Ames, Iowa

Iowa community balancing growth and livability

Midwest Ames, IA Metro

WhereAtHome Score

76.2

C

out of 100

Overview

Ames is an Iowa city with a population of approximately 65,686, part of the Ames, IA metropolitan area. The median home value is approximately $306,337. Median household income is $57,428.

Key Highlights

  • Population of approximately 65,686 (2023 Census estimate)
  • Median home value of $306,337 (Zillow ZHVI)
  • Median household income of $57,428 (Census ACS)
  • Average commute time of 15.8 minutes
  • Part of the Ames, IA metro area

Key Metrics

Population 2023

65,686

Source: Census ACS

$306,337

Source: Zillow ZHVI

$57,428

Source: Census ACS

15.8 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2026

42

Source: Walk Score

100 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: AreaVibes / BLS

2024 Presidential Election

Story County (county-level results)

54%
44%
Democrat 26,765
Republican 21,665
Leans D+10.4

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 67.1/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 51.6/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 85.4/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 65/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 42/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 44.3/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 76.2

Location

Ames, IA (42.0299, -93.6394)
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Last Updated: 2026-07-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.