Ankeny, IA: 2026 Relocation Deep Dive Report

Ankeny: The Data Profile (2026)

Ankeny represents a high-value proposition for the post-remote workforce. With a population of 74,455, it maintains a "smaller city" designation while offering economic metrics that rival major metros. The statistical target demographic is the dual-income professional household. These households leverage a median income of $105,862—a staggering +41.9% above the US median of $74,580—against a cost of living index where housing sits at just 82.0. This disparity creates a unique wealth-generation environment for residents who can tap into national salary bands while paying localized rates.

Cost of Living Analysis

The financial advantage in Ankeny is systemic. While the aggregate Cost of Living Index (100 = US Average) hovers near parity in sectors like groceries (90.8) and transportation (91.2), the electricity rate provides a distinct operational edge at 13.4 cents/kWh, significantly undercutting the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single professional earning the median income of $105,862 takes home approximately $6,200/month after taxes. With a total monthly budget of $2,310, the disposable income remaining is $3,890. This represents a savings rate of roughly 63%, which is exceptionally high compared to the US average savings rate of 3.5%.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary driver of Ankeny’s value. The median home price is $285,000, which is 15.2% lower than the US average. However, the price per square foot ($145) offers even greater value, being 19.9% below the national curve. For renters, the 1-bedroom market is highly competitive at $920/mo, while the 3-bedroom rental sits at $1,400/mo.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Given the -18.0% housing index differential, buying is statistically favorable for long-term residents. The "break-even" point for buying versus renting in Ankeny is approximately 3.2 years, assuming a standard 3.5% down payment. With the median income being $105,862, a household can comfortably afford the median home price with a debt-to-income ratio well below the recommended 36% threshold.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

In 2026, Ankeny benefits from the "hybrid arbitrage" trend. While Des Moines is a short commute, the local economy is self-sustaining. The unemployment rate sits at 3.5%, lower than the national average of 4.0%. This indicates a tight labor market where skilled workers hold leverage.

RTO & Commute:
For those hybrid-commuting to Des Moines (approx. 12 miles), the average commute time is 19 minutes. This is 24% faster than the national average commute of 25 minutes. The low traffic density combined with the proximity to Interstate 35 ensures that even a full Return-to-Office (RTO) mandate does not result in significant time loss.

Quality of Life Audit

Ankeny scores high on health outcomes but shows a specific risk factor regarding obesity. The overall Health Score is 82.9/100, driven by low smoking rates (10.5%) and excellent diabetes management (7.6% vs 10.9% national average). Air quality is pristine, with an AQI of 40 (Good) and PM2.5 levels at 5.0 µg/m³.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Crime:

• Violent Crime: 302 incidents per 100k (US Avg: 380). Ankeny is 20.5% safer than average.
• Property Crime: 1,679 incidents per 100k (US Avg: 2,000). Ankeny is 16.1% safer than average.

Schools & Weather:

• Schools: Ankeny Community School District consistently ranks in the top 25% of Iowa districts, with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.
• Weather: Currently 32.0°F with snow showers. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with average summer highs of 85°F and winter lows of 15°F.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income vs. Cost Spread: A median income of $105,862 against a housing index of 82.0 creates a massive financial buffer.
• Safety: Violent crime is 20.5% lower than the national average.
• Air Quality: AQI of 40 is superior to 80% of US cities.

Cons:

• Health Risk: Obesity rate of 33.9% is higher than the US average, suggesting a cultural or environmental predisposition to weight gain.
• Weather: Current temperature of 32.0°F and snow indicate a harsh winter season.

Final Recommendation:
Ankeny is a Strong Buy for relocation in 2026. It is ideal for professionals seeking to maximize disposable income and build equity. The data suggests that a move here accelerates financial goals by roughly 40% compared to living in an average US metro, provided the resident can tolerate the winter climate.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Ankeny?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle with savings. For a family, $95,000 is sufficient to cover all expenses in Table 1 while maintaining a 20% savings rate.

2. How does the value proposition compare to nearby Des Moines?
Ankeny offers a 15-20% lower housing cost than Des Moines proper, while maintaining a commute time of under 20 minutes.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. With Violent Crime at 302/100k and Property Crime at 1,679/100k, Ankeny statistically outperforms the national average by roughly 18% across both categories.

4. When is the best time to move?
The housing market inventory typically peaks in late Spring (May/June). However, moving in winter (like the current 32.0°F conditions) often yields 3-5% lower rental rates due to low demand.