Iowa / Story County

Moving to Ames, IA

Thinking of making a move to Ames, IA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ames, IA

Considering a move to Ames, IA? This welcoming community of 66,200 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $275,000 and average rents near $1,080. Commute times average 18 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Ames's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Ames, IA

Ames has a population of 66,200 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 24 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 80% White, 5% Black, and 10% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
66,200
Density
2,950 per sq mi
Median Age
23.8
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
79.5%
Black
4.5%
Asian
9.8%
Others
6.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Ames, IA?

The cost of living in Ames is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.8. Median home values are around $275,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,080. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$275,000
Gross Rent
$1,080
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$580
State Taxes
Low: 4.4%| High: 8.5%
Cost Of Living Index
94.8
Grocery
96.0
Housing
89.5
Utilities
99.1
Transportation
92.4
Health Care
97.2
Miscellaneous
95.0

Crime

Is Ames, IA a safe place to live?

Ames is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 165 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 58. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
165
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,720
Crime Index
1,885
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 606
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 58

Weather

What is the weather like in Ames, IA year-round?

Ames experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
16°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
35.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $60,800 and a low poverty rate of 22.5%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 44% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 18 minutes, and almost 7% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$36,500
Household Income
$60,800
Family Income
$85,500
Per Capita Income
$28,400
Income Male
$41,200
Income Female
$33,500
Poverty Rate
22.5%
Non English Speakers
16.0%
Rent
$1,080
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Public Transport Usage
6.5%
Commute Time
17.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
95.8%
Bachelors or More
43.5%

Education

How are the schools in Ames, IA?

Ames offers quality education options, with public schools like Ames High School and Ames Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Iowa State University and Des Moines Area Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Ames High School
Street
2400 Homes Ave
Phone
515-239-5500
Students
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio
14.5
Name
Ames Middle School
Street
3911 Mortensen Rd
Phone
515-239-5200
Students
950
Student Teacher Ratio
13.9

Private Schools

Name
St. Cecilia School
Street
2900 Hoover Ave
Phone
515-232-5290
Students
260

Colleges

Name
Iowa State University
City
Ames
State
IA
Distance
0 miles
Students
31,000
Name
Des Moines Area Community College
City
Ankeny
State
IA
Distance
24 miles
Students
25,000

Healthcare

Ames residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Mary Greeley Medical Center and McFarland Clinic - Ames nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Mary Greeley Medical Center
Address
1111 6th St, Ames, IA 50010
Phone
(515) 239-2011
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
McFarland Clinic - Ames
Address
1215 Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Phone
(515) 239-4450
Type
Multi-Specialty Outpatient
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
78.1

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Ames, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $275,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 55%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Ames offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$275,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,080
Owner Occupied Rate
54.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Ames handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Des Moines. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Iowa
Department
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address
100 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Phone
1-800-532-1121

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.

FAQs About Moving to Ames, IA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Ames, review the core fields on this page: population 66,200, median home value $275,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,080, commute time 17.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

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