Alton, TX vs Ames, IA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Alton
68.8
#1277 nationally
Ames
76.2
#367 nationally
Ames leads in crime level (4.1 vs 22.9). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 29.2 min). Ames leads in median household income ($57,428 vs $44,317).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Alton, TX | Ames, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.8 (#1277) | 76.2 (#367) |
| Population | 21,130 | 65,686 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $190,078 | $306,337 |
| Median Household Income | $44,317 | $57,428 |
| Average Commute | 29.2 min | 15.8 min |
| Walk Score | N/A | 42 |
| Crime Level | 22.9 | 4.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 100 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+2.9 | D+10.4 |
Data coverage note: Alton is missing data for 1 metric that Ames has. Scores with less coverage are penalized — see our methodology.
D+
68.8 Score
Alton, TX
Small Texas city with local appeal
Median Home
$190,078
Population
21,130
Crime
High
Median Income
$44,317
Southwest
View Alton, TX →
C
76.2 Score
Ames, IA
Iowa community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$306,337
Population
65,686
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
42
Midwest
View Ames, IA →