At a Glance
Median Income
$43,125
$29,654 per capita
Home Value
$96,400
Zillow: $170,071
Bachelor's Degree+
21.3%
84.7% high school+
Unemployment
5.8%
14.3% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
42.2%
17.4% smoking rate
How Ames Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Ames's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Ames a Good Place to Live?
B+
3.5 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Ames residents earn a median household income of $43,125 , which is 43% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $29,654. The unemployment rate stands at 5.8% (61% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 250 business establishments, including 11 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Ames is $96,400 , 66% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $170,071. The cost of living index is 87.8 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1975.
Education
21.3% of adults in Ames hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(37% below the national average).
84.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.5/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Ames has an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C).
Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.5 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population201
Median Age48.6 yrs
Density718/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Foreign Born8.0%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
C+
Median Income$43,125
Per Capita$29,654
Unemployment5.8%
Poverty14.3%
County GDP$633M
Avg Weekly Wage$969
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,400
Rent
Ownership87.8%
Zillow$170,071
Housing Units134
Rent Burden19.9%
Health
Obesity42.2%
Diabetes10.8%
Smoking17.4%
Heart Disease6.2%
Premature Death10,913/100K
Climate
Avg Temp59°F
Rain33.5 in/yr
Elevation1,212 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.3%
High School+84.7%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score5.5/10
Community
2024 VoteR 89% / D 9%
Commute25 min
Broadband94.9%
Internet Speed16 Mbps
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Did You Know?
The median home in Ames was built in 1975.
The nearest airport is Enid Woodring Regional (24 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.410 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Very Low" by FEMA.
3.5% of the population has a disability.
The county recorded 1 fatal vehicle crashes.