Ames, IA vs Bedford, TX
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.
Ames
76.2
#367 nationally
Bedford
75.5
#446 nationally
Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 24.8 min). Bedford leads in median household income ($80,924 vs $57,428). Ames leads in cost of living index (100 vs 106).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Bedford, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 75.5 (#446) |
| Population | 65,686 | 48,370 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $376,909 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $80,924 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 24.8 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 44 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 3.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | R+5.1 |
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 →
C
75.5 Score
Bedford, TX
Small Texas city with local appeal
Median Home
$376,909
Population
48,370
Crime
Low
Walk Score
44
Southwest
View Bedford, TX →