Median Income
$43,125
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,400
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.3%
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.3%
15% higher than US avg
How Ames Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population201
Median Age48.6 yrs
Density718/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,125
Per Capita$29,654
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty14.3%
County GDP$633M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,400
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$159,419
Health
Obesity42.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F
AQI45 (Good)
Elevation1,212 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.3%
High School+84.7%
School Score5.08
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 9%
Commute25 min
Libraries1
Is Ames a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ames receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ames offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ames is $43,125, 43% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ames is $96,400, 66% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
21.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Ames enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Ames has a population of 201 with a density of 718 people per square mile. The median age is 48.6 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (90.5%), with 3.5% Hispanic.
Population
48.6yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 93.5% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Spanish | 6.5% |
| 51% below US avg |
The median household income in Ames is $43,125, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,125 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,654 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $969 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,985 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.3% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 250 |
| County GDP | $633M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 35 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,685 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.8 min |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Ames is $96,400, 66% below the national average. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,419.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,400 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $159,419 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $744 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,501 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,685 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.75% |
In Ames, 42.2% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 25.3% report depression. 32.3% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Ames vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.3% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.8% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,913/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Crime Rates: Ames vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
Safety Score
Ames has an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 59.2°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,212 ft (369 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 718/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.2470°N, 98.1861°W |
| County FIPS | 40093 |