Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Ankeny, IA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.9% of gross income.
Ankeny rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Iowa state estimate).
About rent and a licensed practical nurse salary
LPN pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. At the national-average LPN salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,520 a month in rent. The per-city pages show which markets stay in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Iowa cities have lower median rent than Ankeny, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Ankeny
View full rent data for Ankeny, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Ankeny, IA?
Median rent in Ankeny is $1,533 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Iowa earns about $55,927 a year, which makes that rent 32.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a licensed practical nurse afford in Ankeny?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Iowa (~$55,927/yr) supports up to $1,398 a month in rent. Ankeny's current median rent is $1,533/mo, which is $135/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Ankeny?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Iowa works roughly 57 hours a month to cover Ankeny's median rent of $1,533.
Where is rent cheaper than Ankeny for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include Altoona ($1,530/mo), Altoona ($1,523/mo), Waukee ($1,521/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.