Ames, IA vs Charlotte, NC
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
Charlotte
68.1
#1344 nationally
Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 27.1 min). Ames leads in walk score (42 vs 26). Charlotte leads in median household income ($71,659 vs $57,428).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 68.1 (#1344) |
| Population | 65,686 | 897,720 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $397,231 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $71,659 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 27.1 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 26 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 6.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 102 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | D+32.9 |
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 →
D+
68.1 Score
Charlotte, NC
Banking capital of the South
Median Home
$397,231
Population
897,720
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B-
Southeast
View Charlotte, NC →