax. The money will be allocated to the city's public works department to be used for road maintenance and repair.
"As we grow, we have to add snow routes and buy additional snowplows," says Schrock. "Those additional snow plows cost about $325,000 each, so when you look at one or two of those, which our department usually requests every year or two, the money goes pretty quickly. It's vital money to provide quality service."
The city's 12 percent growth over the last four years was primarily east of Interstate 35 and in the northwest quadrant of town. Schrock says within the next couple of decades, Ankeny's city limits will expand into other communities.
"We would be anywhere from 120,000 to 140,000 people once we build out," explains Schrock. "That would be more in the 2040 time frame. I think we are well on our way to achieving a much bigger community."
In 1990, Ankeny's population was 18,482, with just under 7,000 housing units.
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