Ames, IA

Livability

directions_bike Bikeability 3/10
directions_run Walkability 4/10
directions_bus Transit 4/10
directions_car Commute 9/10
home Housing 7/10
visibility Safety 8/10
local_library Schools 10/10
local_airport Airports 3/10
school Colleges 4/10
accessibility Hospitals 4/10
directions_bike Bikeability
Not Bikeable. The area lacks biking infrastructure and has unsafe or impractical conditions for cyclists, requiring alternative transportation methods.
directions_run Walkability
Walkability Challenges. Walking is possible for a few errands, but most trips require driving or other transportation due to distance or infrastructure limitations.
directions_car Commute
Convenient Commutes. Commutes are manageable, with reasonable travel times and access to reliable transportation options.
directions_bus Transit
Limited Options. Public transportation is present but inconsistent or poorly connected, often requiring reliance on other travel methods.
home Housing
Moderately Priced. The area has a balanced cost of living, with housing and rent costs that are neither particularly high nor low.
visibility Safety
Generally Safe. Crime rates are below average, with only occasional incidents, making the area a relatively secure place to live.
local_airport Airports
Remote. Airport access is highly inconvenient or impractical, requiring extensive travel arrangements.
accessibility Hospitals
Limited Access. Few healthcare facilities are nearby, and travel may be necessary for specialized or higher-quality care.
school Colleges
Limited Access. Few colleges are nearby, and travel or relocation may be necessary for quality higher education opportunities.
local_library Schools
Nationally Distinguished. Exceptional public schools with nationally recognized achievements, near-perfect test scores, and standout college placement. Families benefit from elite education close to home.

Residents

Population
66,112 332.4M (US)
Median Age
23.3 yr 39 yr (US)
Family Households
39.2% 64% (US)
College-Educated
63.5% 35% (US)

Economy

Median Income
$60,102 $79K (US)
Above Poverty
74.2% 88% (US)
Average Commute
18 mi 29 mi (US)
Moved Recently
37.1% 13% (US)

Housing

Median Home
$263,800 $303K (US)
Median Expenses
$666 $612 (US)
Median Rent
$940 $1,165 (US)
Owner-Occupied
39.4% 58% (US)

Crime

Violent Crime Score

Likelihood of experiencing crime involving violence or threats.

How the Violent Crime Score here compares with other places

Story County
2
Ames Metro Area
3
Iowa
3

Property Crime Score

Likelihood of experiencing theft, burglary, or property damage.

How the Property Crime Score here compares with other places

Story County
3
Ames Metro Area
3
Iowa
4

Climate

Month Rain (in) Snow (in) Temp (°F)
Jan 1 6 19
Feb 1 6 24
Mar 2 5 36
Apr 4 1 49
May 5 0 60
Jun 5 0 70
Jul 5 0 73
Aug 5 0 71
Sep 3 0 62
Oct 3 0 51
Nov 2 2 37
Dec 1 8 23

Hazards

Inland Flood Risk

Tornado Risk

Politics

Historical Voting Patterns

This place is deep blue country, with 57% of residents leaning left and 37% leaning right.

Liberal (58%) (37%) Conservative

2016 Presidential Election Results

Donald Trump 33%
Hillary Clinton 57%
Other 10%

Schools

Ames High School
1 miles, N 4.6 star
Meeker Elementary School
1 miles, NE 4.6 star
Fellows Elementary School
1 miles, N 5 star

Colleges

Iowa State University
1 miles, W 3.2 star
PCI Academy-Ames
2 miles, S 1.4 star
Des Moines Area Community College
22 miles, S 1.9 star

Hospitals

Mary Greeley Medical Center
<1 miles, E 5 star
Boone County Hospital
13 miles, NW 4.1 star

Airports

Des Moines International Airport
34 miles, SW 2.3 star
Waterloo Regional Airport
72 miles, E 1 star
The Eastern Iowa Airport
99 miles, SE 1.4 star
Eppley Airfield
128 miles, W 2.8 star