Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 25.7 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | -6.75 |
| Below Poverty | 19.8% ▲ 98% above avg |
| College Grads | 73.0% ▲ 88% above avg |
| Unemployment | 6.2% ▲ 26% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 103 (0.3%) |
| HS Graduate | 3,640 (12.2%) |
| Some College | 1,618 (5.4%) |
| Associates | 3,572 (12%) |
| Bachelors | 2,959 (9.9%) |
| Graduate Degree | 17,915 (60.1%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $61,665 ▼ 19% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $276,878 ≈ Avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.5x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,030/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 29,592 |
| Vacant Units | 2,283 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Ames is a city in Iowa, located in Story County. The city spans 5 ZIP codes and is home to approximately 71,055 residents. It is a young city, with a median age of 25.69 years.
Economically, Ames is a solidly middle-class community. The median household income of $61,664 is below the national average. Approximately 19.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The unemployment rate is 6.2%, above the national average.
The real estate market in Ames is a mid-range housing market. Median home values stand at $276,878, which is near the national average. Renters typically pay around $1,030 per month.
The population of Ames is highly educated. 73.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — significantly above the national average. The community is primarily White (78.44%).
Ames, IA offers residents a cost-conscious lifestyle within Iowa. Spread across 5 ZIP codes, the city's neighborhoods vary in character, density, and demographics — explore each ZIP code below for a detailed breakdown.