');
US City Data

Des Moines vs Ames

Side-by-side comparison

How does Des Moines, IA compare to Ames, IA? Des Moines has a population of 212,464 with a median household income of $63,966, while Ames has 66,112 residents and a median income of $60,102. Below you'll find a detailed breakdown of demographics, economy, and housing for both cities.

Population & Demographics
MetricDes Moines, IAAmes, IADifference
Population212,46466,112+221.4%
Median Age34.623.3+48.5%
Foreign Born %14%10.9%+28.4%
Economy
MetricDes MoinesAmesDifference
Median Income$63,966$60,102+6.4%
Unemployment5.7%6.4%-10.9%
Poverty Rate14.9%25.9%-42.5%
Bachelor's+29%63.5%-54.3%
Housing
MetricDes MoinesAmesDifference
Home Value$183,700$263,800-30.4%
Median Rent$1054/mo$1040/mo+1.3%
Housing Units97,45727,706+251.8%

Learn More

Des Moines, IA ProfileAmes, IA ProfileCost of Living in IowaMore ComparisonsCity Rankings