Ames, IA
Population 66,112 · Iowa
About Ames, IA
Ames is a mid-sized city in Iowa with a population of 66,112 residents. The median household income is $60,102 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Ames is 23.3 years.
Housing in Ames has a median home value of $263,800 and median monthly rent of $1,040. Of the 27,706 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 10,915 owner-occupied and 14,530 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Ames is 6.4% and the poverty rate is 25.9%. 63.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 16 minutes.
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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Ames?
The median household income in Ames, IA is $60,102 per year.
What is the median home value in Ames?
The median home value in Ames, IA is $263,800.
What is the average rent in Ames?
The median monthly rent in Ames, IA is $1,040.
What is the unemployment rate in Ames?
The unemployment rate in Ames, IA is 6.4%.