Median Income
$43,125
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,400
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% 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%
Veterans7.1%
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
Ownership87.8%
Zillow$159,419
Housing Units134
Rent Burden19.9%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property470/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured12.3%
Smoking17.4%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation1,212 ft (369 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.3%
High School+84.7%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score5.53
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 9%
Commute25 min
Broadband98.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Ames a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ames receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, 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.
Safety & Crime
Ames is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 470 per 100,000, 76% below the national average.
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 5.5/10.
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. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 48.6 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (90.5%), with 3.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.5% of residents, while 6.5% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 5.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $29,654 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $969, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 250 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,125 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,654 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $969 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,985 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Ames is $96,400, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,419, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $995 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 134 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $1,685 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
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
| Homeownership | 87.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.2% |
| Housing Units | 134 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.8% report binge drinking. 32.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 12.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,917. The dentist ratio is 1:7,502. 38.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
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% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.3% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.8% |
| Uninsured | 12.3% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,917 |
| Dentists | 1:7,502 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,516 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,913/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Ames has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 470 per 100,000, 76% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ames receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Ames vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 470.2/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Ames enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. The city sits at an elevation of 1,212 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,212 ft (369 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 718/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.2470°N, 98.1861°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Major County County |
| Nearest Airport | Enid Woodring Regional (WDG)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7,018 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 29, 2025.
| Sep 3, 2016 |
14 km NW of Pawnee, Oklahoma |
M5.8 |
114 km |
| Feb 13, 2016 |
18 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M5.1 |
54 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.7 |
56 km |
| Apr 7, 2018 |
5 km WNW of Lucien, Oklahoma |
M4.6 |
60 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
8 km NNE of Marshall, Oklahoma |
M4.6 |
55 km |
| Jan 31, 2022 |
7 km NW of Medford, Oklahoma |
M4.5 |
76 km |
| Jul 27, 2015 |
4 km NNE of Crescent, Oklahoma |
M4.5 |
62 km |
| Dec 7, 2013 |
8 km SW of Arcadia, Oklahoma |
M4.5 |
101 km |
| May 17, 2019 |
8 km E of Pond Creek, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
64 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
55 km |
| Jun 9, 2018 |
8 km E of Nescatunga, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
59 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
56 km |
| Apr 16, 2013 |
Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
117 km |
| Jul 20, 2015 |
7 km SSE of Byron, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
67 km |
| Jul 9, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
57 km |
| Aug 19, 2014 |
12 km SSW of Guthrie, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
83 km |
| Jun 17, 2015 |
6 km ESE of Covington, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
60 km |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
7 km NNE of Lake Aluma, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
102 km |
| Jul 29, 2014 |
9 km E of Nescatunga, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
58 km |
| Sep 8, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Jefferson, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
68 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
743 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 50 fatalities, 774 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF5 |
90 km |
9 |
| May 25, 1955 |
EF5 |
97 km |
20 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF4 |
61 km |
2 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1979 |
EF4 |
27 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1978 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1976 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1973 |
EF4 |
96 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1967 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 16, 1965 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2019 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
85 km |
8 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| May 10, 2010 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 2002 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1998 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RHEA (277,949 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
RHEA |
277,949 |
78 km |
| 2009 |
PUTNAM |
42,995 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
CHESTER |
34,432 |
59 km |
| 2022 |
217 |
18,293 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
720 FIRE |
8,761 |
34 km |
| 2009 |
MULHALL-PAYNE COUNTY |
8,186 |
79 km |
| 2014 |
CAMARGO |
7,494 |
95 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
5,975 |
85 km |
| 2009 |
CLEO |
5,063 |
38 km |
| 2008 |
BYRON |
5,033 |
71 km |
| 2007 |
SALT FORK DELTA |
4,784 |
62 km |
| 2018 |
OKSLR-FY18-RX-WILDERNESS |
4,432 |
60 km |
| 2020 |
YOLO RANCH FIRE |
4,173 |
19 km |
| 2011 |
TURKEY SPRINGS FIRE |
4,138 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
SALT FORK DELTA |
3,980 |
60 km |
| 2022 |
OKSLR-FY22-RX-WILDERNESS/FG |
3,534 |
60 km |
| 2014 |
GUTHRIE |
3,014 |
86 km |
| 2018 |
RED HORSE |
2,583 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
STRONG |
2,509 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
CASHION COMPLEX |
2,482 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
40°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
49°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Ames has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 36°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Ames. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $856 |
| Toddler | $740 |
| Preschool | $740 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $572 |
| Preschool | $572 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ames
What is the population of Ames?
Ames has a population of 201 residents and is located in Oklahoma. The population density is 718 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Ames expensive to live in?
Ames is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,125, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,400 (66% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ames safe?
Ames is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 470 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ames receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ames?
Ames enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Ames?
Ames has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $969. There are 250 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ames?
The median home value in Ames is $96,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,419. The homeownership rate is 87.8%. The average annual property tax is $1,685.
How are the schools in Ames?
Schools in Ames score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.3% of adults in Ames hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.7% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ames?
The obesity rate in Ames is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 32.3% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 12.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 38.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,917.
What is transportation like in Ames?
The average commute in Ames is 25 minutes. 85.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ames?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ames is 90.5% White, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. 93.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.5% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 5.6% of residents have a disability. 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
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