Ankeny, IA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Ankeny, IA

How safe is Ankeny, IA overall?

Ankeny earns an A+ overall crime grade, placing it among the safest cities in Iowa and the United States. With a population of 64,744 and a population density of just 826 residents per square mile, the city maintains a low-density suburban environment that correlates strongly with reduced crime risk. Ankeny's unemployment rate of 2.6% — well below the national average — and a poverty rate of only 4.6% reflect the socioeconomic stability that researchers consistently link to lower crime levels. For context, the national poverty rate hovers near 12–13%, meaning Ankeny's rate is roughly three times lower, a meaningful indicator of community safety.

What is the crime rate in Ankeny compared to other cities?

Ankeny's A+ crime grade signals that both violent and property crime rates fall significantly below national and Iowa state benchmarks. The city's median household income of $89,484 — substantially higher than the U.S. median of approximately $74,000 — is one of the strongest predictors of a low-crime environment. With a median home value of $235,458 and a median rent of $1,108, Ankeny attracts stable, long-term residents rather than high-turnover populations, which further suppresses crime. Compared to similarly sized Iowa cities, Ankeny consistently ranks at or near the top for public safety metrics.

What types of crime are most common in Ankeny?

Given Ankeny's A+ overall grade, serious violent crimes such as robbery and aggravated assault are rare occurrences. When incidents do occur, they skew heavily toward lower-severity property crimes — think minor theft, vehicle break-ins, or vandalism — rather than violent offenses. The Prairie Trail District and areas near Ankeny Centennial High School, being higher-traffic commercial and residential corridors, see the majority of reported incidents, which is typical for active mixed-use zones in any city. South Ankeny's newer residential developments report among the fewest incidents per capita, consistent with the city's strong overall safety profile.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Ankeny?

Because Ankeny carries an A+ crime grade city-wide, safety is strong across virtually all neighborhoods. That said, areas like South Ankeny and the neighborhoods surrounding the Prairie Trail District benefit from newer construction, active homeowners associations, and well-lit public spaces — all factors that deter opportunistic crime. Neighborhoods near Saylor Township and those adjacent to Ankeny's extensive park network also report minimal incident activity. The city's low population density of 826 people per square mile means that even the busiest corridors feel spacious and low-risk compared to denser urban environments.

Is Ankeny a good place to live for families?

By nearly every measurable standard, yes. Ankeny's A+ crime grade pairs with a median household income of $89,484, a 2.6% unemployment rate, and a poverty rate of just 4.6% — a combination that signals a thriving, stable community. The median home value of $235,458 reflects an attainable yet appreciating real estate market, while the median rent of $1,108 offers reasonable options for renters. Families also benefit from Ankeny's proximity to Des Moines while enjoying a lower crime environment than the metro core. Whether you're evaluating school districts, neighborhood walkability, or long-term investment in a home, Ankeny's data-backed safety record makes it one of Iowa's most compelling family destinations.

How does Ankeny's income level affect its crime rate?

Economic research consistently shows that higher median incomes and lower poverty rates suppress crime, and Ankeny is a textbook example. With a median household income of $89,484 — roughly 21% above the national median — and a poverty rate of 4.6% (compared to ~12–13% nationally), Ankeny's residents face far fewer of the economic stressors associated with elevated crime. The city's 2.6% unemployment rate means the vast majority of working-age residents are employed, reducing financial desperation that can drive property crime. These figures collectively explain why Ankeny achieves an A+ crime grade and why that grade reflects a genuinely low-risk living environment rather than simply favorable statistics on paper.