Ames, IA vs North Aurora, 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
North Aurora
73.3
#759 nationally
Ames leads in walk score (42 vs 21). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 29.6 min). North Aurora leads in median household income ($104,547 vs $57,428).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | North Aurora, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 73.3 (#759) |
| Population | 65,686 | 19,022 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $409,737 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $104,547 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 29.6 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 21 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 3.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 113 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | D+9.4 |
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
73.3 Score
North Aurora, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$409,737
Population
19,022
Crime
Low
Walk Score
21
Midwest
View North Aurora, IL →