Ames, IA vs Indianapolis, IN
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
Indianapolis
73.5
#722 nationally
Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 24.1 min). Ames leads in walk score (42 vs 31). Indianapolis leads in cost of living index (89 vs 100).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 73.5 (#722) |
| Population | 65,686 | 887,642 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $232,142 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $54,321 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 24.1 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 31 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | Moderate-High |
| School Rating | N/A | 5.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 89 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | D+27.7 |
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
73.5 Score
Indianapolis, IN
The Crossroads of America
Median Home
$232,142
Population
887,642
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C+
Midwest
View Indianapolis, IN →