50010

Ames, IA

Total Population

33,397

5-year trend

+6.4%

Median Household Income

$64,573

5-year trend

+19.1%

Median Home Value

$235,700

5-year trend

+13.0%

Median Rent

$946

5-year trend

+32.8%

Key Insights

What the data tells us about this area

Median household income is 100% higher than the state average, indicating an affluent area.

Home values are 101% higher than the state average. This area has a competitive real estate market.

59% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, suggesting a highly educated community.

Median age of 29 years indicates a younger, dynamic community with potential for growth.

Quick Facts & Insights

Key metrics and how they compare

Household Income

$64,573

100.4% above state avg

Home Value

$235,700

101% above state avg

Rent

$946

100% above state avg

Population Density

33,397 residents

Median Age

29.1 years

Safety Score

53/100

Moderate safety

Livability Score

Overall quality of life rating based on key factors

Overall Livability

Good

Out of 100

Score Breakdown

Amenities

100/100

Cost of Living

100/100

Safety

53/100

Education

60/100

ℹ️ Hover for details

Employment

67/100

Housing

98/100

Weather

69/100

Data Sources & Accuracy

Official Government Data:Demographics and housing statistics are from the U.S. Census Bureau API (American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates). Weather and climate data comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) API with official climate normals from the nearest weather station. Crime statistics are from the FBI Crime Data Explorer API, with county-level data when available, otherwise state-level official data.

Modeled Estimates:Schools and some economic indicators are currently modeled using statistical methods based on national averages and regional patterns. For critical decisions, verify with official sources:

Schools: GreatSchools.org or NCES
Note: IPEDS integration for colleges/universities is in progress

Learn more about our data sources and methodology on our Data Sources page.

Interactive Location Map

Ames, IA 50010

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Coordinates: 42.0379°, -93.6003°Open in Google Maps

Cost of Living

Compared to national average (100 = US average)

Overall Cost Index

Lower than avg

100 = US National Average

Cost Index by Category

Housing

-1

Below avg

Transportation

Average

Healthcare

Average

Groceries

Below avg

Utilities

Average

Overall

Below avg

Economy & Employment

Job market and economic indicators

Labor Force

19,729

Employment Rate

95.8%

Avg. Commute

27 min

Work From Home

Top Industries by Employment

Industry Breakdown

Educational Services

25.6%

Manufacturing

23.6%

Finance & Insurance

19.2%

Construction

10.3%

Arts, Entertainment & Recreation

7.8%

Total Employed

18,901

Total Unemployed

814

Unemployment Rate

4.1%

Nearby ZIP Codes

Explore surrounding areas

Demographics Overview

Comprehensive population statistics and demographic breakdown

Key Demographic Insightsfor Ames, IA

Median household income is 100% below state average, suggesting more affordable cost of living.

High education levels with 59.4% holding bachelor's degrees or higher, well above national average of 33%.

Young population with median age of 29.1 years, attracting young professionals and families.

Poverty rate of 16.5% is above national average of 11.5%.

Insights are derived from US Census Bureau data and may not reflect recent changes.

Household Income Distribution

Local Median Income

$64,573

-14.1% vs US

vs State Median

+-100.4%

State: $-17,266,153

Income Distribution

30.8%

Under $50k

18.5%

Over $100k

Lower Income

Middle Income

Higher Income

Data from US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates

Age Distribution

Population by age group

Household Income Breakdown

Households by income bracket

Education Levels (Age 25+)

Highest education attained

Race & Ethnicity

Demographic composition

Households & Employment

Household Types

Family composition breakdown

Average Household Size: 2.13 people

Total Households

13,900

Family Households

37.9%

Employment by Industry

Where residents work

#1 Industry

Education

25.6%

#2 Industry

Manufacturing

23.6%

#3 Industry

Finance

19.2%

Total Employed Residents:7,821

Commute Patterns

How residents get to work

Short Commute

4.8%

Under 10 minutes

Long Commute

1.3%

Over 60 minutes

Work From Home

7.5%

1,246 workers

Public Transit

8.2%

1,365 workers

Total Commuting Workers:16,599

Commute Insights

Labor Force Statistics

Employment Rate

95.9%

18,901 employed

Labor Force

19,729

814 unemployed

Unemployment Rate:4.1%

Median Age

29.1 years

Per Capita Income

$35,261

Poverty Rate

16.5%

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