Median Income
$44,236
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$153,800
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
458/100K
21% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.7%
89% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,008
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.9%
46% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.2%
111% higher than US avg
How Ames Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,085
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density329/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 5%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
C
Median Income$44,236
Per Capita$22,112
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty26.2%
County GDP$3,305M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$153,800
Rent$1,008
Ownership67.2%
Zillow$220,320
Housing Units417
Rent Burden49.5%
Crime
F
Violent458/100K
Property4,326/100K
Health
Obesity46.9%
Uninsured21.5%
Smoking21.3%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (21°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain62.8 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation70 ft (21 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.7%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score4.64
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 19%
Commute25 min
Broadband69.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Ames a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ames receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Ames has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ames is $44,236, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 26.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ames is $153,800, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,008 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 458 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,326 per 100,000, 121% above the national average.
Education
3.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Ames enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 62.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Ames has a population of 1,085 with a density of 329 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The city is predominantly Black (87.2%), with 5.3% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.5% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 65.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.5%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.5%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Ames is $44,236, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,112 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,071, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 26.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,298 business establishments, including 121 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,236 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,112 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,071 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,997 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.2% |
| 111% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,298 |
| County GDP | $3,305M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 121 |
| Healthcare | 109 |
| Retail | 205 |
| Manufacturing | 48 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,039 |
| 73% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Ames is $153,800, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,320, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,008 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 417 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1997. The average annual property tax is $6,039 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 49.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $153,800 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $220,320 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,008 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 49.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.8% |
| Housing Units | 417 |
| Median Year Built | 1997 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,039 |
| 73% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.93% |
In Ames, 46.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 45.3% have high blood pressure. 21.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.5% report binge drinking. 39.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.4% report depression. 21.8% experience frequent mental distress. 21.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,649. The dentist ratio is 1:3,517. 46.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ames vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.9% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 45.3% |
| Asthma | 12.7% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 4.3% |
| Stroke | 5.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.3% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.8% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.9% |
| Short Sleep | 47.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 65.2% |
| Uninsured | 21.5% |
| 150% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,649 |
| Dentists | 1:3,517 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,384 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 40.9% |
| Premature Death | 11,242/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 46.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 109 |
Ames has a violent crime rate of 458 per 100,000 residents, 21% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,326 per 100,000, 121% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 28 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ames receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ames vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 458.4/100K |
| 21% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,326.4/100K |
| 121% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 28 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ames enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 313 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 62.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 70 feet.
Temperature
53°F Jan (11°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 69.1°F |
| 28% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 70 ft (21 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 329/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.0451°N, 94.7373°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Liberty County County |
| Nearest Airport | George Bush Intcntl/Houston (IAH)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
62.8"
65% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
6.34"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
19 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
148 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
167 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
138 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 3 |
154 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
250 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
290 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
42 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 1 |
274 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
65 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
79 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
208 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 2 |
235 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 1 |
292 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
97 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
59 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
45 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
187 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
196 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 3 |
83 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
818 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 36 fatalities, 976 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1961 |
EF4 |
81 km |
8 |
| Nov 7, 1957 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2020 |
EF3 |
98 km |
3 |
| Mar 30, 2002 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jan 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 1986 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1982 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Dec 13, 1977 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Oct 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Oct 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Oct 11, 1970 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1969 |
EF3 |
30 km |
3 |
| Mar 23, 1969 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 08 UNIT 1 RX (16,981 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
08 UNIT 1 RX |
16,981 |
65 km |
| 1993 |
PF UNIT 5 |
15,059 |
100 km |
| 2010 |
MCR UNIT 2 RX |
14,471 |
68 km |
| 2000 |
E WHITES 2 |
13,996 |
68 km |
| 2012 |
WF HOLIDAY 1-2 |
13,251 |
68 km |
| 2005 |
RX UNIT 12 1117 2005 |
10,728 |
69 km |
| 1997 |
WILD COW BAY |
10,069 |
74 km |
| 2020 |
TXMCR-FY20-RX-W |
10,033 |
74 km |
| 2023 |
H AND H COMPLEX |
9,476 |
68 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
9,344 |
69 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 WILDFIRE |
9,076 |
73 km |
| 1986 |
STAR LAKE |
8,876 |
67 km |
| 2015 |
WF UNIT 1 1/2 |
8,840 |
68 km |
| 1997 |
GRIT ROAD |
8,599 |
74 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
8,539 |
65 km |
| 1996 |
UNIT 7 |
8,298 |
100 km |
| 1994 |
UNIT1ARSON |
8,287 |
66 km |
| 2011 |
SABINE WEST 2011 UNIT 5 |
8,184 |
98 km |
| 1997 |
MCF WEST |
7,786 |
69 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
7,714 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (11°C) |
4.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
3.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| June |
81°F (27°C) |
6.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| October |
69°F (21°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| November |
60°F (16°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
4.7 in |
|
Ames has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 53°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (6.3") and February the driest (3.6").
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) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $801 |
| Toddler | $745 |
| Preschool | $723 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $710 |
| Toddler | $671 |
| Preschool | $662 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ames
What is the population of Ames?
Ames has a population of 1,085 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 329 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
Is Ames expensive to live in?
Ames has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $44,236, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $153,800 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,008 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ames safe?
The violent crime rate in Ames is 458 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,326 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ames receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ames?
Ames enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 62.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Ames?
The unemployment rate in Ames is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,071. There are 1,298 business establishments in the area, including 121 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ames?
The median home value in Ames is $153,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,320. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,008. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,039.
How are the schools in Ames?
Schools in Ames have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 3.7% of adults in Ames hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ames?
The obesity rate in Ames is 46.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.3% of adults are smokers. 39.8% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 21.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 46.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,649.
What is transportation like in Ames?
The average commute in Ames is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ames?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ames is 5.3% White, 87.2% Black or African American. 95.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.5% speak Spanish. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 65.2% have health insurance coverage.
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