Ames, IA vs Celina, 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
Celina
70.7
#1068 nationally
Celina leads in median household income ($142,643 vs $57,428). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 32 min). Ames leads in cost of living index (100 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Celina, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 70.7 (#1068) |
| Population | 65,686 | 43,317 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $522,657 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $142,643 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 32 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | N/A |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 3.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | R+11.2 |
Data coverage note: Celina is missing data for 1 metric that Ames has. Scores with less coverage are penalized — see our methodology.
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-
70.7 Score
Celina, TX
Small Texas city with local appeal
Median Home
$522,657
Population
43,317
Crime
Low
Median Income
$142,643
Southwest
View Celina, TX →