Ames, IA vs Frankfort, IL
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
Frankfort
75
#513 nationally
Frankfort leads in crime level (0.9 vs 4.1). Frankfort leads in median household income ($157,615 vs $57,428). Ames leads in walk score (42 vs 19).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Frankfort, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 75 (#513) |
| Population | 65,686 | 20,907 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $502,643 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $157,615 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 34.9 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 19 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 0.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 129 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | D+1.6 |
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 Score
Frankfort, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$502,643
Population
20,907
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
19
Midwest
View Frankfort, IL →