Ankeny is third-fastest growing city in U.S.

With a population increase of 6.5 percent last year, Ankeny is the third fastest-growing city in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

In July 2014, Ankeny's population was 53,299, according to the Census Bureau. Estimates for July 2015 put its population at 56,764.

In a list of the 15 fastest-growing cities with a population of 50,000 or more, Ankeny is the only one from the Midwest.

"Obviously we’re growing, but I had no idea it would rank us third in the nation," said Ankeny Mayor Gary Lorenz. "It’s a tribute just to the fact that the city and the school district have both created an atmosphere that people want to participate and live in."

The northern suburb’s population has doubled in the last 15 years, growing from 27,117 people in 2000 to 56,764 in 2015.

Last year, Ankeny approved a record 2,240 building permits. Some major commercial projects last year included the $12 million Accumold expansion off Southeast Oralabor Road and the construction of a more than 208,000-square-foot industrial office and warehouse facility from Opus Group off Corporate Woods Drive.

To accommodate for growth, the Ankeny City Council is considering constructing a third fire station and a new library.

"There’s no one section of town that’s the place to be," Lorenz said. "The whole community is very desirable."

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Fastest-growing U.S. cities

1.) Georgetown, Texas — 7.8%, 63,716

2.) New Braunfels, Texas — 6.6%, 70,543

3.) Ankeny, Iowa — 6.5%, 56,764

4.) Frisco, Texas — 6.3%, 154,407

5.) South Jordan, Utah —  6.0%, 66,648

SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau