Ames, IA vs Decatur, GA
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
Decatur
83.8
#11 nationally
Decatur leads in median household income ($129,992 vs $57,428). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 26.8 min). Ames leads in cost of living index (100 vs 147).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Decatur, GA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 83.8 (#11) |
| Population | 65,686 | 24,307 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $282,512 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $129,992 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 26.8 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 60 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 147 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | D+64.8 |
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 →
B
83.8 Score
Decatur, GA
Small Georgia city with local appeal
Median Home
$282,512
Population
24,307
Crime
Low
Walk Score
60
Southeast
View Decatur, GA →