Ankeny, joining its fast-growing suburban neighbors, eyes special census for 2024
Another Des Moines suburb could have a special census after years of fast population growth.
On Monday, the Ankeny City Council approved allowing the mayor to request a cost estimate for a special census. Cities are allowed to have one special federal census per decade, at their expense, to potentially raise their population count and receive more dollars from funding sources tied to population — particularly road use tax funds for road projects.
The 2020 census recorded a population of 67,887 in Ankeny. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated a population of 72,222 as of July 2022, and Ankeny officials now estimate the city has a population of 73,797. That would be a nearly 9% increase in just a few years.
More: Surging Ankeny displaces West Des Moines as largest metro suburb
Requesting a special census in between decades is a matter of routine for rapidly growing Ankeny, which grew nearly 50% between 2010 and 2020. Should this latest request move forward, city officials are eyeing the last few months of 2024 for the special census, according to city documents.
The Des Moines Register previously reported that Waukee, Grimes, Pleasant Hill and Altoona also are planning on special censuses in 2024 or 2025. Those cities have already received cost estimates.
Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Ankeny, joining Waukee and Altoona, looks to have 2024 special census
