Ames, IA vs Round Rock, TX
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
Round Rock
75.1
#504 nationally
Round Rock leads in median household income ($102,891 vs $57,428). Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 26.8 min). Ames leads in walk score (42 vs 32).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Round Rock, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 75.1 (#504) |
| Population | 65,686 | 139,077 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $405,249 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $102,891 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 26.8 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 32 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 8.4 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 108 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | R+2.5 |
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
75.1 Score
Round Rock, TX
Dell's hometown in the Austin suburbs
Median Home
$405,249
Population
139,077
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Southwest
View Round Rock, TX →