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Is Ames a Good Place to Live? Ames, Iowa: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Ames ranks #358 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #171 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.6 min, #8 of 524) and low unemployment (2.8%, #14 of 476), and trails on high poverty (25.5%, #501 of 524) and low household income ($60,991, #432 of 524).
Ames by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Ames's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Ames?
Ames's cost of living index is 88.8, 11% below the US level of 100 and #159 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,023/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $303,902, 27% above the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
| Measure | Ames | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 88.8#159 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $303,902#383 of 1,187 | $239,547 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,193/mo#93 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $277,400#465 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,023/mo#238 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.1%#458 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Ames housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Ames is in the Ames, IA metro.
Iowa housing market →Is Ames safe?
Ames recorded 103 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 69% below the US rate of 328 and 56% below Iowa's 234. That ranks #132 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #57 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ames Police Department. Property crime runs 1,267 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Ames | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 103#132 of 1,085 | 234 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,267#342 of 1,085 | 1,172 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Ames?
The median household in Ames earns $60,991, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.3%). 25.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Ames | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $60,991#1023 of 1,312 | $75,501 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.8%#54 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 25.5%#1246 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Ames?
The median resident of Ames is 23.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 65.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #80 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Ames | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 23.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 65.8%#80 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 42.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Ames's schools and health?
Ames's 8 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $13,278 spent per pupil. 31.1% of adults are obese and 6.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Ames | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 89.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.9#445 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,278#798 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 31.1%#466 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 6.4%#31 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.1%#1183 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.5%#317 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,701 students are enrolled in Ames's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Ames?
The average commute in Ames is 15.6 minutes (Iowa 20.4); 5.5% of workers take transit and 12.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Ames scores 8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.6°F and winters 23.1°F, with 35.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Ames | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 15.6 min#80 of 1,312 | 20.4 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.1%#63 of 1,312 | 4.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 62.5% | 76.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5.5% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 10.2% | 3.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.7% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12.1% | 9.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8#1058 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28.7 | 10.9 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 33.4 | 15.4 | 0.8 |
| Mar | 47.1 | 27 | 2 |
| Apr | 60.9 | 37.8 | 3.9 |
| May | 71.8 | 49.5 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 81.3 | 59.8 | 5.2 |
| Jul | 83.9 | 62.8 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 81.8 | 60.1 | 4.9 |
| Sep | 75.9 | 50.9 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 62.6 | 39.1 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 46.9 | 26.9 | 1.9 |
| Dec | 33.9 | 16.5 | 1.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ames Muni Airport.
| Measure | Ames | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 48.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 23.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 35.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ames Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Ames?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Ames's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Story County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 74% of US counties.
| Measure | Ames | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.12%#381 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Story County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Story County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.029% | 97% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0025% | 57% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0021% | 50% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.07% | 36% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Ames compare with similar-size cities?
Ames is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #171 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 67,669.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #358 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 | 15.6 min |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #801 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data | 33.9 min |
| Eagan, MNPop. 68,000 | #162 | 65.7 | $108,690 | $1,679/mo | 130 | 21.2 min |
| Idaho Falls, IDPop. 67,725 | #448 | 59.0 | $73,110 | $1,075/mo | 301 | 18.9 min |
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #444 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 | 27.4 min |
| Rockville, MDPop. 67,671 | #40 | 71.4 | $128,649 | $2,274/mo | 108 | 30.7 min |
| Conway, ARPop. 67,642 | #903 | 51.7 | $63,004 | $1,011/mo | 486 | 22.8 min |
| Lodi, CAPop. 67,607 | #990 | 50.3 | $88,530 | $1,680/mo | 493 | 24.1 min |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #217 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data | 27.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Ames compare with the rest of Iowa?
Ames ranks #8 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 60.8 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 19% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 56% below the statewide rate. Homes are 27% above the typical Iowa home.
| City | Rank in IA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #1 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #2 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #3 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #4 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #5 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #6 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 |
| Cedar Falls, IAPop. 40,888 | #7 | 61.5 | $76,987 | $1,203/mo | 135 |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #8 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #9 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #10 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #11 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 |
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #12 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #13 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #14 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #15 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #16 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 |
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #17 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #18 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #19 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #20 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 |
All 20 Iowa cities we track, by overall score. Iowa statewide: median income $75,501, violent crime 233.9 per 100,000.
How is Ames's score calculated?
Ames scores 60.8 out of 100, #358 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Iowa's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Ames. Similar-size median 55.5.
53.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Ames's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
91.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Ames. Similar-size median 58.9.
62.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Ames's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
63.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Ames's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
80.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Ames. Similar-size median 56.1.
19.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Ames. Similar-size median 42.4.
43.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Ames. Similar-size median 50.0.
70.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Ames's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
36.8 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
73.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Ames's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Ames has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Ames
Is Ames, IA a good place to live?
Ames ranks #358 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #171 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.6 min, #8 of 524) and low unemployment (2.8%, #14 of 476), and trails on high poverty (25.5%, #501 of 524) and low household income ($60,991, #432 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Ames?
Ames's cost of living index is 88.8, 11% below the US level of 100 and #159 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,023/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $303,902, 27% above the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
What is the crime rate in Ames?
Ames recorded 103 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 69% below the US rate of 328 and 56% below Iowa's 234. That ranks #132 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #57 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ames Police Department. Property crime runs 1,267 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Ames?
The median household in Ames earns $60,991, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.3%). 25.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Ames?
Median rent in Ames is $1,023/mo (Census), #238 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,193/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Ames?
The typical home value in Ames is $303,902, up 2.8% in a year, against $239,547 for Iowa and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $277,400.
How are the public schools in Ames?
Ames's 8 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $13,278 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Ames?
The average commute is 15.6 minutes, #80 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20.4 minutes across Iowa. 2.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Ames?
Ames averages 48.6°F over the year, 71.6°F in summer and 23.1°F in winter, with 35.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Ames walkable?
Ames scores 8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Ames at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Story County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 74% of US counties.
Who lives in Ames?
Ames has 67,669 residents. The median resident of Ames is 23.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 65.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #80 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Ames compare with the rest of Iowa?
Ames ranks #8 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 60.8 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 19% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 56% below the statewide rate. Homes are 27% above the typical Iowa home.
What cities are similar in size to Ames?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Ames's population of 67,669 are South Hill, WA (#801 overall), Eagan, MN (#162 overall), Idaho Falls, ID (#448 overall), Haverhill, MA (#444 overall), and Rockville, MD (#40 overall). Ames is #358.