Ames, IA
Population 66,112 · Iowa
About Ames, IA
Ames is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 66,112 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,102 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ames features a median home value of $263,800, which is 8% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Ames in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,040, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 27,706 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (10,915 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (14,530 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ames shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ames have an average one-way commute time of 16 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
63.5% of Ames residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.9% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 10.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ames Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Ames, IA
Compared to national averages, Ames has a median household income of $60,102 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $263,800, which is 8% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,040 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Ames's income is 12% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 99% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Ames, IA?
Ames offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,040/month, and a well-educated community where 63.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 16 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,102) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Ames provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Ames has a population of 66,112 with a median age of 23.3 years. Compare Ames with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Ames
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterloo | 66,947 | $56,344 | $150,200 | Compare |
| Council Bluffs | 62,564 | $64,092 | $164,300 | Compare |
| West Des Moines | 69,893 | $84,925 | $286,300 | Compare |
| Ankeny | 70,542 | $106,603 | $311,300 | Compare |
| Dubuque | 59,271 | $64,985 | $193,100 | Compare |
| Iowa City | 75,264 | $57,533 | $273,600 | Compare |
| Sioux City | 85,651 | $65,473 | $162,600 | Compare |
| Urbandale | 46,026 | $113,086 | $318,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ames With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ames
What is the population of Ames, IA?
The population of Ames, IA is 66,112 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Ames?
The median household income in Ames, IA is $60,102 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ames?
The median home value in Ames, IA is $263,800, which is 8% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Ames?
The median monthly rent in Ames, IA is $1,040, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ames?
The unemployment rate in Ames, IA is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ames, IA a good place to live?
Ames offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 66,112 and a median age of 23.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ames, IA?
63.5% of residents in Ames aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Ames?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ames, IA: median home value is $263,800 (8% above national), median rent is $1,040/month, and median household income is $60,102. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ames?
The poverty rate in Ames, IA is 25.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Ames, IA?
Ames's population is 2.9% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 10.9% of residents are foreign-born.