Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ames, IA
Thinking of moving to Ames, IA? With a vibrant population of 66,700 and home to Iowa State University, Ames offers affordable living—median home prices around $258,000 and average rents at $970. Residents enjoy a low average commute of just 16.6 minutes, a strong educational environment, and a sunny climate with 62% sunny days per year. The city boasts low violent crime rates (191 per 100K), excellent healthcare, and a youthful community, making it a great choice for students, families, and professionals alike.
Demographics - Ames, IA
Ames is a youthful, diverse city of 66,700 residents, with a median age of just 23.2 thanks in part to the presence of Iowa State University. The population is predominantly White but also includes a notable Asian community and nearly 10% non-English speakers, offering a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere. Balanced gender ratios and moderate population density make for an inclusive and energetic environment.
Population:
66,700
Density:
2,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
23.2
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
79.3%
Black:
3.7%
Asian:
10.2%
Others:
6.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ames, IA?
Living in Ames is affordable compared to national averages, with a median home value of $258,000 and average rent at $970. The cost of living index is 92.5, reflecting lower expenses for housing and transportation, though healthcare costs are slightly above average. State taxes range from 4.4% to 8.53%, and typical monthly homeowner and utility costs are manageable.
Median House Value:
$258,000
Gross Rent:
$970
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
4.40%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.5
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
88.0
Utilities:
99.3
Transportation:
91.6
Health Care:
101.2
Miscellaneous:
97.5
Crime
Is Ames, IA a safe place to live?
Ames offers a safe environment with a violent crime rate of just 191 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below national averages. Property crime is also relatively low, giving residents a high sense of security. The city’s friendly, college-town atmosphere contributes to its reputation as a safe place to live and study.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
191
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,368
Crime Index:
1,559
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 523
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 73
Weather
What is the weather like in Ames, IA year-round?
Ames experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 11°F and warm summers reaching highs of 85°F. Residents enjoy 62% sunny days annually and moderate rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities through much of the year. Spring and fall bring mild, comfortable temperatures.
Winter
Min:
11°F
Max:
31°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Ames features a strong sense of community, with a median household income of $54,800 and a highly educated population—over 97% have a high school diploma and nearly 60% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The city maintains a low unemployment rate of 2.6% and a short average commute of 16.6 minutes, supporting a convenient and connected lifestyle. Public transportation is accessible, and about 23% of residents live below the poverty line, reflecting the city’s large student population.
Median Income:
$26,200
Household Income:
$54,800
Family Income:
$80,300
Per Capita Income:
$27,400
Income Male:
$36,300
Income Female:
$31,100
Poverty Rate:
22.9%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$970
Unemployment Rate:
2.6%
Public Transport Usage:
6.9%
Commute Time:
16.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.6%
Bachelors or More:
59.2%
Education
How are the schools in Ames, IA?
Ames boasts a highly rated public school system, including Ames High School and several elementary options, complemented by private schools such as St. Cecilia. The city is home to Iowa State University, a major research institution with approximately 29,000 students, fostering a vibrant academic environment. Families and students benefit from strong educational resources and a college-town atmosphere.
Public Schools
Name:
Ames High School
Street:
1801 Ridgewood Ave
Phone:
515-817-0600
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Fellows Elementary School
Street:
1400 McKinley Dr
Phone:
515-239-3760
Students:
440
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Private Schools
Name:
St. Cecilia School
Street:
2900 Hoover Ave
Phone:
515-232-5290
Students:
225
Colleges
Name:
Iowa State University
City:
Ames
State:
IA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
29,000
Healthcare
Ames provides excellent healthcare access, anchored by Mary Greeley Medical Center and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 94.8%. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and a healthcare index of 77.4, medical services are readily available and reliable. Emergency and general care needs are well supported within the city.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mary Greeley Medical Center
Address:
1111 Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Phone:
(515) 239-2011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ames, IA?
The housing market in Ames is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $258,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom around $970. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the city enjoys a low foreclosure rate of 0.3%. Home values have appreciated by 5.3% in the past year, making it an appealing market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$258,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$970
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Ames residents can access DMV services through the Iowa Department of Transportation located in nearby Ankeny. The office provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services, with helpful resources available online. For more information or to schedule a visit, residents can call 515-244-8725 or visit the Iowa DOT website.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.