Median Income
$44,236
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$153,800
45% lower 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%
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
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity46.9%
UninsuredN/A
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain62.8 in/yr
Elevation70 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.7%
High School+88.0%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 19%
Commute25 min
Libraries4
Is Ames a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ames receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. 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.
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 5.1/10.
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. 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. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (87.2%), with 5.3% White.
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. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 26.2% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
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 |
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 |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.5 min |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Ames is $153,800, 45% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,008 (13% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $153,800 |
| 45% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,008 |
| 13% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
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 32.1% national rate). 20.4% report depression. 39.8% are physically inactive.
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% |
| Stroke | 5.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 13.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.8% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 65.2% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,242/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 46.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 109 |
Crime Rates: Ames vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 28 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
Ames has an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation is 62.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
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) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 62.8 inches |
| 65% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.2 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
| County FIPS | 48291 |